Cant use heating without hot water

[iroskell]

Hello. I apologise in advance if this is a noob question but I have no idea about central heating systems.

I have recently bought my first house and the boiler is rather old however it works and I can't afford to replace it just yet.

Basically it seems a really strange and annoying setup in that to use my heating I have to switch the hot water on aswell. I have no idea if this is normal but it seems strange that to put my radiators on I have to heat the water tank even if I have no intention of using any hot water.

Is there any way around this or is this just how old systems work?

Thanks in advance for any help. Thought I would ask on here before calling out a plumber and looking stupid when he tells me this is how it's supposed to work!

 

[tamz]

Very common on older systems. Easily changed around for a few quid. Ask a couple of local installers for a price to change it to a S or Y plan.

 

[PlumbBobBob]

as tamz says, it's quite common. really just needs an update of certain components on your system

 

[iroskell]

Thankyou very much! At least now I can call someone in armed with a bit of knowledge! I very rarely use my bath and havr an electric shower so it just seems a waste of money to heat a full tank of water just to have the radiators on. Thanks again for your help

 

[PlumbBobBob]

if you put a request in our looking for a plumber section there may be someone on here near to you who could help you out.

here [DLMURL]http://www.ukplumbersforums.co.uk/im-looking-plumber-gas-engineer/[/DLMURL]

 

[tamz]

If your hot water is run on gravity circulation the easiest/cheapest way to change it so it can be controlled is called a C plan

 

[Richie_77]

Or turn down the cylinder stat if it has one

 

[iroskell]

I have a hot water tank in an airing cupboard upstairs and a header tank in the attic. What work would actually be involved in something like this? If it's going to cost me a few hundred quid it's something I can live with for now with summer coming. And I'm hoping to upgrade to a combi for next winter but if it's a quick and inexpensive modification I'll get someone in to do it

 

[tamz]

Depends on what you already have fitted. Best speak to someone who can see it.

 

[iroskell]

I'll make a few calls tomorrow then. I'll try posting on the link steveb gave me but I'm in a small town in ***bria so I'm not sure if anyone nearby will use this forum. Thankyou all for your fast and useful information!

 

[jam1979]

get a 2 port or 3 port valve fitted get the system re wired and bobs ur tea pot