Series connected radiators - hydronic system efficiency

Tomd514

My old house has 4 hydronic zones where each of the zones are series connected baseboard convectors fed by a Slant Finn Galaxy GG-175 gas fired boiler. Two questions:



1. I am considering adding a kick space heater as part of a kitchen remodel and want to know if monoflow tees are required? We're happy with the heating comfort from the current configuration but will be eliminating an interior partition wall and losing a strip of baseboard as part of the remodeling.



2. Is there a procedure for calculating the efficiency of my system? During the heating system there seems to be excessive ambient heat in the boiler room. A few years back my chimney was lined with 6" stainless steel pipe and the updraft appears to be working.



thanks

 

Unknown

Is there a procedure for calculating the efficiency of my system?

If its a "fixed temperature" now,, why not do a complete room by room heatloss using the present design temp for your area? Then calculate the heat emitted from the room to room BB you now have(at the same design & water temp), then compare that to the output of your boiler(less its eff. rating),,,  that should tell you whether you are oversized or not.



Alot of "pencil-pushing" yes,,, but this is what we ALL go through!  :-)



If it is a fixed temperature output, a mod-con or outdoor reset will most definitely help your efficiency.