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Backwards hot water circulator

Steamhead (in transit)
Steamhead (in transit) Member Posts: 6,688
in THE MAIN WALL
"the hot water enters the bottom of the radiators and exits through the top of the radiators", this is very wrong. In this configuration the hot water will tend to rise thru the first few rad sections, bypassing the rest of the rad. So part of the rad may never get warm.

Before re-orienting that circulator, determine how many square feet EDR your system has by measuring the radiation. Then head over here:

http://www.heatinghelp.com/newsletter.cfm?Id=125

to make sure the circ is actually the right size for your system. If it's not, use the opportunity to replace it with the right one.

Comments

  • C Greener
    C Greener Member Posts: 5
    Backwards hot water circulator

    My setup is the original (1921) natural gas conversion hot water boiler with a retro circulator installed. I have noticed and confirmed that the circulator is running the water backwards through the system so that the hot water enters the bottom of the radiators and exits through the top of the radiators, and enters the boiler through the top and exits through the bottom. Is this a cause for concern for either safety's or efficiency's sake?
  • Empire_2
    Empire_2 Member Posts: 2,340
    Circulator

    I would reverse the valute to change flow in opposite direction. Although there might be a reason for the way it is, I would change it. Hard to tell without seeing it. Got a pic?
  • bigugh_4
    bigugh_4 Member Posts: 405
    Playing games with efficiency

    1. If it works do not fix it! 2. To turn around the volute, and set the motor upright, requires some proper gaskets, for the volute and pump, and the piping flanges. Obtain those first! (flange bolts & nuts)? 3. Will the electrical fit? 4. isolating the pump from the system, and or draining and refilling the system? Get all these ducks in a row BEFORE you start, and do it on a early weekday AM. That way When the idea goes sour you can get expert help, and not freeze yourself. 5. let the system cool before you start. Last get your past bills in order such that after the turn-around you can evaluate your effort and report here your findings! It could be interesting
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