Old Heating System

[NewhouseOldhouse]

Thanks Stem great piece of mind this.

If I was say want to install separate heat and water function wud this be possible?

If wanted to install pressurised system wud this be possible or wud gas be a better option?

 

[stem]

My exposure to solid fuel systems is limited. However, modification to the plumbing would be required as well as the wiring.

With solid fuel systems, there needs to be some method of dispersing excess heat, as the 'fire' is not thermostatically controlled so cannot be switched 'off' when everything is up to temperature, and this is usually the hot water cylinder. You would really need advice from a solid fuel specialist .....unless you do replace it with a gas boiler, but that's down to your personal preferences.

 

[NewhouseOldhouse]

Stem have you ever replaced a immersion heater switch with a timer fused switch? Is it a simple swap out and in?

 

[FiremanT]

Not gas ordinary open fire

Oh,Okay.

One should never assume, etc

This may be being over cautious, Breeno, but are you ABSOLUTELY sure that the boiler is still connected to the cylinder? It is not impossible that the boiler has been disconnected, and, even worse and incredibly dangerous, that it has been capped off. The chances are probably low, but of you have no means of ensuring the history, so check it out BEFORE firing up.

Risks from redundant solid fuel back boilers

Woman's death in boiler explosion highlights back boiler

One should never assume, etc

 

[stem]

Stem have you ever replaced a immersion heater switch with a timer fused switch? Is it a simple swap out and in?

Yes done several. If there is just one immersion, the timer normally replaces the switch adjacent to the hot water cylinder in the airing cupboard, and the main operating switch is left permanently on to keep the clock running.

If your cylinder is the type that has two immersion heaters, or you have an off peak supply (eg Economy 7) it can become more involved.

Immersion heaters should have their own dedicated MCB at the consumer unit, so don't need an additional fuse.

 

[NewhouseOldhouse]

Oh,Okay.

One should never assume, etc

This may be being over cautious, Breeno, but are you ABSOLUTELY sure that the boiler is still connected to the cylinder? It is not impossible that the boiler has been disconnected, and, even worse and incredibly dangerous, that it has been capped off. The chances are probably low, but of you have no means of ensuring the history, so check it out BEFORE firing up.

Risks from redundant solid fuel back boilers

Woman's death in boiler explosion highlights back boiler

One should never assume, etc

The previous owner left a note to say that back boiler was connected to heating and that's what they have been using to heat water.

 

[stem]

Re reading your first post in light of the above, I am a bit puzzled by what you write..

I have not lit the fire yet

But then...

I have had heating on with pump on and this heats radiators and with pump off this only heats water

err...so how did the radiators & water heat up without lighting the fire?

 

[NewhouseOldhouse]

Re reading your first post in light of the above, I am a bit puzzled by what you write..



But then...


err...so how did the radiators water etc., heat up without lighting the fire?

I had the oil heating on and pump had to be switched on to heat radiators and water

 

[NewhouseOldhouse]

Yes done several. If there is just one immersion, the timer normally replaces the switch adjacent to the hot water cylinder in the airing cupboard, and the main operating switch is left permanently on to keep the clock running.

If your cylinder is the type that has two immersion heaters, or you have an off peak supply (eg Economy 7) it can become more involved.

Immersion heaters should have their own dedicated MCB at the consumer unit, so don't need an additional fuse.

I have a switch which is on all the time in the hotpress and a timer switch in kitchen. I was thinking if I replaced the one in kitchen with the timer that wud be good to go

 

[stem]

Ah! So, you also have oil heating too. You didn't think to mention that before? In that case you have two heat sources on a single system. There are various ways of doing that. The guide here, explains the details. Section 1 explains how the soild fuel can be used to heat the hot water and section 2 explains how it can be used to provide hot water and heating. But as you can see that is quite complicated.

I have a switch which is on all the time in the hotpress and a timer switch in kitchen. I was thinking if I replaced the one in kitchen with the timer that wud be good to go

OK, that can be done.... but if you have a timer already, why do you want another? I don't know what a hotpress is though, guess it's Irish!

 

[NewhouseOldhouse]

Ah! So, you also have oil heating too. You didn't think to mention that before? In that case you have two heat sources on a single system. There are various ways of doing that. The guide here, explains the details. Section 1 explains how the soild fuel can be used to heat the hot water and section 2 explains how it can be used to provide hot water and heating. But as you can see that is quite complicated.

OK, that can be done.... but if you have a timer already, why do you want another? I don't know what a hotpress is though, guess it's Irish!

Hahahaha Irish!! It's where the hot water cylinder is kept. The timer on it at minute is press on for 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 etc I want so I can set it for 7 days at different times if u know wot I mean!

 

[stem]

Then probably the easiest way, would be just to swap the existing timer for one that provides the functions you require. No need to change the switches. 'Hotpress' is a new one on me. My hot water cylinder lives in an 'airing cupboard'.

 

[NewhouseOldhouse]

Same thing lol!

Yeah I will do that. One other thing I have a room thermostat in the living room but it's very old a bit like the honeywell t6060 type and it has to be set to max for heating boiler to come on, what would be best to replace it with?

 

[JohnD]

"Press" means "cupboard" as in "linen press"

It's hot because it has the hot water cylinder in it, and is used for airing clothes.

https://www.ebay.com/bhp/linen-press

 

[stem]

I have a room thermostat in the living room but it's very old a bit like the honeywell t6060 type and it has to be set to max for heating boiler to come on, what would be best to replace it with?

That all depends whom you ask. It's a bit subjective, like saying I want to replace my car. What should I replace it with? Personally I would go for a digital, battery operated, Drayton, Danfoss or Honeywell thermostat (wired, non programmable version) generally, as with most things you get what you pay for.