SETTING UP YOUR SYSTEM

HOT WATER

To achieve the correct thermostat settings for your hot water in relation to your boiler may I suggest the following-;

  • Check to see if you have a thermostat on your hot water cylinder.

(If you do not I am sorry to advise that you are unable to achieve the maximum benefit from your system)

  • Set your boiler thermostat on maximum.
     
  • Adjust the cylinder thermostat to the temperature of your liking.

(This may take a few days of use to get it just right, probably in the range of 55°-60° C).

  • Once set, reduce the boiler thermostat from the maximum setting and adjust to get the temperature of the surface of the radiators to your liking. (Probably just above the mid-range of the boiler setting.

I recommend that the boiler is not left on the maximum setting permanently as it can cause scaling up if you live in a hard water area.

HEATING

Some radiators on the furthest circuit away from the pump are cooler. To rectify this it is called “balancing the system”.

To “balance” the radiators use the following method; -

From a cold start determine the radiator which gets hot first. The radiator is fitted with a plain cap valve at the opposite end to the one you turn the radiator on and off with.

Remove the cap and turn the radiator right off (clockwise), then open the valve ¼ turn.

Proceed to the next hottest radiator and repeat the procedure.

As you progress around the system gradually open the radiators further away more. For example, the next ones could be half a turn until the furthest away are fully open.
 
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