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Re: Zoned Hydronic Hot Water Heating System

From: jphuard@sympatico.ca
Category: Plumbing
Remote Name: 69.157.119.217
Date: 03 Jan 2006
Time: 07:19 PM

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Question: I have a hot water heating system that supplies heat to two apartments controlled by one thermostat in one of the apartments. I have no thermostat in my apartment so it gets too hot at times. There is a large radiator in my apartment, which I would have cut out when the heat gets too high in my apartment, when the other apartment's heat demand is at a peak. The big radiator is fed directly from the boiler. I was thinking of installing some sort of solenoid-operated valve or similar device hooked up to a thermostat in my own apartment so it would cut off when the place gets too hot. I would appreciate some sort of answer as to what would be the best way to proceed on this problem. John P Huard. Fort Erfie On.Canada.

Builders Websource® Answer: Dear John. You have the right idea. Since your hydronic system was not designed as a dual-zone system, you'll need to create a secondary zone in your apartment using a solenoid-activated or other non-electric type of valve. Several companies make high quality solenoid valves, including Hayes Electronic Controls (such as ElectroFlo or ElectroSteam) depending on the water termperature in your closed system. Hayes makes high quality products and has been a long-time supplier of precision valves for the military. For more information on Hayes valves, visit: http://www.haysfluidcontrols.com. Honeywell and Taco also make solenoid-actuated valves specifically engineered for hydronic heating systems. A solenoid-actuated valve, of course, requires power and an electronic thermostat. This gets a little more complicated, though not insurmountable.

Alternatively, consider a product line such as Ammark Corp's non-electric air or water-sensing valves. These devices have adjustable temperature ranges and can mount directly to your radiator or along an suitable point in your supply line. By measuring air temperature or water temperature in your apartment, you can set the valve to automatically turn off at a preset temperature threshold. For more information on Ammark Corp hydronic valves, visit: http://www.ammarkcorp.com

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