glycol

Alan_6

When adding glycol to a system, I've been told that, pump capacity is less, reduced efficiency, and more expansion happens. Will it also lower the BTU output of existing baseboard, and how much with a 50/50 mix? Thanks.

hr

Do you really need it?

Will the home be vacant for extended cold periods?

Glycol does bring some baggage. You may have to increase the circulator size, but you would need to know what the systems pump requirements are first. Then use a multiplier for the mix ratio to match the pump specs. Tyhe manufacture of the glycol multiplier based on the type of glycol and the strength. The expansion tank may need to be upsized also.

50-50 is fairly stiff and sometimes more than some boiler manufactures allow, especially copper tube boilers.

You want to keep the freeze protection number about 5° degrees lower than the coldest expected temperature to assure pump ability. There is also a burst protection number where the fluid is no longer pumpable but still above the point of bursting pipes.

50% with Dowfrost PG takes you down to -23 freeze and burst well below -60. these numbers and % multipliers will vary from brand to brand as some less expensive glycols are preblended and lower freeeze protection out of the bucket!

You will want to flush and clean the system first, use a hydronic cleaner or 2% TSP. Then the glycol really should be mixed with de-minerlized water and pumped back in.

It should be checked yearly for freeze protection and ph.

Glycol seems to want to leak out more so than plain water. Here are some pics of where it tries to sneak out of a system

hot rod

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sootmonkey

hot rod

What Hot Rod posted is right on the money. DO YOU REALLY NEED ANTIFREEZE? The pics. that Mr. Hot Rod posted are VERY VERY VERY tame, when compaired to the systems that I see with antifreeze in them. IMO antifreeze should only be concidered if..#1 you have a history of freezing up when the system is running propperly. #2 You have heat pipes that run through an unheated, above grade space. #3 you have an old farm house. Vacation homes, if they don't meet the above, do not need antifreeze, they need freeze alarms. Antifreeze is pricey. Antifreeze will shorten the life of componites of system. Antifreeze is expensive to maintain. JMO. I welcome ALL feed back, Especialy from the antifreeze reps, as I have had poor experences with the products. Keith Thomas Southern Maine

lchmb

another agreement

If you have an issue where the pipe is exposed or there is a big threat of the system freezing then go for it. I have been told (although not positive of the number) that you can expect a 20% loss of efficiency on your system. You also need to make sure down the road the antifreeze is tested and taken care of as needed or it will begin to "eat" your system alive....IMHO