Quick Plumbing related question.

The Munky

If your household heating system is a little outdated and you know nothing about plumbing who you gonna call?

If you turn on the heating and the hot water does it use extra oil?
If you run either the heating or hot water separately does it use less oil?

Same question different ways I guess.

MODS: if this is the wrong section for this type of query please relocate at will.

Victor

Your heating systems and your hot and cold water systems are essentially separate, although some share a common boiler.

With your heating system, there is enough water to fill the pipes and radiators. Essentially this water just circulates over and over. Only in the event of a pressure release does some of the water go to an expansion tank which is usually in the attic. When the system cools down, it draws in some water to make up for the water lost.

With the hot and cold water system, essentially water goes through it once, is heated (where appropriate) and comes out your tap.

For your drinking water supply (usually only the cold tap in the kitchen), supply is normally off the mains in the street, although some premises may have drinking water storage, e.g. a hotel.

So, when you have your heating system on, you aren't (necessarily) heating your water and vice verse. Having both systems on will use more energy.