Guide To A Hydronic Heating System – What To Know

Introduction – What Is A Hydronic Heating System

A hydronic heating system is a type of heating system that uses water or a water-based solution (such as a mixture of water and glycol) as the heat transfer medium. In a hydronic heating system, the water or water-based solution is heated by a boiler or other heating device and then circulated through a network of pipes to radiators, baseboard heaters, or other heat exchangers. The heat from the water is transferred to the air in the building, warming the space.

Diagram Of A Hydronic Floor Heating System

Advantages Of A Hydronic Heating System

Hydronic heating systems are typically more efficient and more comfortable than other types of heating systems, as the water or water-based solution is able to hold and transfer more heat than air. In addition, hydronic heating systems are typically quieter and more reliable than other types of heating systems, as they do not rely on fans or other mechanical components to circulate the heat.

Hydronic heating systems can be used in a variety of applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They are particularly well-suited for buildings with large, open spaces, as they are able to evenly distribute heat throughout the space without creating drafts or hot and cold spots. If you are considering a hydronic heating system for your home or business, you should consult a qualified HVAC contractor to discuss your options and to determine the best solution for your needs.

Boilers Vs Hydronic Heating Systems

Boilers and hydronic heating systems are closely related, but they are not the same thing. A boiler is a type of heating device that is used to heat water or a water-based solution (such as a mixture of water and glycol). The heated water or water-based solution is then circulated through a network of pipes to radiators, baseboard heaters, or other heat exchangers, where it transfers its heat to the air in the building, warming the space. Therefore, a boiler is the heat source behind the hydronic.

Open Loop Vs Closed Loop Systems

An open loop hydronic heating system is a type of hydronic heating system that uses the same water as the hot water from the faucet. The water passes through a heat exchanger and is then circulated throughout the building. The system does not reuse the water, and the water is released back into the environment after it has done its job.

An alternative is a closed loop hydronic heating system which uses a sealed loop of circulating water to transfer heat to and from the source of heat. The loop is typically a closed loop, meaning that the same water is used over and over again.

The water used for heating is separate from that of water for washing and bathing. This type of system is ideal for applications where the source of heat is not constant, or where the source of heat needs to be kept separate from the rest of the building.

Both types are used in residential buildings. The factors that go into choosing one or another is based on cost and ease of installation.

How Does A Hydronic Heating System Work

A hydronic heating system is a type of heating system that uses water or a water-based solution as the heat transfer medium. In other words, a hydronic heating system is a heating system that relies on a boiler or other heating device to heat the water or water-based solution, which is then circulated through the system to warm the building.

In this way, boilers are a key component of hydronic heating systems, as they are responsible for heating the water or water-based solution that is used to transfer heat throughout the building. However, not all boilers are used in hydronic heating systems, as some boilers are used to heat water for other purposes (such as domestic hot water or industrial processes).

Overall, while boilers and hydronic heating systems are closely related, they are not the same thing. A boiler is a specific type of heating device, while a hydronic heating system is a type of heating system that relies on a boiler or other heating device to heat the water or water-based solution that is used to transfer heat throughout the building.

Forced air is one of the most common alternatives to hydronic systems. They have the slight disadvantage of having greater delivery losses and therefore cost a tiny bit more.

Natural Gas, Oil And Electric Fuel Sources

The fuel source for hydronic systems are not restricted. In fact, you could even go renewable and hook up an electrical heating system to solar so the whole thing is renewable. Therefore, it’s possible to connect the heating elements to a natural gas boiler, an oil boiler, or an electric boiler.

Of these three, a solar renewable hooked up to electricity would be the most carbon efficient, environmentally friendly, and cheapest over the long run. After that, a natural gas system would be most efficient both in terms of running costs and carbon intensity. Unfortunately, natural gas prices in 2022 suffered a big shock and in the short term it looks like costs will be elevated bringing them much closer to electric.

Hydronic Floor Heating System

Hydronic floor heating systems are a type of radiant heating system that uses heated water to provide warmth to the floors and radiates heat up into the room. The water is typically heated in a boiler or heat pump and circulated through a network of pipes embedded in the floor.

Heat is then transferred to the floor surface, radiating warmth into the room. Hydronic floor heating systems are energy efficient and can provide a comfortable, even heat. They are commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where a warm floor is desired.

Companies That Install Hydronic Floor Heating Systems

Here we list 3 companies located in Canada, UK, and the US that specialize in installing underfloor hydronic heating systems.

Nu-Heat Underfloor Heating

Nu-Heat is a Canadian company that specializes in underfloor systems. Nu-Heat’s products provide a comfortable and safe way to heat your home, while also providing energy savings. Their systems are designed to be durable and efficient, and can be used in any room of the house. They provide a variety of solutions for both residential and commercial applications, and are designed to be easy to use and maintain. Nu-Heat also provides a range of support services to help you get the most out of your heating system.

NUHEAT can be installed in wet areas such as showers and saunas, under countertops, or under tile, stone, marble, laminate, engineered wood, and luxury vinyl flooring. However, traditional hardwood is typically not recommended to be installed over an electric floor heating system. Always make sure to check with the manufacturer of the flooring product to make sure it is approved for installation over an electric floor heating system.

HeatMat Underfloor Heating System

Heat Mat is located in the UK. They are a leading manufacturer and distributor of electric underfloor heating, wall heating mats, mirror demister pads, ice and snow melting systems, trace heating and frost protection solutions, in the UK. Our products are sold to professional installers via a network of trusted distributors and our award-winning customer service and technical support teams are on hand to provide the answers and quotations required. We test every product rigorously and manufacture the majority of our products in Denmark and the UK, to ensure consistent quality and minimise product transport miles.

Warmup Underfloor Heating System

Warmup is a research-driven British company that focuses on developing innovative, energy-efficient heating solutions to provide luxurious comfort while promoting a cleaner, more sustainable future. They have won the Queens Award for Enterprise for International Trade in 2020 and offer the highest quality products with tough, dual-fluoropolymer, thin heating wires and fully designed wet underfloor heating systems.

ThermoSoft Electric Radiant Floor Heating System

ThermoSoft is a company based in Vernon Hills, Illinois that designs, manufactures, and distributes electric radiant heating products that provide safe, reliable, and green energy solutions with great value. They are devoted to relentless innovation and have expanded their product line to include outdoor, indoor, agricultural, and custom heating solutions, all of which utilize their patented FiberThermics® heating technology. They are dedicated to providing the best service, support, and products by placing their customers first, and they never compromise on quality or safety.

Maintenance

To maintain a hydronic heating system, it is important to inspect and test the system annually, check water levels periodically, clean the system regularly, replace worn parts and components, monitor the system’s performance, and make sure the system is properly insulated.

It is recommended that air be purged from a hydronic heating system once or twice a year. This will help make sure that the system is running efficiently and will reduce the chances of air locks occurring. Additionally, it is important to check the system periodically for any signs of air locks, such as noises or uneven heating. If an air lock is detected, then it is important to immediately purge the air from the system.

An air lock is a condition in a hydronic heating system where air is trapped in the system, preventing it from circulating properly. This can lead to reduced efficiency, uneven heating, and increased energy usage. Air locks can be caused by improper filling of the system, leaks in the system, or the presence of air in the system. To prevent air locks, it is important to regularly check the system for any signs of air and make sure that the system is properly filled with water.

To purge air from a hydronic heating system, you will need to bleed the air from the radiators. This can be done by opening a valve or plug at the radiator and allowing the air to escape. If the system has an automatic air vent, then the air will be vented automatically. It is also important to check the pump for air locks and bleed the air from the pump if necessary. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the system is properly filled with water to help prevent air locks.