I attended a conference hosted by the Building Performance Association and presented on air-to-water heat pump systems. Many professionals were interested in heat pumps, especially ductless air-to-air systems. One person mentioned the difficulty of finding qualified installers for air-to-water heat pumps and noted the higher cost compared to ductless air-to-air systems.
Flow direction is crucial in hydronic systems. Most designs have a fixed flow direction, but there are situations where reversals can occur. It's important to address these proactively to ensure smooth operations.
Primary/secondary piping is a way to achieve hydraulic separation by connecting multiple hydronic circuits with their own circulators to prevent interference. Using a pair of closely spaced tees is a common method to achieve this.
In rural upstate New York, residents harvest trees for firewood using chainsaws and hydraulic splitters. I burn about two face cords annually in my wood stove, enjoying its warmth during winter and relying on it during power outages caused by outdated utility lines.
I’ve written many PM columns discussing how air-to-water and geothermal water-to-water heat pumps can be combined with hydronic delivery systems to deliver efficiency AND superior comfort. This combination is a great solution for many consumers.
Learn more about the Hutterites, a branch of Anabaptists who live in colonies and operate large-scale farming operations in Western Canada and the upper Great Plains of the United States. Read on to discover some key differences between Hutterites and other similar groups such as the Amish and Mennonites.
In the 1980s, defective parts were occasionally received in the heating industry. Warranty issues were not too common back then and problems were quickly resolved by dealing with the supply house. No questions or paperwork were needed.
There is a growing interest in adding air-to-water heat pumps to existing hydronic heating systems. While I support their use, I do not recommend replacing a perfectly good cast-iron boiler that still has a long service life.
I try to be on time for appointments and call ahead if I'll be late. I pay attention to my surroundings and take notes on important details. It's important to silence your phone during meetings. Door widths and route planning are important when removing or installing equipment.
This webinar will show you four different methods for providing hydraulic separation, some of which may reduce the installation and operating cost of a system.