Gas heating dilemma.

harz99

Hi, we are going down under for 3 months in January and have been taking professional advice on what to do to avoid frozen water pipes etc. Trouble is we have had two conflicting views!


I should also say that our house insurers have no specific requirements relating to water/heating in these circumstances.


We have a Logic 15 boiler and rads throughout the house, a Kingspan Range Tribune HE indirect hot water cylinder and associated bits, all of which is controlled by Danfoss TP9000.


One firm told me to leave the system on as normal, and set the thermostat on low. The other advised draining everything down, turning water and boiler off, then recommissioning when we return.


I'd welcome views, particularly from plumbers, of which is the best and safest solution, also if we can sensibly leave the system on, but turn the water off at the mains, to at least avoid flooding if a leak did occur.

Grenage

Personally, I'd simply drain the system.

getmore4less

For 3 months the cost and hassle of draining and bringing back up would make me not bother.

I would put remote access to the heating to be able to control it if you get a bit concerned an monitor the house temp.

I used to have mine at 5c when away but have upped it to 10c it kicked in 3 times in that late Nov cold snap while we were away, the boiler is in the garage on its own frost stat set to 5c.

That does need Internet or if you shut that down a mobile with a cheap data plan.
Or a neighbour that will let you piggy back while away.

EssexExile

I wouldn't fancy coming home in March & having to refill the system & get it going again.

Alfrescodave

Do you have a neighbour / friend / relative who could pop in and fire up the system when it got really cold?

SandraX

Leave it on low, open the hatch to the roof to allow in heating and when you return your home will smell nice, warm and homely.

Not sure if you have individual radiator terhmos we dod and we always leave the other on in winter if away for a day or more, tune down bedrooms, leave on relatively high the hall, conservatory, landing, leave doors open as well as the loft access if going to be very cold

Enjoy your hols

Skibunny40

What does your house insurance say about it?
Sorry - just re-read your initial post...ignore me!

Owain_Moneysaver

Problem with leaving it on is that if the electricity trips and there is no-one to notice and reset it, you could be left without the boiler being able to run and keep the place above freezing.

You can turn the cold water off at the main which would at least prevent a mass flood.

alanobrien

I would drain it and switch it off, nowt can happen then. Little cost involved other than some inhibitor to recommission assuming you diy. I would be more concerned with something failing and causing damage to the property while i was away.

Case in point, i have an old Vaillant 622 boiler. This morning a rubber hose ruptured and dumped the water content of the boiler into the kitchen. (rubber hose=rubbish design but it is 12 years old)

Things happen, better to plan to avoid scenarios than hope for the best. Just my view.

bris

Did you actually speak to your insurers? They usually want it drained. Not only that but being away for more than two weeks is also something they will want to know about as it's usually in the T&C's.

EssexExile

bris wrote: »

Did you actually speak to your insurers? They usually want it drained. Not only that but being away for more than two weeks is also something they will want to know about as it's usually in the T&C's.

Usually much longer than two weeks but definitely less than 3 months!