Open or sealed central heating

rane · 15 Nov 2002

I have a Worcester 280 boiler but was originally told the radiator system wouldn't stand the pressure of a sealed system. I'm now told by someone else that the system would be only 1.25 Bar and the radiators could take up to 10 Bar. What are the pros and cons of converting to a sealed system?

AnonymousImport · 21 Nov 2002

need to insert filling loop and cap outlet to overfow tank Shouldn't cost much more than £100 Not sure if its worth doing if ok with existing setup

AnonymousImport · 23 Nov 2002

not just radiators can all the pipework take increased pressure

AnonymousImport · 4 Jan 2003

the whole system would be able to take the pressure of a sealed system. sealed systems are better because they dont draw air into the system and the system will not sludge.

cjgarlick · 4 Jan 2003

Sealed systems run at about 1.5 bar, not high pressure in real terms. Joints, pipes, fittings and rads (etc) which are not leaking now, will not leak under 1.5 bar pressure. Sealed systems 1) get hotter quicker, 2) do not draw in air (as per previous post), which reduces corrosion, 3) do not need a header tank, which saves you loft space. My opinion would be to go for it. I have a sealed system which is fantastic. Only drawback is a small cost element for filling loop components (non-return service valve plus pressure gauge) and the need to manually check / top-up the pressure every couple of months or whenever system has been bled / altered.

HTH - Kind Regards.
________
CJG, U.K

rane · 6 Jan 2003

Thanks for this advice CJG - does the regular checking/topping up involve going up into the loft? (it's not as convenient in our house as in most people's)

AnonymousImport · 6 Jan 2003

i dont think it will involve going in the loft as cjg said you dont need a tank in the loft with a sealed system :eyes....

cjgarlick · 6 Jan 2003

Hello again -

As per previous post, there's no need to go into the loft.

The filling loop consists of an isolated (ie, having a non-return valve fitted inline) connection between your cold water main and your heating circuit (usually into the return not the flow). You're lucky if you are considering fitting this from scratch, since you can site the valve wherever convenient to you. It's that valve you need to open periodically to top up your system.

In terms of checking - you can site a pressure gauge at the same point or your boiler may already have one.

HTH, Kind Regards.
________
CJG, U.K

rane · 6 Jan 2003

Thanks again - I think I've got enough info now to make the decision!

AnonymousImport · 6 Jan 2003

which is...:d

AnonymousImport · 6 Jan 2003

which is...

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Open or sealed central heating

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