Installing my own central heating system

[Happy Hippy]

Hi,
I would like to install a new central heating system in my single story house. I currently have electric storage heaters and would like to replace them with a wet system, run from a multifuel stove with back boiler. BUT, and it seems to be a big but - I want to have an unpumped, gravity fed system. I know it's not the most efficent system, but let me explain - I live in an area where winter power cuts are regular and at times long lasting, I currently rely on electric for everything and with small kids, need a way to cook and heat the house when we get the inevitable power cuts - hence the need for a system that does not have a pump.
Having spoken to some plumbers, they all seem to say that it's impossible without a pump, but in my previous house such a system did work (but I didn't pay any attention to it at the time !)
Is it possible to have an unpumped, gravity system in a single story house (I do have a big loft space) and where can I get a diagram of such a system ? I've tried the internet but all systems (even gravity fed ones) are shown with a pump.
Any help & advice would be much appreciated 
Many thanks,
Karen

[David]

Hi Karen
I like your question and what you are trying to do. It’s not difficult if you understand why gravity circulation takes place.  Older systems often use gravity circulation to heat the hot water cylinder and the same principle can be used to heat radiators.  I’ll see if I can find time to draw a diagram as I’m sure that it will be easier than trying to explain in words.  In the very early days of central heating quite large properties where heated by gravity systems so I’m sure that the same can be done in yours.  The fact that your house is single story should not be a problem but you will need to run a pipe through the loft.

[Happy Hippy]

Hi David,
Great to hear that you think such a system would work 
I'd really appreiciate it if you could draw a diagram - it'd make all the difference I suspect, cos I just can't get my head round the mechanics of it all ! Must be cos I'm a girl 
Thanks, Karen

[David]

Sorry Karen, for the slow reply.
I will provide a diagram, it's in my head, I just need time to do it.
I'll try this week and e-mail it to you if neccessary.
Cheers
(I must get email notification of posts working on this forum).

[David]

I've put a diagram here http://www.davidkearns.co.uk/index_files/ghs.gif
As you will see it's a simple system. Hope this helps.

[Happy Hippy]

You're a star 
Thanks very much !