Heating Problem

[Eve]

I've bitten the bullet and put the heating on properly for the first time since ages ago (not well and a bit cold) and it's not coming on. Figured getting it running through wasn't a bad idea with the cold temperatures coming up to avoid frozen pipes and such.

I've checked the radiators up and downstairs and all are cold allover, not like when they normally need bleeding and are warm in one bit and cold in another. I did try it briefly the night after the Manchester riots when I had a friend staying and she was cold (similarly her flat is usually too warm for me!) and the same thing but didn't have it on for long after nothing happened.

I'm leaving it running in the hope it comes on but is there anything which could be a problem stopping them coming on? I've already checked I have it on water and heating :) Hot water is fine. All was fine last time I had it on last winter and had a boiler service only a few weeks ago and it passed fine.

[The Builder]

Jenna, it sounds like the diverter valve has stuck over the summer. It's just a valve that channels the hot water to the hot taps or the rads, depending on which one is selected. It's quite normal for hot water to take precedence. If the valve is stuck, it's simply not letting the heating have its share :o)

Only a guess. Whatever it is, I'm afraid someone shall have to check it out. :o(

[AlBags]

I assume there is no Room Thermostat.

Check the fill pressure is around ,75 bar cold. Recharge if necessary.

[DaisyNonna]

I have a radiator which I am unable to turn down or off. Thought I should check this time of year. Any suggestions?

[RATTER15]

Daisy, why are you unable to torn it down or off, whats happening?

[Eve]

Ahh :( I had a look in the boiler cupboard but wouldn't know where to start with stuff so left well alone.

I have a thermostat thing on the lounge I use to change the temperature if that's it? There is a little one on the big water tank upstairs as well. I think it was on about 60 when I had a look. Do I just turn it up a bit?

I'm shifting from sick sofa to bed shortly but will look back in tomorrow and see if nice new neighbour is about - he seems to be very up on certain stuff and doing up next door before moving in after the neighbour before was found in there dead and the place is in somewhat of a state (fire and water damage). Hopefully he might be able to have a look or know someone who can if he's about.

Fluffy hot water bottle for me tonight I think :)

Thanks for your help as always!

[DaisyNonna]

Ratter, nothing! Rented accommodation. Landlady abroad until the end of the month. So much for my forward planning.

[tamborine]

Seems your water temp is 60degrees, mine's on 80 degrees & the rads are hot. Is your hot water tank hot ?

[Eve]

The tank feels warm and one of the big valve things is red hot.

Snug in bed now so will try turning it up tomorrow to see if it makes a difference. Switched it off for now as don't want to waste energy with it just getting the water hot which I don't need.

[The Builder]

As Tambo said, Jenna............. big tank upstairs is hot water....... 60 degrees. That's ok. It doesn't affect the heating.

The one in the lounge should click as you turn it up. It's then that the heating should come on.

It sounds as though you have a gravity system (tanks in the roof) rather than a combi. See if you can find the circulating pump (possibly near boiler, or next to "big tank upstairs")
Over the summer, this may have stuck. One or two discreet taps with a mallet might wake it up. If it's not that, and it's running ok, then you should hear it humming.

[Eve]

Back after doctors and tried it again having turned the little dial up on the front of the water tank to 80 and after a lot of gurgling I HAVE HEAT!!!!! Going to let it run through a bit then do a radiator check later (when I have some more energy to move again) in case any need bleeding. Thank you all, I'm not going to freeze :)

[The Builder]

Good news Jenna.

Doc ........... no need for my mallet there lol .......... What happened though? Why did turning up the cylinder stat do the trick?

[johnk]

If there's gurgling it may be an airlock somewhere.

[The Builder]

Thanks, Doc :o)

[tamborine]

If the tank temp is turned up the boiler works harder & longer, the pumps are more effective etc etc......

anyone want an apprentice :)

[AlBags]

There are ..
1. Mid-Position valves
2. Zone Valves
3. Diverter Valves.

All are different.
Most CH systems use a Mid-Pos (3 port) unless the CH is divided into more than one zone. Then 2-port are utilised.
Most systems these days should be running Honeywell 'S-Plan' through a standard wiring centre. This will allow for completely separate control of HW and CH (providing the programmer is suuitable)
Older stuff is usually HW priority.