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The Hydronic Heating Loop Some of the simplest ideas turn out to be the best. Hydronic heat, commonly referred to as hot water heating, offers the essence of simplicity and efficiency in heat distribution. Hot water generated by a boiler, hot water heater, or heat pump is circulated through piping to heat emitters placed strategically throughout a building providing warmth where is needed. These heat emitters may include baseboard radiation, kickspace heaters, radiant ceiling panels, or in-floor heating loops. Since heat emitters come in a variety of styles they can easily blend with the room decor. Heat emitters provide larger surface areas that quietly and quickly distribute heat to the surrounding area. Since water molecules tend to stick together the weight of water flowing down a return line offsets the weight of water rising up the supply side. A heating loop works like a continuous chain looped over a pulley. The weight of links rising is offset by the weight of links moving down. Very little energy is needed to keep a flow moving. Water molecules can hardly be compressed. When we increase pressure at one end of a pipe full of water the molecules move toward the other end. Connecting the piping in a loop and adding a pump to create a pressure differential causes the water to circulate. The pump only has to overcome the friction of the water flowing through the pipes. Unlike warm air heating that looses a percentage of its heating media to exfiltration, the hydronic system returns 100% back to the boiler to be fully reheated and cycled again. See Flash Demo |
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