Running hydronic from existing water heater?

David_45

I've got forced air heat in my house which I'm thinking of replacing with a hydronic system. As a first step I'd like to get more familiar with the technology, and am thinking of putting hydronic heat in one room of my house, which currently doesn't have any heat at all. I can run pex up to it quite easily, and would like to at least temporarily run it off my existing hot water heater, which has enough capacity. If it works out well then I may install a boiler and replace my current hot air system.

What do I need to do the 1 room? Should I go with a heat exchanger or just run the water directly from the heater (& drain it or circulate it on a timer during the summer?)

hot_rod

A real simple low output

device I have used a couple times is the Butler Solar Wand. it's a slim HX that screws into the water heater cold connection at the tank. Good for about 8000- 10,000 BTU/ hr I calculate.

I believe it is a double walled device for extra protection.

It's intended to be used to add solar to a basic HW tank. But it knows no direction and allows you to borrow some energy for a small radiant.

www.butlersunsolutions.com

hot rod