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Insulated return

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Bob_115
Bob_115 Member Posts: 52
in THE MAIN WALL

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?

Comments

  • GGross
    GGross Member Posts: 1,910

    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?

    Bob_115
  • Bob_115
    Bob_115 Member Posts: 52

    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
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 12,323
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/204179/insulated-return

    Probably.

    This is what I am picturing in my minds eye:

    image.png

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

    mattmia2
  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 7,112

    or below.
    either way it blocks air flow!

    mattmia2Bob_115
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 17,436
    1000024841.jpg

    Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.

    mattmia2Bob_115ethicalpaul
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 27,421

    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…

    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
    Bob_115
  • Bob_115
    Bob_115 Member Posts: 52

    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.

    ethicalpaulEdTheHeaterMan
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 8,880
    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?

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

    EdTheHeaterManBob_115
  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 7,112
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1893778#Comment_1893778

    Thats the best education there is.

    ethicalpaulEdTheHeaterMan

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