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System Idle

Petpluto
Petpluto Member Posts: 2
in Radiant Heating
My radiant system has been idle for at least 3 years, and hardly used before.
 I turned it on for 3 months so I know it works, but lack of insulation and high bills made me turn it off.
My question is how much damage am I doing NOT running the system? (Valves, sensors, pumps )
Some day I will finish insulating and want to use it, but I needed a break.

Comments

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 24,842
    Provided it's full of water, and that water is adequately protected or at least was when it was added, probably not that much damage to the piping.

    However.

    Anything which needs to move now and then, such as valves or pumps, should be exercised at least once a month. Otherwise, they tend to become balky when you want them. Or not work at all...
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • STEVEusaPA
    STEVEusaPA Member Posts: 6,505
    You should have it checked out, make sure it's full of water.
    Also, there are many boiler controls, and circulators, that will automatically exercise when idle for extended periods.

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 24,842
    Forgot to add to mine -- if it's not full of water, check it for leaks... and fill it.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • Petpluto
    Petpluto Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2020
    Thank you Jamie and Steve.
    I’ll reopen the makeup water valve and hopefully no running water.
    it was full when I shut down.

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