Independant Control of Central Heating & Hot Water
Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 2.58 PM
Hi, my heating system (oil-fired boiler) has a single pump for HW & CH (simple fully pumped system?) also a single open/close valve for the CH. So I can only have HW or HW+CH. (also the old mechanical timer is set this way, i.e. "gravity fed" setting)
Would it be relatively straight forward to upgrade to fully independant control of each? For example, by upgrading the valve to a 3-port type?
It seems this would be more economical and would allow me to have a digital programmer with wireless room thermostat. (I like the look of Drayton MiTime T720R or Honeywell equivalent but these types don't seem to be available for my current system which can't do CH by itself)
On top of that, my cylinder has no thermostat - would it be advisable to get one fitted while any of the above work is done?
Thanks,
Mark
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
Hi Mark On old gravity systems hw.would work on gravity alone.The pump would be off and a non return valve would stopped circulation to the heating.
Not knowing the configuration of your pipework from the boiler .It may be easier to fit a single port valve on the flow to the cylinder with a cylinder stat linked to your boiler, programmer ect.
controlling the temperature for the hot water. You can also check whether the return pipe from the cylinder has a citrol valve non electric which was also fitted on cylinders to control the hot water .One last point many gravity systems had what they called a primatic hot water cylinder. This had a system for allowing expansion of hot water in the cylinder of an a air capsule and did fill the heating system and hot water cylinder at the same time from the cold water cistern in he loft or on the roof The reason I mentioned this pumping the secondary flow to the cylinder could blow the air capsule,I hope this assist you to make the right decision Regards Dave ward
I would bring your heating & hot water system into the 21st century by replacing your existing non-condensing boiler with a more efficient one.
If economical to do you can then go for a sealed 'system' boiler (S Plan) if your hot water demands are high, this method allows you to keep your existing hot water cylinder, if not then you may wish to consider installing a Combi boiler (not paying to store water. i.e. hot water on demand only)
