Fernox TF1 Boiler FIlter – Review, Price & Alternatives
Fernox are right up there with MagnaClean when it comes to the top magnetic system filters. And, the Fernox TF1 boiler filter is the most well-known product in their range.
Today, we’re going to cover all products in the Fernox TF1 range, prices and suitable alternatives.
The range includes:
- TF1 Total
- TF1 Omega
- TF1 Compact
Boiler filters remove debris that’s travelling through pipework and radiators.
Ironically, this demonstration video comes from MagnaClean (Adey), but all filters work on the same principles shown in this video.
Fernox TF1 Total Boiler Filter (22mm & 28mm)
First up, we have the TF1 Total boiler filter. Unlike some cheaper filters, the TF1 Total works to get rid of not just magnetic particles in a heating system, but also non-magnetic particles as well.
The debris in the heating system is collected in the filter, and can be removed with an annual boiler service.
The Total comes in both 22mm and 28mm sizing, and can be fitted both horizontally and vertically.
The Fernox TF1 can be connected directly onto 22mm pipe work using the valve fittings provided.
Fernox provides a 2-year warranty.
Fernox TF1 Omega Boiler Filter (22mm & 28mm)
Like the Total, the TF1 Omega will work hard to catch all kinds of debris; magnetic and non-magnetic.
The Omega filter is basically the next step up from the Total. Its capability is similar but Fernox offer a 25-year body parts warranty.
The main difference between the two filters is the TF1 Omega can be installed vertically, horizontally and at a 45˚angle; there’s much more flexibility on where the magnetic filter can be installed.
Fernox TF1 Compact Boiler Filter (22mm & 28mm)
The TF1 Compact filter also comes complete with a 2-year warranty. Essentially, this is a “Total” filter that’s designed to fit into much smaller installation areas.
And, that’s really useful if you have a really tight installation area to work with.
Naturally, being a smaller filter, it’s capacity to collect debris is limited. Where possible, always fit the biggest filter possible, to collect as much debris as possible.
I’d always recommend the TF1 Total or Omega over the Compact.
Warranty
The Total and Compact filters come with a 2-year warranty, whereas the Omega comes with a 25-year body parts warranty.
TF1 Filter Prices & Alternatives
Filter Type |
Price |
| 22mm TF1 Total | £90 |
| 22mm TF1 Compact | £100 |
| 22mm TF1 Omega | £100-115 |
| 28mm TF1 Total | £100-115 |
| 28mm TF1 Compact | £115 |
| 28mm TF1 Omega | £115 |
*Prices correct at time of writing.
Fernox TF1s are by no means the cheapest filters, but they are a trusted brand.
Check out the alternatives here which include:
- MagnaClean (Professional and Micro)
- Instinct Eco-Mag
- Worcester Bosch’s own-brand filter
TF1 Review Verdict
TF1-s can be purchased at a reasonable price here.
The TF1 Total filter is more than enough, and I’d suggest the Compact where the installation area is small.
Hello, I was reading your great article on magnetic boiler filters. i wondered if you would know this;
Can you tell me the operational differences between the Fernox TF1 compact filter and the TF1 total filter?
Obviously the TF1 total is larger and more expensive, but what are the differences? The compact is cheaper, so I am unsure why I should spend the extra money for the larger one.
Hey Matthew,
Filter size is really all there is too it.
A TF1 Compact is suitable if you have:
• Small installation area
• A small property with just a handful of radiators
The body of the Compact is smaller than the standard TF1. So, it’s going to collect less sludge. If you’re fitting one in a property that’s better suited to a larger TF1, that means cleaning it out more regularly.
Personally, I’d always go with a full-bodied filter. Once the Compact is full, sludge isn’t removed until you clean the filter (although that could be said of all filters – bigger filters just hold more).
If you’re worried about budget, Altecnic do a good budget filter.
And if you grab one and have not had a boiler filter before, I’d clean it out within a few weeks or so. They’ll be a lot of sludge that’s been in your system for a while. This initial clean will get rid of what’s already circulating, then have an engineer clean it out with every boiler service.
If you’ve not already, I wrote up a full guide on filters, but also the importantance of inhibitor (and scale reducers if you’re in a hard water area).
Essentially, the inhibitor (F1 in the case of Fernox) breaks down heating sludge so it’s easily caught by the boiler filter, so it’s important to drop some in your heating system as well as fitting a filter.
https://heatingforce.co.uk/blog/central-heating-inhibitor/
Hope that helps.