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Baseboard Heat Unable to Satisfy Zone Temp

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stevetars
stevetars Member Posts: 35
in Domestic Hot Water

Hey everyone,

Just doing some troubleshooting on this very cold day. I live in Northeast and it is close to 4 degrees out. I have five zone hydronic baseboard (just added the fifth by piping heat to my sunroom) About 2000 square foot home. All zones have hit their temp except the second floor in my split (above the unheated garage). It is set for 67 but at a static, unchanging 63- won't climb higher. I am assuming it is an equilibrium between baseboard heat and heat loss due to the cold cold temps, but just wanted to be sure my Weil-McLain boiler is not underpowered for the five zones or if I need to add some more hydronic element to the upstairs. I switched to hydronic heat as a retrofit and the plumbing company did all necessary heat capacity checks. I'm wondering if by adding the fifth zone I compromised the heat to the upstairs. Any thoughts? Is this just something to live with on bitter cold days or is there a solution?

Thanks,

Steve

Comments

  • bburd
    bburd Member Posts: 1,267
    edited January 24

    things to check:

    What is the boiler pressure?

    Do you hear gurgling in the baseboards, indicating a possible air problem that could prevent water circulation?

    Are the dampers at the top of the baseboards open so air can circulate freely through the heating elements?

    Is there at least 1 inch of clearance under the front cover so air can get into the baseboards?

    Is furniture at least an inch or two from the baseboards so warm air can flow up and out into the room?

    Does the burner run all the time, or does it cycle? Does the boiler reach its high limit temperature? What is that temperature?

    —
    Bburd
    bjohnhy
  • stevetars
    stevetars Member Posts: 35

    Need to check boiler pressure- boiler is set for 170, holding steady. No gurgling, dampers are open but I can move some furniture away. Yes, 1 inch clearance below. The boiler cycles but not super frequently and the upstairs zone stays on- inlet and out pipes are hot. Thanks for the follow-up.

  • bburd
    bburd Member Posts: 1,267

    I suggest you turn your high limit up to 190 or 200° F. That will probably give you enough extra heat.

    —
    Bburd
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 27,015

    If you could measure the temperature going in and out of that zone you can get an idea of how much heat output you are getting.

    If it enters at 170 drops 15-20 degrees then AWT average water temperature is 160. So 450 or so BTU/ ft

    This chart shows output at different temperature. Increasing supply to 185-190 as @bburd suggested increases output as shown.

    180 gets you 580- 600 btu/ft. Which may just cover the shortfall.

    Screenshot 2026-01-24 at 4.33.34 PM.png
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • stevetars
    stevetars Member Posts: 35

    Thank you everyone- will give it a try. Moving furniture and long curtains away from baseboard got me a degree or two so I think boosting the high limit will cover the shortfall easily.

    bburd

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