anti freeze for central heating systems

[highlander200]

I live in the frozen north of Scotland and frequently am away from home in the winter. I would like to ensure that my central heating system/radiators do not freeze when I am away (draining every time is a pain). Which additive will work down to -15c.. someone suggested car anti-freeze. Any advice?

 

[David937]

IIRC, Sentinel X500 or Fernox Alphi-11 should do the job.

 

[highlander200]

David937. Thanks...the cost seems to be somewhat large given the concentration required (estimate £200). Is there a cheaper solution?

 

[oilman]

The anti-freeze should be propylene-glycol. Don't try to save money by using cheaper ethylene-glycol (normal car type), if you have a leak between CH and HW, you may die.

 

[TheBoilerMan]

You could always fit a frost stat !!!

 

[kevplumb]

David937. Thanks...the cost seems to be somewhat large given the concentration required (estimate £200). Is there a cheaper solution?

yeah drain the system
anybody know why a 50 p has flats on it

 

[bigbow]

best bet is to drain down for long periods of absence. or have a frost stat WITH a pipe stat fitted, or easiest of all leave the programmer set to 24rs on heating and set room stat to 10 - 15 this will fire the heating when it gets cold preventing the pipes from freezing. Long term fix is to get the frost stat and pipe stat.

 

[highlander200]

Thanks everyone...sounds like the frost stat and the pipe stat is the long term way forward

 

[oilman]

Anti-freeze will protect whatever. Frost stat only protects if you have power and fuel.