Grundfos Alpha Circulator
Forced Hot Water Heating Systems
Or FHW… is generally the system installed today in Hydronic heating. This type of heat uses a circulator or pump to move water around a loop of piping or tubing. The type of emitters can vary as to taste or budget and time period when the building was built.
Cochecho Plumbing and Hydronic Heating …services and installs
> Hot water baseboard- or Copper fin tube This developed as a inexpensive alternative to heating home after WWII when houses were built at a fast pace. It works on heated water flowing through copper tubing and the convective air currents working through the aluminum fins. Usually the water is at higher temps (180-200F) But can be designed to work at lower temps.
Large CI Radiatorquik trac radiant fl.
>Radiant floor systems- This type of emmiter works on a principle that if the floor is warm…your feet are warm… you will be warm. Gaining in popularity in the 80s &90s it actually dates back to the Roman times where they burned wood to heat the floors by Hypocausts. Today there are multiple ways to install the tubing in floors either by tubing attached under a wood floor, on top of a floor w. spacers or in a concrete slab. Depending on the application water temps can range from 85F to 165F.
>Radiant panel radiators- Generally seen in western European countries these steel radiators are gaining popularity in the States. I elected to have these in my own home. Combined w/ Thermostatic radiator valves or TRV’s they can offer precise controlling of the temp of a room w/ the twist of a knob. temps again if designed right can range from 130-180F.
>Cast iron radiators- The traditional radiator that can be generally used for Hot water or steam still is a classic way to heat older homes in New England. Besides the rugged make up of this emmiter the cast iron heats up slowly and cools slowly this
allows for a more uniform heat. These generally run at lower temps in the 140-160F range.