Residential Hydronic Heating Systems Introduction : Mechanical Room Equipment

 Introduction to Hydronic System Components:

• Hydronic systems have components located in the mechanical (boiler) room and living areas.

• Focus on the major components in the mechanical room.

Subsystems of Hydronic Heating:

• Heat Source: Converts fuel into energy to heat water.

• Boilers are the most common heat source.

• Different types of boilers: Electric, gas, oil, and solid fuel (coal, wood).

• Distribution System: Circulates hot water through pipes.

• Expansion Tank: Allows water to expand and contract without damaging the system.

• Circulators: Pumps that move water through the system.

• ECM Circulators: Energy-efficient, adjust speed based on system demands.

• Delta P Circulators: Maintain constant pressure.

• Delta T Circulators: Maintain a constant temperature difference between supply and return.

• Heat Emitters: Deliver heat to different zones in the house.

• Zone Valves: Control fluid flow to different zones.

• Zone Thermostats and Relays: Manage the opening and closing of zone valves based on temperature.

• Controls: Regulate the system's operation.

• Aquistat (Temperature Limiting Control): Maintains water temperature within a set range.

• Signals the boiler's burner to turn on/off based on water temperature.

Heat Pumps in Hydronic Systems:

• Air-to-Water Heat Pumps: Use ambient air to heat water, with the condenser typically outside.

• Water-to-Water Heat Pumps: Use ground water, often referred to as geothermal heat pumps, with the condenser inside.

• Heat pumps are less common than boilers but are more efficient in terms of heat output.