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Zonal heating system question

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  • 31-08-2021 11:16pm
    #1
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    Registered Users Posts: 7 ✭


    Hi all,

    I have a very basic heating system that I would like to upgrade.

    Basically, it consists of a Oil burner and a two zone systems (downstairs and upstairs), plus hot water tank. There currently are no thermostats except what is on the actual oil burner.

    I would like to install TRVs plus a 3 zone controller so that I can independently manage each zone plus the hot water.

    What is confusing me is that the upstairs zone does not come on unless the downstairs is on. I understand that when the upstairs is switched on it opens a valve which lets the hot water through the the RADs and when it is switched off if closes the valve. (so I am guessing that this is not a truly independent zone?)

    My question is, if I install a smart 3 zone controller, then will it be possible to configure it so that the upstairs can come on independently from downstairs. If this is not possible, then should I just convert my heating to a one zone system (i.e. have the valve open all the time) and rely on smart TRVs to control rooms independently?

    It seems like there is no easy way to get upstairs heating without downstairs being on.

    Is it worth me buying a smart 3 zone heating controller?

    Thanks in advance for any possible guidance,

    Sean

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    #2
    Listen
    Registered Users Posts: 7 ✭Listen


    By the way, we have 10 RADs downstairs and 8 upstairs, so it would be costly to have all RADs with smart TRVs.

    We are considering installing the Drayton Weiser multi zone system.

    Also, we have tried over and over to get a specialist to do this work for us, but no one wants to take is as they are too busy usually with bigger jobs.

    Any advice would be appreciated.



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    #3
    Listen
    Registered Users Posts: 7 ✭Listen


    I got an answer from another DIY forum.

    I thought I would post it here in case it helps anyone else.

    From Outbutnotdead: diynot website

    "With the Wiser TRVs you don't need zone valves on the heating. What you do need is to replumb the system (slightly) so one of the 2 port valves is between cylinder and main pipes from boiler

    If you are installing wifi TRVs on every radiator you only need the 2 channel setup (1 heating, 1 hot water)- the TRVs will when calling for heat set the #1 line live (which will fire the boiler and pump up).

    The HW output needs to go to yr sole remaining 2 port valve (via a cylinder stat), the microswitch on the valve should then fire boiler and pump.

    Given the age of your boiler you might need to leave one radiator with no thermostatic valve on (as a heat dump for the boiler), might also need to arrange pump run-on."



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