Central Heating Query

[hansi]

My central heating is designed so that the hot water and central heating can be used independently of each other. My query is this. I am going away for three weeks next January which may coincide with a cold snap. If I turn the cold water stop cock off (as I usually do when I go away) can I still leave the central heating on timer so that it comes on twice a day at a low temperature? There is obviously already water in the radiators, so i don't think this will be a problem, unless you know otherwise Thank you.

 

[breezer]

i leve mine on 24 /7 just change the stat setting.

leave yours on low all the time

 

[hansi]

i leve mine on 24 /7 just change the stat setting.

leave yours on low all the time

yes, thanks I do that anyway but the water supply is normally on, when I go away it will be switched off, is that still ok?

 

[breezer]

ours is a combi, so now its working (don't ask) it never needs water

 

[hansi]

ours is a combi, so now its working (don't ask) it never needs water

mine isnt a combi, so I'm still not sure does anyone else know?

 

[breezer]

if its a combi, not a problem. (i had probs with mine thats why i said dont ask) to reassure your self you could turn water off this week end and leave heating on

 

[masona]

mine isnt a combi, so I'm still not sure does anyone else know?

Combi,gravity or sealed system make no difference so you should be okay but why do you want to turn the water off ?

 

[mave]

The only possible problem with turning your stop cock off and leaving the heating on is if you have an open vented heating system. The heating header tank will not refill if the level drops for any reason. Having said that: it's very unliley to cause a problem.

Turning your stop cock off while you are away is a generally a good idea. If you do get a burst at least the flowing water will eventually stop and not flow down the street for a couple of weeks.

 

[hansi]

mine isnt a combi, so I'm still not sure does anyone else know?

Combi,gravity or sealed system make no difference so you should be okay but why do you want to turn the water off ?

because, a few weeks ago, the ball on the ballcock in the feeder tank in the loft snapped off and fell into the tank and it was like Niagara Falls coming out of the overflow all over the walls, I got it replaced, but wouldn'y want anything like that to happen if I'm away from the house.

 

[hansi]

The only possible problem with turning your stop cock off and leaving the heating on is if you have an open vented heating system. The heating header tank will not refill if the level drops for any reason. Having said that: it's very unliley to cause a problem.

Turning your stop cock off while you are away is a generally a good idea. If you do get a burst at least the flowing water will eventually stop and not flow down the street for a couple of weeks.

not sure if it is an open vented system, how can I tell?

 

[masona]

not sure if it is an open vented system, how can I tell?

If you have a small F&E tank.

 

[hansi]

F&E? sorry, whats that?

 

[masona]

Feed and Expansion tank that supply water to the central heating system.Approx 2 cubic foot size.

 

[hansi]

ahem I have a small tank in the loft and a separate header tank for the power shower, can't see anything else

 

[mave]

ahem I have a small tank in the loft and a separate header tank for the power shower, can't see anything else

Thats the one. You have an open vented sytem