Best way to operate the gas central heating radiators ??

Cardew

moonrakerz wrote: »

Ta ! wasn't aware of that - what is the "logic" behind that ? if any !

To me, that just seems a sure way to confuse people, who, like the OP, are unaware that the thermostat is the "master" controller and is overriding the room TRVs without the commanded room temperature ever being achieved.

Room ThermostatAll central heating systems should have a room stat fitted (although a lot haven't), as this will it will shut the heating circuit off allowing the boiler and system to rest (no fuel being burnt), once the air has reached the desired temperature. As the air starts to cool slightly, the room stat brings the heating on again to maintain the set temperature (within 2 deg °C). This should be fitted about 1.5 metres high in an average temperature room with a radiator fitted, but not in direct sunlight or above a radiator, and have no other source of heat in that room. Usually these are best fitted in a hall or dinning room. Since April 2002 it is mandatory as part of the Building regulations that all new and updated systems have a room thermostat fitted preferably in the main living area and in a room with a radiator and no other source of heat,
Note the radiator must not have a TRV fitted as this can stop the Room thermostat working correctly

I believe(not sure though) that this is tied in with new houses requiring separate CH zones.

I was reading a plumbers forum and a couple of plumbers were saying it was a waste of time, and they themselves did exactly what you and I suggest - turn stat up to max and forget it.

The new breed of CH pumps use just a few watts of power, so not a big cost.

That quote above ignores the fact that when the water circulating in the system reaches the set temperature the boiler shuts down anyway.

I really can't see the logic of insisting the room stat should be in a living room - especially if you have more than one living room.

moonrakerz

"part of the Building regulations that all new and updated systems have a room thermostat fitted preferably in the main living area and in a room with a radiator and no other source of heat,
Note the radiator must not have a TRV fitted as this can stop the Room thermostat working correctly"

This really is totally bizarre ! I would say with equal conviction "the room thermostat can stop the TRV working correctly" - isn't that what most of this thread has been about ?

It is saying that having both thermostat and TRVs doesn't work - so you must take out the TRV and put in a thermostat - why not just leave out the thermostat ? as many systems did in the first place ?

I'm off to bed - my brain hurts !!!

Canucklehead

g4fne wrote: »

Hi Folks.

I'm looking for some advice on running the gas central heating. After last winter fuel bill i have reduced the temperature from 21deg to 19deg on the thermostat. We live in the bungalow & the lounge & dining room at the back of the property is of reasonable temperature, but the bedrooms & study at the front (north facing) are absolutely freezing. All the radiators have individual thermostats which are all on maximum.
If i were to increase the overall thermostat temperature to around 22deg, but reduce the individual radiators thermostats at the back of the property, will this balance out the cost ??

I hope that makes sense ??

Good morning: advice on central heating and DHW is available here...specific advice on controls here

HTH

Canucklehead

DVardysShadow

The problem is room stat vs TRVs. In essence, the TRVs should be satisfactorily controlling the temperature in their respective rooms before the room stat turns everything off. For comfort in the rest of the house, the room stat should not be installed in a room which retains the heat well, it is better placed in a room with an external wall, possibly even on the external wall itself - where the room is the quickest cooling in the house.