Central Heating Advice Please

I would like to gain a better understanding of my heating system.
Any help with the following questions from anyone would be great.

I have a Vaillant ECOmax Combi-Boiler (Combi Compact VUW GB 236E).

Question 1
I have 9 radiators installed. 4 downstairs and 5 upstairs.
In what order what do I bleed them?
I was told that I need to know the position of them with respect to the boiler to do this.
How do I determine the positon and hence bleed order?

Question 2
Should the radiators be bled when the system is hot or cold?
What would be the advantages /disadvantage?

Question 3
Recently I had the problem where the pressure increased over a period of time.
I found this to be the filler hose valve which had been left connected and had not been turned off correctly so was still trickle passing water. I have since disconnected it…………….
…….Having been emptying / topping up with water....I think I need to put an inhibitor into the system.....what does it do / how does it work?
Can I put the inhibitor into the system through any radiator?

Question 4
When adding the inhibitor, do I need to completely empty the system through the drain point first?
Or is there a way to do it without draining?


Question 5
What would be the correct method to use to balance my system once I have it filled and at the correct pressure?

Question 6
Is there is there anything else you think I should consider?

Has anyone any web links to pass on, which describe central heating systems in a clear manner to beginners of the subject (or good books / DVD’s to recommend)?

All advice would be very much appreciated.

WhaleBat said:

I would like to gain a better understanding of my heating system...

Click to expand...

A really good bit of advice to start with:

Look at "Plumbing and Central Heating" (look up)
then

Wiki: Please see if the answer to your query is aleady covered by the Wiki

Announcement: Please read: BOILERS

Announcement: before you ask a question please read this

Sticky: definitions

Sticky: Look Here First - FAQ

You'll find them all at the top of the forum.

Then come back if you have any additional questions.

Thanks JohnD

I will have a good look at the info at the suggested site locations
Kind regards