Boiler been off for most of the year

[ey143]

I bought a house which hasn't beenived in for a year because I was expecting to undertake some renovation work which didn't happen due to various reasons. The boiler has been off for most of this time (main switch was off) but occasionally put it on for a few mins.

Now with winter approaching I need to put the hearing on for min setting to avoid burst pipes etc.

Was it a bad idea to leave the boiler off all this time. Can it do
Damage?

 

[ALCPlumbing]

It can do but hopefully it will be ok. Most modern boilers will run the pump every now and then to keep it moving freely.
Would help if you told us what boiler and set up you have there. I.e. Is it a combi boiler or open vented, etc.
Some boilers also have a built in frost stat so will come on when temp is below 5C. Someone will let you if your boiler does this when you tell us what it is.

 

[ey143]

When I say I switched it off, I mean that from the main fuse box! I've got multiple meters for the house (previous owners' setup) and didn't want to run the risk of fire etc when I want living there.

I think it's a Valiant boiler, if not its one of the good ones. It heats the water to a water cylinder. I believe it is open vented.

Is 5 to 7 degrees sufficient to set the room thermostat at during the winter to prevent the pipes from freezing ESP if I'm not living there?

 

[ey143]

Actually its a Viessman Vitodens 100-W WB1B 35kw combi boiler but setup to deliver hot water to a cylinder.

Seems to be diring up ok. House temp showing about 6 degrees and after switching the mains back on looks like the frost thermostat is set at 5 degrees.