Divide Existing Loop to Add Zone?

J. Newell

I'm wondering if I can get thoughts on the following.

We are having major work done on the first floor of our 1963 stick-frame 2 storey house in the Northeast. The heat as originally installed is hydronic baseboards with a single supply from the boiler and four returns.

While the contractors are in the house and many of the first floor walls are open, we're thinking of separating the first floor heat from the second floor to better balance the heat. (When we bought the house, the valves on the two second storey returns were partially closed to reduce heat delivery and balance first versus second floor heat.)

Before I get into this with the contractors, I'd appreciate feedback on points that I should consider or be aware of when talking this through with them. I know this seems like a very vague question -- my problem is that I don't know how much I don't know (but should know) going into this, so I wouldn't recognize a bad design/install issue...don't know what questions to ask.

Any help very much appreciated.

Al Letellier

splitting zones

Without seeing the actual layout, it's difficult to assume what you have there, but it sounds like a single zone split loop system. It's just a matter of separating the piping and adding the necessary controls to split into two zones. Installing zone valves is usually the easiest and least costly as it involves the least amount of re-piping. Using a circulator for the second zone involves re-piping back to the boiler and is more costly to do, usually. I prefer circulators but you should hire a good heating guy and ask him the difference in cost and what his preferences are. Only his eyes on the job can best evaluate the situation. Good luck with your project.

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