Replies

1. 
   splintergroupie | Jun 22, 2006 08:20am | #1

   You should have boiler drains on your system on each zone and at the low point. Did you look?

2. 
   Roger6 | Jun 22, 2006 02:43pm | #2

   Lots of questions, yes there is an anifreeze available for heating systems. NOT the product you buy for your car.  Eythelene (SP) Glycol is what you need.  That said I would try and not use this stuff either. Once its in your system you will never get it out, a mess to work with when you to change a pump or a valve, etc. Also any minor leaks you have will now show up. No more evapoation. I have a boiler system with glycol so I am speaking from experience.   It is not a reall good idea to leave a building with out heat. You can get moisture problems. In reall cold climates with heavy clay soils you can run into foundation problems.  I have some buildings at my place where I turn the heat down to 45-50 degrees. Don't use a lot of fuel, and I don't have drain out all the water lines either.  If your thermsostat won't go below 60 you can replace it with a digital model. The ones I have go down to 45. Roger 

1. 
   ctriola | Jun 22, 2006 04:31pm | #3

   Thanks for the suggestions, I had similar concerns myself, will just turn the heat down to 45. Ctriola

1. 
   BryanSayer | Jun 22, 2006 06:18pm | #4

   I agree with turning down the heat to 45, but I will point out that you may find your bill every bit as high (or possibly even higher) than when you are in the house. This is because when people occupy a house, they give off heat from a variety of sources (light bulbs, ovens, showers, etc).I had this occur with an unoccupied rental property and I was shocked at how much gas was used with the thermostat turned all the way down.Of course, your bill is still lower than if you left it at 72 degrees (or whatever).

1. 
   Roger6 | Jun 22, 2006 07:58pm | #5

   I don't know what the average BTU per hour output of a human being is. Someone probably has the BTU/HR/LB factor! I do know this, that when we have a house party during the winter the place really warms up!  However, after I add up the grocery and refreshment bill, buring LP is a less expensive way to heat the house.  I have observed the same during a cold Packer game, even though everybody is bundled up. Still warmer surrounded by people. Roger  

1. 
   Tim | Jun 23, 2006 12:12am | #6

   The average heat generated by a healthy adult, at rest, is 440 btu/hour, milling around in a party and the like, 600-700.

2. 
   Roger6 | Jun 23, 2006 12:37am | #7

   Thanks Tim, I knew somebody had measured this and would know the value. Roger

3. 
   Tim | Jun 23, 2006 04:34pm | #8

   When you have to cool the auditorium that holds a few thousand people, makes for a significant load.