The "user instructions" left with the boiler give specific details on boiler lighting, switching off and safety procedures that should be observed before operating your new heating system.

Your heating system has been designed and installed in accordance with the current regulations and N.H.B.C. requirements utilising a boiler with radiators to all principle areas.

The system has been designed to operate continuously but you may find that, during periods when the external air temperature is below freezing or when your system is operated intermittently, it may be necessary to provide supplementary heating in order to maintain comfort conditions.

Your heating system will operate with the minimum of attention once set to your requirements and comprises four main controls which are detailed below.

1) BOILER THERMOSTAT

This should be set to high or maximum for both summer and winter operation in order to ensure optimum heat emission from both the domestic hot water and radiator circuit.

2) PROGRAMMER

Set this to the "on-off" times as required, following the instructions supplied with the unit.

3) ROOM THERMOSTAT

The room thermostat, usually sited in the hall or living area, is designed to maintain the space temperature in accordance with it's setting. Comfort conditions are usually achieved when it's set to approximately 21C. Where a higher temperature is required, it may be necessary to provide a supplementary heat source.

4) CYLINDER THERMOSTAT

This controls the domestic hot water temperature by switching the boiler off, as does the room thermostat, when the pre-set value has been reached. The normal storage temperature for domestic hot water is 60C although a higher or lower temperature may be set if required. It should be noted however that there is a risk of scalding should a storage temperature in excess of 60C be selected.

GENERAL

You will note that each radiator is fitted with two valves, one lockshield that has been pre-set by the installer and one wheelhead or thermostatic valve that allows the radiator to be turned "on or off".

When removing radiators for decoration, both valves should be turned off and the radiator drained to a suitable receptacle. It is important however to note how far the lockshield valve is open, by counting the number of turns, to ensure that upon reinstating the radiator this valve is reset to its original position.

If it is intended to turn the boiler off during prolonged periods of non occupation this can be achieved by switching the Programmer to "OFF" which will, on permanent pilot models allow the pilot to remain on. To bring the boiler back into service simply return the Programmer to it's original position.

In colder weather however, where there is a possibility of frost damage, this method is undesirable and the heating system should either be left to operate continuously with the room thermostat set to a lower level (a minimum of 6C), or be totally drained of water and the gas and electricity services isolated.

HANDY HINTS

1) Comfort conditions will only be sustained when the structure of the house is fully warmed.

2) During the winter there will be a warm up period of at least 60 minutes before the effects of any heating being noticed.

3) The room thermostat can only sense air temperature immediately surrounding it's position, therefore it should be set at a level that will give comfort conditions throughout the dwelling.

4) The boiler must be set at "High" or "Maximum" at all times.

5) With some radiators turned off there may be a slight reduction in comfort levels in other areas.

6) Servicing and maintenance is important to ensure the continuing high efficiency, long life and safe operation of your boiler. The frequency of servicing depends upon the particular installation conditions, and to the use to which the appliance is put, but once per year should be adequate. It is highly recommended that servicing arrangements are carried out by a recognised body such as your local British Gas region.