Closed vs Open System

Subotai

Hi, we are currently getting work done to our house. We have oil fired central heating. Our builder has noted that our plumbing system is an open system, and has recommended we charge to a closed system. To do this we need to install an expansion tank. To do the necessary work will cost €250.

Is this a good idea? Are closed systems better than open systems in terms of efficiency?

Dtp1979

Subotai wrote: »

Hi, we are currently getting work done to our house. We have oil fired central heating. Our builder has noted that our plumbing system is an open system, and has recommended we charge to a closed system. To do this we need to install an expansion tank. To do the necessary work will cost €250.

Is this a good idea? Are closed systems better than open systems in terms of efficiency?

Have you a stove that heats the water?

Subotai

No stove, just the standard copper cylinder in the hot press.

Dtp1979

Subotai wrote: »

No stove, just the standard copper cylinder in the hot press.

If it's piped correctly then an open system is perfectly fine

Tom44

I prefer open systems, less headache's.

Dtp1979

Tom44 wrote: »

I prefer open systems, less headache's.

You'd know what headaches are tom if oil boilers worked on a pressure switch

antoinolachtnai

I would prefer a closed loop and if your plumber recommends it I would go with it.

The basic advantage is that there will be less oxygen in the system and so less rust and sludge.

Another advantage is that all the critical parts of the system are within the living area. This means less heat is lost to the environment and means everything is more accessible for servicing.

Dtp1979

antoinolachtnai wrote: »

I would prefer a closed loop and if your plumber recommends it I would go with it.

The basic advantage is that there will be less oxygen in the system and so less rust and sludge.

If piped correctly then no, not the case. In fact, of all the systems I powerflush, I'd safetly say closed systems are where I see the most sludge, by far.

antoinolachtnai

antoinolachtnai wrote: »

I would prefer a closed loop and if your plumber recommends it I would go with it.

The basic advantage is that there will be less oxygen in the system and so less rust and sludge.

Another advantage is that all the critical parts of the system are within the living area. This means less heat is lost to the environment and means everything is more accessible for servicing.

A open system will generate no sludge if a inhibitor is used as with a sealed system, the generation of sludge is more of a water leak issue and both system designs will sludge up the only difference is you don't know you have a leak with a open system (unless you tie up the ball cock)