antifreeze in hot water baseboard system
GIZMO
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
I have a hotwater baseboard system which has sprung a leak twice; other than attempt to add more insulation, I have been advised to add antifreeze to system. I have a backflow valve already installed.
Is there any problem doing this? Is it advised or not advised?
Replies
Why did it spring a leak? Did it freeze? If the leak were caused by a freeze, I would first look for the reason why it froze, i.e. is the pipe in an outside wall for a long run, etc. At some point close to the leak the baseboard is coming in contact with outside air, and if it is in contact with that air enough to freeze it then you are also losing heat out of that pipe all the time. I would look at that first since it will save you energy costs then go from there.
They do make a special antifreeze for boilers but most of the HVAC guys I know only use it when they really need to, mostly for runs up to hydro air units in unconditioned attics.
IThe pipe did freeze and I intend to have the pipe rerouted and/or extra insulation added, there may be a hole in the siding allowing cold air in. Thanks for the info on the special antifreeze, this is a home unit; where can ai read about the antifreeze and its uses?
I don't know the brand my HVAC friends use, it comes in a 5 gallon bucket and you only add a small amount. I would check with local HVAC supply companies and also check with the boiler company to make sure which type is ok. Whoever you have service your heating system should be able to add it in a few minutes during your next service appointment.
All the baseboard I've ever seen in a house is just water, they do not use antifreeze. As I said in the first email, find all the air leaks and insulate and seal those areas and you'll be fine.
DDay is right. Find out why your lines are freezing. Fix it that way. Anti-freeze is used all the time in commercial buildings, but is rarely used in homes. [Its also toxic]. If you decide to use it make sure that you separate it from your domestic water. Luck.
I have twin hydronic hot air systems (one in attic and one in the basement) Because the attic unit is exposed to ambient air (freezing cold in winter) the whole system has antifreeze. It can be found in gallon jugs, plumbing supply stores carry the 5-gallon containers full.
The stuff may or may not be toxic, there are different varieties, it is often problematic to get the concentration correct, as well as getting the stuff into the system in the first place. I made a tank from some PVC pipe and connected a small rotoflex pump at the bottom to pump in what I need.
And it is effective.
Just be sure to check the anti-freeze from time to time to make sure it isn't turning acidic. Depending on the conditions, once a year is a good start. If the ph goes bad, you can expect the antifreeze to corrode your pipes.