Hydronic tying in for Basement remodeling

Ken_9

I currently have an oil fired boiler with a B&G PZ-8 circulator. The hydronic system is split loop using Slant-Fin 30's for the ground level rooms consisting of two bedrooms etc. I am remodeling the basement adding two bedrooms and a larger play room and wanted to add approximately four more 30's varying in size from 4 to 6 feet in length in these spaces. I had talked with a plumber while I was buying the various items for the installation and he recommended installing a zone valve for the basement along with a boiler drain valve to remove any air from the system at the return. He also suggested using ball valves on each side of the zone valve. I have looked at a few sites along the way and noticed that most of the "radiators" are placed in parallel to the loop system. Mine are not, there are all in series! I had read the articles about using restrictor tees in the parallel system and thought about adding more work to what I have to do already by making the radiators parallel in the ground floor as well as adding to the basement. I have lived in the home for eleven years and it has been quite comfortable but I am thinking that it may not be efficient. If I cut into the main steel or cast supply line and install a zone valve with a separate thermostat then run 3/4" copper throughout the basement and place the radiators in series as the others are currently along with tying into the return, will I be doing the best thing? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Mad Dog

Ken, you do sound quite knowledgeable, but

it sounds like you need a pro. It is more involved than you think. If you really want to do it yourself, consider hiring a contractor to consult on it for a small fee. I do that from time to time, if the guy is competant. Try find a contractor Mad Dog

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