calculating water capacity of heating system

[Ronob]

How do you calculate the exactly how much water is in your heating system?

I have a conventional boiler with an open vent header tank in the loft, I have 3 (old) Stelrad, double radiators 1600x600 and 2 at 1000x600. I have three single radiators 1400x600 + whatever the hot water coil holds.
I can't find any information on calculating he capacity of these radiators

 

[kbdiy]

I don't think there is any formula to calculate that, especially if you're thinking of the whole heating system - too many variables. Why do you need to know?

 

[Agile]

In most cases its about 70-100 litres.

Lower with low water content boiler and higher with cast iron floor mounted boiler!

One can of treatments is adequate.

Tony

 

[Ronob]

I don't think there is any formula to calculate that, especially if you're thinking of the whole heating system - too many variables. Why do you need to know?

We have a porch that has a small rad in it, I noticed last night with the heating off the temperature got to just 1 degree C, so thinking about adding antifreeze. Looks like a very expensive exercise as if my system is around 100ltrs I need 20-25 litres of antifreeze at around £30 per 5litr! - why is it 3x the price of car antifreeze I ask myself!

 

[Agile]

Do you badly need to heat the porch? Drain rad?

Probably expensive because its used by those with holiday homes so the wealthy!

Tony

 

[Ronob]

We had this added because we use the porch to hang coats and kick off muddy boots etc (farm workers in the family!) so it a good place for them to dry and keep dirt out of the main living area as our hall is small.

I am told that you can buy something that will automatically switch your heating on if the temperature hits 5c but not sure if that would be compatible with our older boiler (Ideal Clasic RS50)

 

[kbdiy]

Frost stat

 

[Ronob]

Frost stat

Are they easy to fit?
Does it replace your existing room stat or is it/can it be additional to the room stat?

 

[kbdiy]

Additional to - designed to fire up the heating when the temp drops low. Should be relatively straightforward to fit.

 

[Agile]

It needs to be fitted to bypass the programmer and room thermostat.

Ideally needs to be positioned in the porch!

If its easier you could use a standard wireless stat.

Tony

 

[Dan Robinson]

Upgrade the controls to Honeywell evo home with hr80 valves.