Как долить воду в систему отопления дома и что нужно?

Ни один теплоноситель не служит вечно. И воду, и антифриз периодически требуется пополнять или заменять. Не все владельцы отопительных систем знают, как долить воду в систему отопления. Нюансы долива зависят от объема и конструкции конкретной системы.

Как заполнить отопительный контур водой

Вода все еще является популярным теплоносителем, главным образом из-за своей дешевизны. При заполнении отопительных систем старой конструкции, с железными трубами среднего сечения и большими чугунными радиаторами использование воды даст существенную экономию ввиду большого общего объема системы. Вода также обладает практически идеальной вязкостью и теплоемкостью по сравнению с антифризами. Вязкость воды также заметно ниже, что снижает вероятность ее просачивания через уплотнения.

На этом достоинства воды заканчиваются. Даже подготовленная водопроводная вода содержит в себе большое количество растворенных минеральных добавок. В воде из колодца или скважины их может быть в десятки раз больше. Эти вещества в ходе эксплуатации отопительной системы при высоких температурах интенсивно оседают на стенках труб и теплообменников. При этом сужается эффективное сечение труб, понижается эффективность теплообмена, повреждаются детали насоса и расширительного бачка.

Содержащийся в воде кислород ведет к коррозии металлических деталей системы.

если принято решение заполнять отопительный контур водой, ее следует очистить от минеральных компонентов химическим путем или по крайней мере прокипятить и дать отстояться осадку.

И самая большая опасность воды как теплоносителя- при охлаждении ниже 0^оС она замерзает, превращаясь в лед и увеличивая при этом свой объем. Это приводит к разрушению труб и теплообменников, повреждению насосов.

Мало знать, как долить воду в систему отопления- необходимо еще и правильно определить ее объем.

Расчет объема

Перед заполнением отопительного контура необходимо рассчитать его внутренний объем.

Для этого суммируют объемы:

• котла;
• расширительной емкости;
• трубопроводов;
• радиаторов.

ЧТобы рассчитать обьем отопительного контура суммируют объемы котла, расширительной емкости, трубопроводов, радиаторов.

Внутренние объемы котла, расширительной емкости и радиаторов указываются в их сопроводительной документации. Они также приведены на сайтах производителей.

Объем трубы в кубометрах рассчитывается по формуле

где D- диаметр трубы, м

l- длина трубы, м

К расчетному объему добавляют поправочный коэффициент, т.е. умножают на 1,15.

Объем воды можно определить не только расчетным, но опытным путем. Для этого систему заполняют водой полностью и сливают ее в мерную емкость. Опытный более точен.

Правила выполнения подпитки отопления

В ходе эксплуатации отопительного контура периодически необходимо производить, долив воды, или подпитку. В системах открытого типа это можно сделать прямо в расширительный бачок, по нему же контролируют и уровень воды в системе. Если жидкость не достигла рабочей температуры, не следует заполнять бачок полностью. Нагревшись, вода расширится и польется через край.

В современных двухконтурных бойлерах имеется специальный клапан подпитки. Заполнение системы проводится следующим образом:

• присоединить водопроводный шланг к клапану подпитки;
• открыть вентиль в нижней точке контура рядом с котлом;
• открыть воздушный клапан в верхней точке трубопровода;
• при появлении воды из воздушного клапана закрыть вентиль подпитки и воздушный клапан.
• Если при запуске отопления в насосе слышно бульканье и звук струящейся воды, следует повторить стравливание воздуха через воздушный клапан.
• При заполнении системы рекомендуется открывать вентиль не более чем на ¼ сечения.

Если в систему была добавлена холодная вода с температурой 3-8 градусов, перед включением котла на полную мощность необходимо дать жидкости в контуре равномерно перемещаться, чтобы избежать гидравлических температурных ударов.

Как заполнить систему антифризом

Незамерзающие теплоносители, или антифризы, лишены большинства недостатков воды.

Они не замерзают при отрицательных температурах, не содержат примеси, откладывающиеся на стенках труб и теплообменников, не вызывают коррозию металлических деталей.

Заполнение системы антифризом

Автомобили и другие виды транспорта давно перешли на использование антифризов в своих системах охлаждения и отопления. В домашних системах такой переход в полном разгаре. 90 % вновь вводимых в строй систем использует антифризы.

Критерии выбора незамерзающей жидкости

Чтобы эффективно работать в отоплении, незамерзающая жидкость для отопления дома должна удовлетворять следующим условиям:

• низкая токсичность, исключающая угрозу здоровью жильцов в случае утечки;
• негорючесть самой жидкости и ее паров;
• нулевая коррозионная активность;
• низкая вязкость, обеспечивающая достаточную для эффективной циркуляции текучесть;
• теплоемкость, обеспечивающая перенос тепловой энергии от топки к радиаторам.

Большая часть предлагаемых на рынке составов выполнена на основе следующих веществ:

• этиленгликоля;
• пропиленгликоля;
• глицерина.

Ученые постоянно ведут разработку новых формул, отличающихся улучшенными энергетическими характеристиками и сниженной нагрузкой на окружающую среду.

Многие составы в чистом виде проявляют коррозионную активность. Поэтому их используют в разбавленном виде и добавляют присадки- ингибиторы. Добавки также снижают пенообразование, способствуют очищению компонентов системы.

Большинство производителей предлагают две климатические версии своих продуктов:

• концентрированная, не замерзающая до 65^оС;
• разбавленная, выдерживающая температуры до -30^оС.

При выборе состава для долива системы лучше всего использовать ту же самую марку того же производителя, что и была залита первоначально.

Смешивание антифризов разных марок, а тем более- с разными действующими веществами, может привести к резкому снижению их срока службы или даже к повреждению компонентов отопительного контура.

Антифризы имеют большую вязкость, чем вода. Поэтому они не подходят для отопительных контуров с естественной циркуляцией жидкости. При гидравлическом расчете системы и выборе мощности циркуляционного насоса следует учитывать паспортную вязкость выбранного теплоносителя.

В отличие от воды, антифризы весьма уязвимы со стороны перегрева системы. При повышенных температурах в них начинаются нежелательные химические реакции, газообразование и выпадение осадков. Большая часть нынешних бойлеров, рассчитанных на работу с незамерзающими составами, имеют аппаратное ограничение максимальной температуры в 80^оС

В руководстве пользователя отопительного прибора перечислены допустимые типы теплоносителей. Выход за пределы этого перечня ведет к утрате заводской гарантии.

Заполнение системы открытого типа

В открытых отопительных контурах теплоноситель циркулирует под атмосферным давлением. В верхней точке контура монтируется расширительная емкость, в нее выходит расширившаяся при нагревании жидкость. После охлаждения она поступает обратно в контур. В эту же емкость выходит попавший в систему воздух.

Такой контур можно заполнять под давлением через нижний вентиль. Можно и просто добавлять жидкость в расширительный бачок. Емкость заполняют до мерки, соответствующей температуре теплоносителя. Верхний уровень, на котором выходит дренажная трубка, соответствует максимальной температуре жидкости.

Систему отопления открытого типа можно заполнять под давлением через нижний вентиль

Добавлять его следует постепенно, давая время воздушным пробкам пройти по теплообменникам и трубопроводам и подняться в верхнюю точку.

После заполнения емкости следует проверить все воздушные клапаны на участках трубопроводов и радиаторах. Если где-либо была обнаружена и выпущена воздушная пробка, жидкость в бачок необходимо снова долить до заданного уровня.

Заполнение закрытой системы отопления

В таких системах отопительный контур герметичен и изолирован от атмосферы. Расширительный бачок имеет резиновую мембрану, пространство за которой заполнено сжатым воздухом при рабочем давлении. При расширении теплоносителя он проминает мембрану, увеличивая доступный объем и компенсируя тепловое расширение.

Долив антифриза в систему отопления удобнее проводить вдвоем. Кто-то заливает жидкость, а кто-то следит за воздушным клапаном, установленным в верхней точке контура. Если же помощника нет, можно подавать воду под самым малым напором и смириться с тем, что какое-то количество прольется в подставленную под клапан емкость. При этом придется также побегать по лестнице от вентиля до клапана.

Патрубок для подпитки системы устанавливается обычно в нижней точке контура, рядом с отопительным котлом. Его оснащают обратным клапаном, позволяющим подавать воду в систему, но препятствующим ее вытеканию обратно.

Если система заполнена водой, патрубок иногда напрямую присоединяют к подаче холодной воды, предусмотрев, разумеется, запорный вентиль. В противном случает воду подают с помощью гибкой подводки или резинового шланга, обжатого хомутами.

Контур заполняют до тех пор, пока давление на манометре бойлера не достигнет рабочего (чаще всего это полторы атмосферы).

После того, как жидкость начнет вытекать из верхнего воздушного клапана, следует сбросить воздух из всех остальных воздушных клапанов, продвигаясь от нижней точки контура к верхней.

Двухконтурные котлы, кроме отопления выполняющие еще и функцию горячего водоснабжения, содержат встроенный клапан подпитки. Это делает, долив воды в такие системы ещеудобнее.

При заполнении закрытой системы антифризом приходится использовать специальный насос, накачивающий теплоноситель в систему.

Насосы бывают как с электроприводом, так и ручные. Входной шланг опускается в емкость с теплоносителем, а выходной присоединяется к патрубку подпитки в нижней части контура.

Далее открывают верхний воздушный клапан, включают насос, и пополняют контур жидкость. до достижения рабочего давления на манометре. Стравливание воздуха проводят так же, как и в случае использования воды.

Современные модели бойлеров оснащены механизмом самостоятельного удаления воздушных пробок. Если такой механизм отсутствует или по каким-либо причинам не сработал, и при включении из циркуляционного насоса слышны булькающие и журчащие звуки, следует немного ослабить крепление его крышки, пока из-под нее не выйдет воздух и не выступит жидкость. После этого крышку затягивают. Если журчание продолжается, процедуру следует повторить до полного устранения посторонних звуков.

После пополнения теплоносителя недопустимо сразу включать котел на полную мощность. Необходимо дать поработать насосу до тех пор, пока теплоноситель в системе не перемешается, и температура его не выровняется, в противном случае возможно возникновение резких перепадов давления в системе вплоть до гидроударов. После этого можно выводить котел на рабочий режим.

Сроки эксплуатации бытового антифриза

Обычно время жизни антифризов на основе органики устанавливается производителем в 3-5 лет. После этого специальные добавки утрачивают свои защитные свойства и жидкость становится химически активной, вызывая коррозию металлических компонентов отопительного контура. Не позже истечения паспортного срока эксплуатации теплоноситель следует полностью слить и заменить на свежий. Выливать старый антифриз в канализацию недопустимо- его следует сдавать в утилизационные пункты.

90000 How to Maintain Hot Water Heating Systems 90001 90002 90003 90004 90003 Home & Garden 90004 90003 Interiors 90004 90003 Ventilation 90004 90003 How to Maintain Hot Water Heating Systems 90004 90013 90014 By Gary Hedstrom, Peg Hedstrom, Judy Ondrla Tremore 90015 90014 Hot water heating systems need a little maintenance, like venting the radiators and draining the boiler, to keep things running efficiently. Gravity and hot water furnaces are not often installed in new homes today, but similar systems with the old cast-iron radiators throughout the house were fixtures in homes built around 1900 and some of them are still working.Clanking, popping, and gurgling as they swing into action whenever the thermostat detects room temperatures dropping, they provide a relatively steady flow of heat without the drafts you get in forced-air furnaces. 90015 90014 Hot water systems are closed, meaning that the water constantly circulates through the pipes and into the boiler. Newer units have many zones with two water pipes linked to each zone: one circulating heated water to the rooms and the other returning the much cooler water back to the boiler to get reheated.In the older one-pipe series systems, hot water flowed from room to room, and then back again to the boiler in the same pipe. The last room on the circuit never got as warm as the first. 90015 90014 To maintain a system, you should lubricate the circulating pump motor. Use a lightweight oil such as 3-in-1, and pour it in the oil cup. 90015 90014 In the fall and throughout the heating season, you also need to vent or purge radiators that do not have an automatic purge system. To vent the radiator and drain the boiler, follow these directions: 90015 90002 90003 90014 Open the valves on radiators and convectors to let out air.90015 90014 Keep them open until water starts coming out. Be ready to catch the water in a bucket or container. 90015 90004 90003 90014 Close the valve. 90015 90014 Do not forget to drain the boiler to get rid of rust and mineral deposits. Read the manufacturer’s instructions, and then follow these steps: 90015 90004 90003 90014 Turn off the power and water. 90015 90014 Instead of the old cast-iron radiators, today’s units have free-standing or baseboard convectors. They’re less bulky, more efficient, and look much nicer than their ancestors and they provide the same amount of heat to all the rooms.The disadvantage of hydronic or hot water heat is that, because there is no duct work, you can not have central air. 90015 90004 90003 90014 Stick the end of a garden hose into the boiler drain cock. 90015 90004 90003 90014 Open the vent valves on a radiator located on the top floor of your house. 90015 90014 This lets air into the pipes which, in turn, makes the water bleed through the system. 90015 90004 90003 90014 Turn on the water supply valve so fresh water will flush through the system.90015 90014 The valve is located on the water pipe going into the furnace. 90015 90004 90003 90014 When the water stops running, close the drain cock and vents. 90015 90014 Even though they’re closed, the water will continue flowing into the boiler and through the system. 90015 90004 90013 90014 Systems with a pressure regulating valve automatically turn off the water when the boiler is full. With other systems, you must watch the pressure gauge. Refer to the owner’s manual to find out what level is recommended by the manufacturer, and then let out the air in each convector, if needed, until the pressure is at the operating level.90015 90068 About the Book Author 90069 90014 90071 Gary 90072 and 90071 Peg Hedstrom 90072 are self-taught repair masters with experience in carpentry, plumbing, appliance repair, and more. 90071 Judy Ondrla Tremore 90072 is a writer and editor for various newspapers and magazines. 90015 .90000 How to Prevent Scale Buildup in a Hot Water Heater Heating Element | Home Guides 90001 90002 By Rochelle Leggett Updated December 06, 2018 90003 90002 If you have hard water, the minerals in that water can cause problems for your appliances, including your hot water heater. Scale is a buildup of minerals inside of your hot water heater, mostly calcium and magnesium, which looks like white particles or pieces of paper in plumbing fixtures. This buildup can greatly reduce the estimated lifespan of your hot water heater, and so preventing scale is a way to keep your heater running well for many years.Apply a number of techniques to prevent the scale buildup from becoming a problem. 90003 90006 Flushing 90007 90002 Flushing the hot water unit involves draining it, which will remove particles floating in the tank. This is something that should be done about twice a year to help with the scale. To flush a hot water heater, turn off the gas or electricity to the heater. Close the cold water supply valve to prevent more water from entering the tank so that you can drain it completely. To help the water drain more efficiently, open up a hot water tap in a sink near the hot water heater before continuing.There should be a valve near the bottom that is designed for draining the tank. Connect a hose to the valve and put the other end of the hose where the water can safely drain, keeping in mind that it might be very hot at first. Open the drain valve and let the water drain out. Once the tank is empty, close the valve, open the cold water supply and turn the gas or electricity back on. 90003 90010 Temperature 90007 90002 One of the causes of scale buildup is heat. With many chemicals, the hotter the substance the chemical is dissolved in is, the more of that chemical can dissolve.This is not the case with the minerals in scale buildup. The hotter the water is, the more calcium and magnesium comes out of solution and forms solid deposits on the elements in your hot water heater. If your thermostat is too high, this can aggravate the problem. Most manufacturers recommend a temperature setting of about 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so setting your heater at this temperature and no higher is a good way to help prevent scale buildup without a lot of work. If hard water is a persistent problem for your home, however, it should not be your sole method of combating scale.90003 90014 Vinegar 90007 90002 You can prevent scale buildup chemically. Vinegar is a weak acid that is generally quite safe to use. If you have a solar heater, you can circulate a little diluted vinegar into the collector. For other models, you can use vinegar for cleaning after you drain the tank but before you reconnect the water and electricity. Close the drain valve and pour in a gallon of cider vinegar into the tank, then let it sit for six hours or longer. Afterward, open the drain valve with the draining hose attached and let some water flow through to flush out the vinegar.Close the draining valve and reconnect the electricity. For extra cleaning on electric water heaters, you can also remove the electrodes from the tank; there are typically electrodes at both the top and bottom of a tank. Soak these in vinegar or, if they have a significant mineral buildup, a deliming chemical. Removing the electrodes is a good way to determine if they need replacing, as you can inspect and test them while they are out of the tank. 90003 90018 Water Softener 90007 90002 While there are many things that you can do to prevent scale buildup, one of the most reliable of these is to invest in a water-softening system.This removes the ions dissolved in the water that cause the water to be «hard,» calcium and magnesium. A water-softening system must be maintained, as water-softening systems exchange the calcium and magnesium ions for another ion, usually sodium, the sodium ions will run out after a while and need replacement. Because hard water is damaging to pipes and appliances and it inhibits soaps and detergents, however, you may find using such a system worthwhile. 90003.90000 Recirculating Systems for Hot Water & Heating 90001 90002 90003 It’s early morning, and your routine begins. How cold does the bathroom floor feel under bare feet? How long does the shower run before any hot water actually comes out? How much cold and tepid water just went down the drain? These are woes that can irritate many on a daily basis. There are those, however, that never deal with them. Floors and rooms are evenly heated, and piping hot water is delivered quickly, if not instantly: enter the world of recirculation.90004 90003 Using either pumps or natural convection (in a passive system), recirculation systems advance the flow of hot water from your boiler or water heater through your home and back to the heat source. These systems are most commonly used in radiant floor and baseboard hydronic heating, or to reduce and even eliminate the wait for hot water in fixtures around the home. Clearly, the main benefit here is water conservation. Recirculation saves the many gallons of water that are wasted running faucets for hot water, and hydronic heating circulates the same water over and over again.There’s also the comfort and convenience that comes with quick hot water at even the furthest fixture in the home. Add to this that most users of underfloor heating seem to be more than satisfied with it, and you might even begin considering recirculation for your own home. It’s not just about saving water, though, and there are a number of important points to consider regarding energy efficiency, convenience and performance. 90004 90003 There are two kinds of recirculation systems: closed or open.90004 90009 90010 Closed Systems: Hydronic Heating 90011 90003 Cast-iron pumps are designed for closed systems. Closed systems are usually associated with hydronic heating and cooling applications like radiant floors and baseboard systems. These are systems into which fresh water is not introduced, and excess oxygen has been removed with some type of air vent, air eliminator or air purger. Were this not the case, and fresh water was regularly circulated (as in an open system), the iron would quickly rust, eventually polluting the water reaching fixtures and causing failure of the pump.This is why cast-iron pumps should not be used for the potable applications of domestic hot water circulation (open) systems. 90004 90003 In a home-heating set-up, the pump is hooked up to a boiler, and replenishes the hot water in the heating system’s tubing while moving the cooler water back into the boiler. Many find radiant floor and baseboard hydronic heating systems to be more comfortable than standard forced-air systems. This is largely due to the fact that the heat in these systems is distributed over a large area of ​​floor and / or wall, essentially creating one big radiator.Heat moves up slowly through the air, warming the body gently and effectively. This is in contrast to most forced-air systems where the bulk of the heat is quickly pushed near the ceiling, resulting in an uncomfortable stratification of room temperature. Some users of these types of hydronic systems also cite improved air quality due to the lack of dust and other particles being forced through their home’s air. However, many forced-air systems can be filtered, and with hydronic systems, dust merely settles around the house and still needs to be dealt with.90004 90003 Radiant floor heating often takes longer to bring a room’s temperature up than does forced-air heating, especially if the system has been off for some time. The quality of heat that is eventually produced, however — balanced, evenly distributed, and allergen-free — is usually enough to make up for the temporary inconvenience. With these systems, special attention must be paid to the flooring material they’re under. Wood and laminate floors in particular can be damaged from water temperatures that are too high.Radiant-floor heating is usually not recommended for carpeted floors, as the carpet insulation makes it difficult for heat to radiate up through the floor. 90004 90003 Hydronic heating is not immune to freezing and ruptures. In cold climates, propylene glycol is often mixed with the heating system’s water as an anti-freeze. This is important for homes with piping that could potentially be exposed to freezing temperatures, and homes that may be vacant for a time. Many circulating pumps can safely handle a 50/50 mix of water and propylene glycol.90004 90003 Hydronic heating systems can be quite complex, and design and installation can be challenging. Because of this, we highly recommend that those considering such a system have the design and installation carried out by a professional well-versed in hydronic heating. 90004 90009 90010 Open Systems: Hot Water Circulation 90011 90003 An open system is connected to your main water supply by way of the water heater. Fresh water is regularly introduced as water is used at fixtures. Pumps used in these systems are made of either bronze or stainless steel — materials that will not rust.A dedicated return line to the water heater, or the home’s existing cold water line, can be used to return cooled water for reheating. These systems are primarily for use in domestic hot water applications, like providing «instant» hot water to all of your home’s fixtures. Instead of waiting minutes for hot water to reach the shower at the far end of the house, it can be delivered instantly, or in several seconds. The cold water that would have normally gone down the drain is recycled back to the heater.These systems are most often found in hospitals, hotels, and large buildings, but have found their way into more homes thanks to greater efficiency and lower prices. 90004 90027 Example of Traditional Recirculating Water System 90028 Dedicated Return or Bypass Valve? 90029 90003 Open systems with a dedicated return line are usually found in older homes or incorporated into new homes during the construction phase. Installation of a return line in an existing structure is difficult and often cost-prohibitive.Return lines are ideal, however, since they are independent of the supply lines and will not mix warm water with cold. When a return line is not possible, the cold water line can be used to transport water back to the heater using a pump installed at the water heater and a special bypass valve installed under the fixture farthest from the heater. Though convenient and easy to install (and often the only option for a retrofit), such systems can create a slight reversal of the original problem: to get truly cold water, the faucet may need to run a bit.Bypass valves close at a set temperature, so any water below that threshold will flow into the cold water line: if a valve is set to close at 103 ° F, some 102 ° F water will mix with the cold water supply. While this is not quite the annoyance that waiting for hot water is, it is something to keep in mind. 90004 90003 As with any mechanical device, it is possible for a bypass valve to fail. Rare though it may be, it is worth keeping in mind: were this to happen, it’s possible that water directly from the heater — at up to 140 ° — will flow through the cold water line, leaving nothing but extremely hot water at all of your fixtures.As a safety measure, you might consider adding a tempering valve to the hot water line, before the bypass valve. In the event of a bypass valve failure, this guarantees that the water going into the cold line is at a reasonable temperature (that is to say, non-scalding). Adding a check valve between the cold line and the tempering valve will ensure that no additional hot water flows into the cold line. 90004 90003 Also worth noting is that when cold water is used at a fixture, where the special bypass valve is installed, the pressure in that line will drop.If the bypass valve is open at the time, warm water will flow through. This will in turn move water out of the heater, which is replaced by water from the main supply and heated. So even when only cold water is used, the water heater may turn on, wasting energy. 90004 90036 90003 90038 Tankless? 90039 If you have a tankless water heater, extra research must be done if a recirculation system is being considered. Recirculating pumps generally have a low flow-rate, and may not have the draw necessary to activate some tankless heaters, and a small storage tank may need to be incorporated into the system.Worse yet, installation of some pumps may cause damage or void a tankless water heater’s warranty. 90004 90041 90028 Control Options 90029 90003 Pumps used in water re-circulation systems can run continuously, or be activated by a timer, thermostat, control panel, or motion sensor. What type of control is used depends on the energy savings and convenience desired. A pump that’s always running guarantees instant hot water at every fixture, but operating the pump continually and routinely heating water will use energy even when unnecessary and can shorten the life of the pump.90004 90003 Those aiming for efficiency have a few options. Timers allow the pump to run only at set times, when demand for hot water is at its highest. This is often in the mornings and evenings for showers and dishes. The rest of the time, demand is greatly reduced (or non-existent if no one is home during the day). This lessens the load on the pump and water heater, but can be inconvenient if hot water is needed outside the set times: the pump will need to be turned on manually, or the faucet will need to run.Remote switches are available for many pumps, allowing the pump to be activated from anywhere in the home. 90004 90003 A thermostat can be used in addition to a timer, or by itself. The thermostat shuts off the pump when the high temperature is reached inside the hot water line, and turns it back on when the temperature drops below a certain point. When used with a timer, the thermostat will only operate the pump during the timer’s on cycle, making the system even more efficient. In systems with a dedicated return line, the thermostat is usually installed on that line rather than the hot water line to ensure that the pump does not shut off prematurely.90004 90003 For the greatest efficiency in pump-driven hot water recirculation, one must be willing to give up on the dream of instant hot water and settle for waiting a few seconds using an on-demand system. On-demand systems rely on the user to activate the pump at the fixture when hot water is needed. This can be done using a button or switch control on the wall, or with motion detectors that turn the pump on when somebody enters the room. Because hot water is only pumped into the lines when activated, it will take a short amount time for it to reach the fixture you’re at.90004 90003 One of our most popular on-demand offerings is the ACT D’MAND Kontrols System. This innovative setup features a recirculating pump, a wall-mounted activation switch, and a thermal sensor placed on the main hot water line that turns the pump off once water temperature going through it has gone up by 6 degrees. The inclusion of this thermal sensor makes for a safer system when using the cold line as the return, since truly hot water is never allowed to enter it. And because the pump runs no longer than needed, energy is saved as well.90004 90003 By operating only when there is a demand for hot water, energy use is greatly reduced. In fact, on-demand systems are the only type of home hot water recirculation accepted by the EPA’s WaterSense program, and many states and counties are even offering rebates on new installations. 90004 90010 Is Recirculation Worth It? 90011 90003 Whatever the options or controls, these systems do save water. How much they save is difficult to determine, and varies with every household. You could get an idea of ​​how much water is wasted by taking a day to track it.Instead of letting the cold water go down the drain, run your faucets into a bucket and use the water for pets, plants, toilet flushing, etc. You’ll have an idea of ​​your typical water waste, and what you do with that information is a judgment call: in many places, water is cheaper than energy, and adding the cost of a pump, installation, electricity, and potentially increased water heater use may negate any money-saving benefit initially thought possible. The energy use of modern recirculating pumps is minimal, with some using as little as 65 watts.However, please also consider that the main point of concern regarding energy use in any hot water heating system is heat-loss from the hot water pipes and the subsequent reheating of that water. Insulating the hot water lines is crucial to prevent as much heat-loss as possible. 90004 90003 As always, there is a trade-off between efficiency and convenience. Those more concerned with instant hot water and reduced water-waste may find more benefit in a continuous pump driving their recirculation system.Though energy bills may go up, the comfort and luxury of never having to wait for hot water may be worth it to some. Others may be willing to accept a brief wait — especially if they would otherwise have an excessive one — for their hot shower. And the better-insulated the hot water line, the shorter that wait will be. 90004 90003 Recirculation systems are not the only way to hasten the delivery of hot water, nor are they the only way to save water. Depending on the situation, they may end up being too expensive, inefficient or impractical.If you’re waiting too long for your hot water, are tired of wasting it, or are concerned about wasting energy through heat loss, there are a number of simple and inexpensive things you can do before taking the plunge into recirculation. If your water lines are not insulated, remedy that immediately. Try low-tech approaches, like capturing cool water in a bucket while you wait for hot; you’re likely to find all kinds of uses for this would-be waste water. 90004 90003 New homes may enjoy the same benefits as a recirculating system using only design features, like placing fixtures as close to the water heater as possible.If you’re having a home built, consult with thethe architect and contractor to find out what can be done to minimize water waste and decrease hot water delivery times. If a recirculation system is chosen, be sure to install a dedicated return line while it’s still easy. Passive recirculation (or a «gravity loop») is often cited as an option in some circumstances, but is not something we recommend. Instead of a pump, these systems utilize convection and gravity to maintain a steady flow of hot water to your fixtures.In these systems, the water heater must be at a lower level than the home’s fixtures (usually in a basement). Passive systems continually push water back into the heater, causing it to work around the clock. This wastes energy and could result in unnecessary wear and tear on the heater. 90004 90009 90003 We all know that 90038 a lot 90039 of water is wasted every day waiting for it to get hot. Recirculation systems save that water, and provide the added boon of delivering near-instant hot water to every fixture in the home.We’ve explored some of the caveats, benefits and alternatives, giving you the information you need to make the best decision for your home. Always remember: however you decide to go about it, conserving water is vital, and your efforts to do so reward not only your household and wallet, but your community as well! 90004 90003 Ready to shop for a new Grundfos circulator pump? 90004 90073 .90000 How Can It Help Your Health? 90001 90002 Drinking hot water can provide your body with the water it needs to replenish fluids. It can also improve digestion, relieve congestion, and even make you feel more relaxed. 90003 90002 Most people who drink hot water as a holistic health remedy do so first thing in the morning or right before bed for optimal health benefit. 90003 90002 Warm water to a temperature between 120 ° F and 140 ° F. Hot water should not be hot enough to scald your taste buds (temperatures of 160 ° F or more can scald and result in significant burns).90003 90002 Add a twist of lemon for a vitamin C boost, and you’re already on your way to better health. 90003 90002 Here are 10 ways that drinking hot water may benefit you. 90003 90002 The warmth of hot water creates steam. Taking a deep inhale of this gentle vapor while holding a cup of hot water can help loosen clogged sinuses and even relieve a sinus headache. 90003 90002 Since you have mucous membranes throughout your neck and upper torso, drinking hot water can help warm that area and soothe a sore throat caused by mucous buildup.90003 90002 Drinking hot water both soothes and activates your digestive tract. Water is, after all, the lubricant that keeps your digestion going. As the water moves through your stomach and intestines, digestive organs are better hydrated and able to eliminate waste. 90003 90002 Hot water can also dissolve and dissipate things you’ve eaten that your body might have had trouble digesting. 90003 90002 Drinking hot water can calm your central nervous system and lubricate your body. When your nervous system is primed for healthy and controlled reactions, you’ll find that you feel fewer aches and pains, as well as less panicked throughout your day.90003 90002 A person who has arthritis might get an extra benefit from using hot water — to calm their central nervous system. 90003 90002 Drinking hot water helps your intestines to contract. When that happens, old waste trapped in your intestines is able to pass out of your body. Drinking hot water regularly helps keep you, well, regular. But drinking it occasionally when you’re constipated is not a bad idea, either. 90003 90002 Hot water is no different than room temperature or cool water when it comes to keeping you hydrated.90003 90002 A common recommendation from health authorities is that an adult should drink eight 8-ounce glasses (about 2 liters or a half gallon) of water a day. That’s a hard target for many people to hit. 90003 90002 Starting your day with a serving of hot water and ending your day with another will get you that much closer to being adequately hydrated. Your body needs water to perform basically every essential function, so the value of that can not be overstated. 90003 90002 Drinking hot water wakes your body’s temperature control system up.As your body compensates for the warm temperature of the water, it brings your internal temperature down, and activates your metabolism. 90003 90002 Hot water also helps your intestines contract to clear out waste products that are bloating your body, which gets rid of the dreaded «water weight.» 90003 90002 Taking a warm bath helps your circulatory organs — your arteries and veins — to expand and carry blood more effectively throughout your body. Drinking hot water can have a similar effect. 90003 90002 Healthy blood flow affects everything from your blood pressure to your risk of cardiovascular disease.As a bonus, warmth from drinking hot water or bathing at nighttime can help relax you and prepare you for restful sleep. 90003 90002 Since drinking hot water helps improve central nervous system functions, you might end up feeling less anxious if you drink it. If you add some warm milk to the mix, you might find that you’re feeling even more calm than after drinking hot water, according to one study. 90003 90002 Drinking hot water temporarily begins to raise your internal body temperature. When you drink hot water, or when you take a warm bath, your body’s endocrine system activates and you start to sweat.90003 90002 And while sweating might be uncomfortable, it’s an essential part of getting rid of toxins and irritants that you’re exposed to in your environment. 90003 90002 Achalasia is a condition during which your esophagus has trouble moving food down into your stomach. 90003 90002 People with achalasia (and with eosinophilic esophagitis) have trouble swallowing and also sometimes feel like foods get «stuck» (dysphagia) in their esophagus instead of moving to the stomach. 90003 90002 Researchers are not sure why, but warm water can help people with achalasia to digest more comfortably.Drinking warm water with oily food or a meat-heavy meal might be especially helpful for people with this diagnosis. 90003 90002 Drinking hot water has plenty of benefits, but it is not a magical cure-all. And drinking water that’s 90053 too 90054 hot can actually damage the tissue in your esophagus, burn your taste buds, and scald your tongue. Be very careful when you drink hot water — pay attention to the temperature. 90003 90002 You should not drink hot water if you’re working in a hot climate or exercising.Research shows that drinking hot water makes you less thirsty. If you’re environment or activity raises your risk of being dehydrated, give yourself the best chance you can to stay hydrated by 90053 s 90054 drinking hot water. 90003 90002 Getting into the habit of drinking hot water does not take a lot of work. Starting your day with water that’s been boiled and left to cool is an easy way to switch out your morning coffee. 90003 90002 Add a light session of stretching to your routine, and you’ll feel more energized and better equipped to tackle your day.90003 90002 If the taste of warm water does not appeal to you, add a twist of citrus — like lemon or lime — to the beverage before you drink it. 90003 90002 Drinking warm water before bed is a great way to wind down after a busy day. Knowing about the health benefits will have you sleeping soundly. 90003.