How to make the most of your central heating?

Bellabidul

Hi,
wonder if you can help...
We have been in this house for 5 year and never had a central heater maintenance.
I was asking DH yesterday if we should call in a technician to do it sometime before the winter. He said he would have a look at it as he is an engineer himself (electrical engineer, though!)
He goes to the panel, takes a look at it. Turns it on. Checks the radiators after half an hour and comes and tells me everything is ok!
Now, not that i am doubting him, but it can't be that simple to check a central heating system otherwise the technicians wouldn't justify charging E150 for the service...
I have noticed tough that the radiators in the upper floor of the house don't get as hot as the downstairs ones even after being on for hours.
Also, DH insists in keeping the thermostat on minimum as he says the results (as in heating the house) are the same as in maximum, and it saves fuel...
What is your experience?

1) Would you recommend getting it checked properly?
2) And how often do you do maintenance?
3) What to expect of the maintenance service?
4) Do you have your thermostat in minimum/medium/high?
5) How often a day do you turn the heating on? And for how long?

Thank you so much in advance!

Bella

ntpm

Bellabidul wrote: »

Hi,
wonder if you can help...
We have been in this house for 5 year and never had a central heater maintenance.
I was asking DH yesterday if we should call in a technician to do it sometime before the winter. He said he would have a look at it as he is an engineer himself (electrical engineer, though!)
He goes to the panel, takes a look at it. Turns it on. Checks the radiators after half an hour and comes and tells me everything is ok!
Now, not that i am doubting him, but it can't be that simple to check a central heating system otherwise the technicians wouldn't justify charging E150 for the service...
I have noticed tough that the radiators in the upper floor of the house don't get as hot as the downstairs ones even after being on for hours.
Also, DH insists in keeping the thermostat on minimum as he says the results (as in heating the house) are the same as in maximum, and it saves fuel...
What is your experience?

1) Would you recommend getting it checked properly?
2) And how often do you do maintenance?
3) What to expect of the maintenance service?
4) Do you have your thermostat in minimum/medium/high?
5) How often a day do you turn the heating on? And for how long?

Thank you so much in advance!

Bella

By Law.
If it's gas boiler you need an RGII ( registered gas Installer). No one else is allowed to work on or service the gas boiler.
if it's oil you need a competent person.... could be an experienced plumber but normally OFTEC registered person. Who ever it is make sure they are fully insured and can carryout analysis emmisions, etc. and issue relevant paperwork.


Ideally service it every year.. maunufactures recommendation and this may be a requirement for safety checks ( legal requirement if house is rented out). It could reduce fuel consumption if it hasn't been set up properly or dirty in combustion chamber etc.

A properly trained heating engineer/ plumber will be able to advise you if the rads are balanced properly and may need flushing or cleaning.
stats downstairs usually around 18-20C and upstairs around 16-18C. But down to personal comfort factors.

Time and temperature is down personal routine and type of controls you have.

Bellabidul

Thank you so much for that!
Another question:
The heaters upstairs don't get as warm as the ones downstairs no matter how long is turned on...Why? And what can be done about it?
Thank you very much for your time!
Bella

ntpm

Bellabidul wrote: »

Thank you so much for that!
Another question:
The heaters upstairs don't get as warm as the ones downstairs no matter how long is turned on...Why? And what can be done about it?
Thank you very much for your time!
Bella

Depending on your the pipework layout and balancing.
Simple checks to carry out ( if you have separate zones for heating upstairs/downstairs and hot water)
1. Ensure hot water is off on timer or turn cylinder stat to minimum( motorised valve should shut).

2. If you do have a downstairs thermostat turn it to minimum (and if you have a downstairs motorised valve it should closed).

3. Turn upstairs thermostat to max. ( upstairs motorized valve should be open).
All the heat should then go upstairs.
if it does not then open the radiator valves fully and if radiators do heat up more then you rads need to be rebalanced.( possibly cleaned)

if you do not have different zones control for upstairs/ downstairs.

1. Turn the radiators off down stairs by the lock shield valve (not hand wheel).

2. Turn hot water circuit to cylinder off... usually should have a hand valve (balancing valve) on cylinder.

3.Ensure upstairs rad are fully open. and thermostat is on maximum.

All heat should then go upstairs.

If radiators do get hotter then your system needs rebalancing.


ENSURE YOU KEEP A NOTE OF THE WHICH VALVES YOU CLOSE AND OPEN WHEN TESTING AS YOU MAY NEED TO RETURN THEM TO THEIR ORIGINAL SETTINGS.

THIS CAN BE A SLOW PROCEDURE.

michael999999

would the upstairs rads need draining and a good cleaning out.i know when i replaced mine the stuff that came out was unbeliavable.

rhapsodyway

Can anyone recommend a heating engineer in the Dublin 14/18 area? Thanks