How To Safely Add Glycol To Your Radiant Heat System
Glycol plays a crucial role in radiant heat systems, especially in climates where freezing temperatures are a concern. Glycol is antifreeze that stops water in pipes from freezing. This keeps systems running smoothly in cold weather. Knowing how to add glycol to a radiant heat system is crucial. It boosts efficiency and prevents expensive damage.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of safely adding glycol to your radiant heat system. Proper glycol levels will keep your system running well and protect it from freezing.
Preparing For The Process
Before adding Glycol heating and cooling systems to your radiant heating system, prepare properly. This ensures the process goes smoothly and safely.
Safety Precautions
Always prioritize safety when working with glycol. Glycol is a chemical compound that can irritate your skin or eyes if not handled properly. Wear protective gloves and eyewear to minimize direct contact with the solution.
Tools and Materials Needed
You’ll need a few tools and supplies to complete this process. These include:
- Glycol (Make sure you choose the correct type for your heating system, typically propylene glycol for residential systems)
- Funnel
- Pump (Manual or electric pump)
- Hose
- Wrenches
- Pressure gauge
Checking The System’s Compatibility
Not all radiant heat systems are designed to work with glycol, so it’s important to check your system’s specifications before proceeding. Using glycol in a system not meant for it can cause efficiency issues or damage. Consult your system’s manual or reach out to a technician if you’re unsure whether your system can handle glycol-based fluids.
Draining The System (If Necessary)
Before adding new glycol to the radiant heat system, you may need to drain the old fluid. This step is especially necessary if you’re replacing the old glycol or switching from water to a glycol mixture.
Turning Off The System
First, turn off your radiant heat system and allow it to cool down. Working with a hot system can lead to burns and increase the risk of pressure buildup.
Draining The Old Fluid
Locate the system’s drain valve, typically at the lowest point of the system, and attach a hose. Use the hose to direct the old fluid into a bucket or drain it safely. Open the valve and allow the old fluid to drain completely. If you are only topping off the system, you can skip this step and move on to mixing the glycol solution.
Mixing The Glycol Solution
One of the most important aspects of adding glycol to your system is mixing the right ratio of glycol to water. The correct mixture will vary depending on your local climate and the temperatures your system will be exposed to.
Determining The Glycol-To-Water Ratio
In colder climates, a higher concentration of glycol is needed to provide adequate freeze protection. Typically, a mixture of 40-50% glycol to water is ideal for most residential radiant heat systems. For milder climates, a lower concentration of glycol may suffice. Your system’s manual should provide guidelines on the recommended ratio.
Mixing The Solution
Once you’ve determined the correct ratio, mix the glycol and water in a clean container. Make sure to stir thoroughly to ensure an even solution. It’s best to use distilled water, as tap water can introduce minerals that may affect the system’s performance over time.
Injecting The Glycol Into The System
Now that your glycol solution is ready, it’s time to inject it into the radiant heat system. This process needs careful attention. It must avoid air bubbles and over-pressurizing the system.
Connecting A Pump To The Fill Valve
Most radiant heat systems have a fill valve located near the pressure gauge. Attach a hose to the valve and connect the other end to your pump. A manual pump will work, but an electric pump can make the process faster and easier.
Step-By-Step Process For Injecting Glycol
- Start the Pump: Begin pumping the glycol solution into the system. Monitor the pressure gauge closely to avoid overfilling the system. Most radiant heat systems should maintain a pressure between 12-25 psi, depending on the specific setup.
- Slowly Add the Solution: Gradually pump the solution into the system while keeping an eye on the pressure gauge. If the pressure exceeds the recommended level, release some fluid from the system until it stabilizes.
- Monitor the Pressure: As you fill the system, continue monitoring the pressure. The goal is to ensure that the system is filled without over-pressurizing or leaving air pockets that could affect the system’s performance.
Bleeding The System
After adding the glycol, it’s important to bleed the air from the system. Air bubbles can cause issues with heating efficiency and may even lead to noise in the pipes. Bleeding the system ensures smooth operation and proper fluid circulation.
Bleeding Techniques
- Locate the Bleeder Valve: Most radiant heat systems have a bleeder valve located at the highest point in the system. Open the valve slowly to release any trapped air.
- Monitor the Fluid Flow: As you bleed the system, keep an eye on the fluid flow. Once you see a steady stream of fluid without air bubbles, close the valve.
- Check the Pressure Again: After bleeding the system, check the pressure once more. If it’s too low, add more glycol solution. If it’s too high, release some fluid.
Testing And Monitoring
With the glycol now added and the system bled, it’s time to test the system to make sure everything is working properly.
Check For Leaks
Turn the system back on and let it run for a while. Check all connections and joints for any signs of leaks. If you find a leak, turn off the system, tighten the fittings, and recheck.
Monitor The Glycol Level
Over time, glycol levels can drop due to small leaks or evaporation. Periodically test the system’s glycol level and concentration. This ensures it can still prevent freezing. You can purchase a glycol tester to measure the concentration and top off the system as needed.
Why Professional Help Matters For Radiant Heat System Maintenance
Adding glycol to a radiant heat system is crucial. It prevents freezing and ensures efficiency. Whether topping off or replacing fluid, follow these steps: drain, mix, inject, and bleed. This keeps your system smooth. When in doubt, or if you encounter complex issues, seeking help from a professional HVAC contractor can be beneficial. For help, contact Teamworks Mechanical. They are a trusted provider for maintaining radiant heat systems.
Read More