Boilers, Hydronic Systems, and Indirect Water Heaters

Hydronic systems use water as a means to provide heat and warmth to your home or place of business. Where forced air furnace either doesn't make sense or isn't possible, hydronic systems circulate hot water in a closed loop at a set temperature to give off heat by convection, radiation, conduction, etc. Steam boilers heat up water to 212 degrees to turn water in to steam, and the steam travels all the way to a radiator, where it heats up and provides warmth. Whats great about steam systems is that they do not require pumps or circulators, the steam naturally rises and finds its way to your radiator. Hydronic systems, unlike steam, require water to constantly be circulating by a series of pumps and zone valves. When you set your thermostat to a certain temperature, the boiler takes the call for heat and starts circulating water around to the desired zone. There may be many different zones and you may have multiple thermostats for your area. It is normally recommended that you keep it running all year round instead of cycling the radiant heating system off and on.

On the other hand, if you happen to have a boiler or other unconventional water heating method for domestic use, then it is not uncommon that you may have an indirect water heater. Unlike a water heater, which has a burner and a standing pilot, an indirect water heater storage tank merely holds water. It may have either a single or a double coil in which the boiler used for your space heating has a loop in to the direct tank. When you call for hot water useage, then the water gets sent out. You may have an aquastat or a thermostatic mixing valve because unlike a regular water heater, it does not have a gas control valve. With a thermostatic mixing valve, you can regulate the temperature of the water so that it is not scalding hot. Scalding hot water is usually water over the temperature of 125 degrees. When you hold your hand under the tap at this temperature, it takes approximately 30 seconds or more to experience scalding. At 140 degrees, it can burn a child at 3 seconds or less.

Knowing your system and having it maintained annually to keep it in proper working function is highly recommended. Steven Bailey Plumbing offers maintenance services such as water heater flushes, tankless flush and descale services, and even hydronic systems maintenance. Give us a call today if you would like to experience high value plumbing service!