Introduction
Last December, we attended an emergency call-out to Bangor Cathedral following the failure of its heating system. The boiler, an older model that has served the cathedral for many years, required urgent attention. Recognising the critical importance of heating a historic and bustling building, particularly during the busy Christmas season, we made it our priority to restore its functionality as swiftly as possible.
Methodology
Upon arrival, we thoroughly inspected the cathedral’s pressure jet boiler, which was manufactured by Ideal Heating. These boilers are designed to provide high heat output at high pressure, a critical requirement for heating large historic spaces like Bangor Cathedral. We quickly identified the fault through meticulous diagnostics and sourced the necessary replacement parts.
Repair & Service
After diagnosing the issue, our heating team promptly dismantled the boiler to replace the faulty components. Once the new parts were successfully installed, we conducted a thorough service to ensure the boiler was operating both efficiently and safely. This process included running the system to check its functionality, using a gas analyser to measure gas levels, verifying safe emissions. The burner was removed and cleaned, while the heat exchanger and flueways were thoroughly inspected and cleaned to optimise performance. The flue system was carefully checked for any blockages or leaks to prevent potential safety hazards. Finally, we conducted a series of safety checks to confirm that all components were functioning as intended before completing the service and signing off the documentation.
We also repaired and bled several non-working radiators throughout the cathedral to ensure even heat distribution. This significantly improved the efficiency of the heating system, making it more comfortable for visitors and staff.
Outcome
The heating system was restored to full functionality just in time for Christmas, much to the client’s relief. This was especially significant given the cathedral’s heightened activity during the festive season. The client was thankful for our swift and efficient response. While they are exploring the possibility of transitioning to a more efficient heating system, the historic nature of the cathedral, with its structure dating back to the early 12th century, poses significant challenges. These include additional planning and conservation restrictions, which make upgrades more complex. However, our intervention ensured that the cathedral remained warm and welcoming during an important time of the year.
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