Radiators: to drain or not for Winter?

[Blade912]

I am intending to prepare the house for a prolonged spell away over Winter. I am switching off water and gas supplies. I am unsure if it would be better to drain the radiator system thus ensuring no risk of frozen pipes or if the additives give adequate anti-freeze protection? Anyone got some advice on this?

[lafrancaise]

Do you live in Antartica?

[stanleyman]

If you live somewhere that gets very cold you can either drain everything and that's not always possible so still the chance of damage to pipes and household contents, or antifreeze the heating system and leave it on a froststat so that a minimum temperature is maintained and have the house checked regularly to ensure the heating is working. Furnishings and furniture will also get damp without some heating.