Insulated return

Bob_115

I have hydronic baseboard on a house that has a slab floor. The return lines are inside the metal covers. I insulated the returns with foam pipe insulation thinking it would prevent condensation in my old steel boiler. Was this a bad idea?

GGross

insulating the returns isnt bad, but its probably not going to effect the return water temp enough to change whether you boiler condenses. what was the reurn water temp before and after insulating measured at the boiler?

mattmia2

i would be concerned that trying to cram insulation inside the baseboard covers would impede the airflow through the element.

unless there is something very wrong with the system with baseboard on a cast iron boiler the return water temp should be well above flue gas condensing temps.

ethicalpaul

If you really want to be safe, you should insulate the fins!

Bob_115

The return temperature with insulated returns is 120 degrees F. Im converting to natural gas and a combi boiler so I will remove the insulation to help the new boiler to condense.

EdTheHeaterMan

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/204179/insulated-return

Probably.

This is what I am picturing in my minds eye:

pecmsg

or below.
either way it blocks air flow!

ChrisJ

Jamie Hall

Assuming that the diagram is for real, I can't think of a better way to kill the heat output of those baseboards. I wouldn't care to estimate the output loss, but I'd guess at least 75% loss.

Yes indeed. A very bad idea…

Bob_115

After reading your responses I'm convinced it was a bad idea. I consider this a learning experience and I am grateful for all your input.

ethicalpaul

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1893778#Comment_1893778

Don't mind us, you're a good sport.

Did you have some evidence that your boiler was condensing?

pecmsg

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1893778#Comment_1893778

Thats the best education there is.