oil radiators

[carmalee]

had 2 really helpful answers from The Buider and Whoever re my question about leaving radiators on as I'm going away for six weeks during Dec/Jan. I had intended to leave three rads on freezer settings (2 in huge and very sunning sitting room and one in no sun kitchen) - I never have heat on in any of the three bedrooms. However, I realise the bathroom radiator doesn't have a thermostat and has been fitted so close to the wall it is difficult (but not impossible to adjust it) - bathroom is small btw - do I turn this bathroom one down as far as I can and leave door closed or do I leave it on it's present setting of (I estimate) medium and leave the door open. I am slightly concerned as to the cost of leaving the heating on for the entire six weeks I'm away but obviously don't want a catastrophe. My partner will be using my bungalow maybe twice a week. Also please explain if the temp of the bathroom radiator is greater than that of the other three won't it mean I have four radiators on? Sorry to be long winded. - have posted this in 'how it works' too.
17:35 Thu 21st Oct 2010 Subscribe Report

[The Builder]

Hi Carmalee ................. I'm guessing, but, if the bathroom rad is the ONLY one with no thermostatic valve, then it's probably the "heat leak" rad.
Don't adjust it. Certainly don't turn it off.
It's there for the unlikely, but possible occurrence when the boiler is hot, but all the TRVs (thermo rad valves) have closed. The heat has to go somewhere for boiler safety, so one rad with no TRV dissipates all the excess heat.
That's why the bath rad is hotter. Upstairs, you could most likely turn off all the other rads, leave all the doors wide open, and let this rad take care of upstairs on its own.
If you're worried about cost (really not that much) ......... turn the boiler heating temp down a bit just for while you're away.

[carmalee]

thanks The Builder for your very clear and simple reply - I will follow your advice. xC