OFCH Problem

AceCobra

Hello guys.

I was hoping for a little advice before I have to call in the experts.
For some reason my heating system now takes over 30 minutes to get the Rad's anyway hot. When we first moved in around 18 months ago I was amazed that they only took around 5 minutes to get hot (I'm easily amazed and this was my first home)

In short, what could the problems be?

Cheers.

Martin.

Canucklehead

Hi

A little more detail please.

Corgi Guy.

AceCobra

Sorry,

I'll elaborate best I can.

We have an Oil Fired Central Heating system in our home. Very recently when turning on the system either manually or by way of timer it takes a long time for the radiators to heat up (30-40 minutes). When they do eventually reach temperature they are just as warm as they where before (the problem). I have checked that we have plenty of oil and the boiler sounds normal to my untrained ear. It seems to be firing correctly and on initial inspection there is nothing obvious I can see (big holes etc etc)

Is there any likely reason for this problem that I should be aware off? Is there anything I can check to narrow down a solution? What is the average time to heat up a 4 bed house with OFCH? I know this depends on how many radiator’s are actually on. Normally we have bathroom, kitchen, living room, hall and occasionally the dining room and one bedroom in use. It used to take 5 minutes for these to get hot before.

Cheers.

Martin.

Canucklehead

Hi

Oil isn't my area but the controls for the system apply to both gas and oil.

Sounds as thought the system is slowing down so the pump would be the first place to start ,then any filters you might have on the return pipe by the boiler .
I am assuming you have external controls and not a combi .
HTH.

Corgi Guy.

AceCobra

Sorry for the late reply, been up to my eyes.

There is indeed external control's and having mentioned the pump I found what I think is the pump next to the boiler.

It doesnt appear to be doing anything (by listening) so hopefully thats the problem. Someone else also mentioned it could be the likely problem and the slowless of the system was due to the thermal element being the only thing pushing the water around.

Cheers.

Martin.

Canucklehead

Hi
What is the make of pump?

C.G.

AceCobra

I'll check when I arrive home.
I also recall the previous owner of the house mentioning the 'Pump' had just been replaced for the heating and thats only 18 months ago. I hope there isn't another underlying problem.

Cheers.

Martin.