heating system

[rsvp]

I have oil central heating -live in a detatched property a bit out of the way - if I were to go away for six weeks in February would it be better to leave the heat on very low (although the radiator in the bathroom is stuck on setting 4) or drain the system completely. Am not too au fait with heating systems and don't want a problem when I get back. If I do drain the system, what are the reprecussions - if any - I could expect when switching the water back on - air locks etc?. thank you

[Giggsie]

we have oil also and we just set timer for heating to come on twice a day and everything is fine.

[The Builder]

I wouldn't fancy all that draining and re-filling......... not the best way.
The worst thing you can do to a building, especially in winter, is to leave it to cool down completely. Everything will take up moisture...... then, when the heating is back on, it'll take ages to stabilise again ...... with possible cracking here and there.
Nothing major, but potentially troublesome.
Often, people just turn the rad valves to the frost setting (little star/snowflake symbol.)
The rads will only come on during freezing weather. Better would be to leave the valves on say, 1 or 2. If you have a roomstat, turn that to maybe 10 degrees ........... ie heating on "tickover"

[rsvp]

thank you futritcat and builder - I did suspect this was the answer - maybe I'll have to get some0ne to call in on a regular basis to keep a check on things - appreciate the replies.