For any homeowner, keeping their house warm and comfortable throughout the winter is of utmost importance. Ensuring the proper functioning of your heating system is crucial for preserving a comfortable indoor temperature. Using non-freezing liquid is one practical approach to maximize the performance of your heating system. This post will discuss the advantages of adding non-freezing liquid to your home’s heating system as well as how to do it.
Your heating system is more likely to freeze as the temperature drops. During the winter, traditional water-based heating systems are susceptible to freezing, which can lead to serious damage and expensive repairs. Many homeowners choose non-freezing liquid to protect their heating systems in order to avoid this. This fix extends the life and efficiency of your system in addition to keeping it from freezing.
Antifreeze, another name for non-freezing liquid, is a specially made solution that keeps your heating system running even in very cold weather. This fluid, which is typically made of ethylene or propylene glycol, is perfect for cold climates because it has a lower freezing point than water. You can create a barrier of protection that keeps your heating system operating efficiently no matter how cold it gets outside by adding non-freezing liquid to it.
It’s important to know how non-freezing liquid works and what it does for your heating system before adding it. Non-freezing liquid, as opposed to water, doesn’t freeze and burst in below-freezing temperatures because it stays liquid. By doing this, you safeguard not only your heating system but also avoid the inconvenience of a broken system during the winter and possible repair expenses.
Using non-freezing liquid also has the benefit of increasing your heating system’s overall efficiency. The solution ensures that heat is transferred more efficiently, keeping your house cozy and warm while using less energy. You can maximize the efficiency of your heating system and minimize the impact on the environment and your energy costs by using non-freezing liquid.
Step | Description |
1. | Prepare the non-freezing solution according to the manufacturer"s instructions. |
2. | Turn off the heating system. |
3. | Locate the filling point, often found near the boiler. |
4. | Attach a hose to the filling point. |
5. | Pour the non-freezing solution into the heating system using the hose. |
6. | Monitor the pressure gauge to ensure the correct pressure is maintained. |
7. | Bleed the radiators to remove any air trapped in the system. |
8. | Check for any leaks. |
9. | Once filled, turn the heating system back on and test to ensure it"s working properly. |
- Types of coolants
- Water
- Ethylene glycol
- Propylene glycol
- Glycerol
- Antifreeze filling technology
- Designation of the heating system
- Calculation of the required amount of coolant
- Tools and materials for work
- Video on the topic
- Why use antifreeze in the heating system of a country house
- What, why and where you need to pour into a heating system!
- How to fill and desalinate the heating system with water or antifreeze
Types of coolants
Three primary types of substances are used to fill heating systems with liquid coolant: pure water, non-freezing fluid solutions, and pure antifreeze.
Water today is the main type of coolant in industrial and autonomous heating systems. It is compared with other types and in case of accidents or the need to drain the system is not so expensive. The process of preparing water for use even on an industrial scale allows you to clean it from impurities and salts of metals to the desired quality, while the service life of such prepared water is almost unlimited. The lack of water lies in its physical properties, when freezing it is crystallized and ice forms. The ice in a closed space begins to expand, which is why most accidents in heat supply networks are happening. Frozen areas with torn pipes of pipes must be replaced with new ones, since placing beaks a few meters long is simply unrealistic.
The heating system of the house with an antifreeze solution poured into the circuit is more adapted to the conditions of temporary shutdown. Aqueous solution of non -freezing fluid is able to withstand low temperatures that drop far beyond -20 0 s. The solution has all the qualities of liquid coolant comparable to water, about the same heat capacity, the same viscosity and dynamics of the density change, but the freezing temperature below. From the point of view of the costly component, the use of a solution is more expensive than purified water. Especially if it concerns the heat supply of urban microdistricts, but for a private house or a separate apartment, this is one of the best options. That is why the owners of suburban houses and cottages come rationally, and prefer this option how to pour non -freezing into the heating circuit.
The most common application for antifreeze is as a cooling liquid for internal combustion engines. However, non-freezing is now available for both industrial and residential real estate from the chemical industry. The ability of antifreeze to withstand low temperatures is what gives it its value. The crystallization threshold for some varieties of antifreeze can be as low as -30, -40, or even -65 degrees Celsius.
Water
The least expensive, safest, and most readily available coolant is water. Its density is 1000 kg/m3 at 0 degrees, 998 kg/m3 at +20 0 s, and 971 kg/m3 at +80 0 s. When heated to +80 0 C, its small expansion factor is 0.643. The constant need for valves in open systems stems from evaporation that occurs during boiler operation. Heat from the water releases hydrogen, which typically builds up in radiators and forms air plugs. As a result, the air pressure in the radiators must be lowered.
The degree of its rigidity in water is determined by the presence of several chemical elements and compounds, including iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, sulfides, nitrates, and nitrites. The ideal stiffness indicator has an ECL/L of no more than 7-9 mg. Acid balance is defined as a pH between 8.0 and 9.5. A dissolved oxygen indicator of 0.05 mg/m 3 is ideal.
As a result of the water going through several heating cycles during operation, salt and other insoluble materials settled on the interior walls and created scale inside the boiler’s heat exchanger. However, the metal’s corrosive process slows down over time if water is left in pipes year-round and does not combine with the air during the summer. The risk of freezing in below-freezing temperatures is its biggest disadvantage. When the room’s temperature drops below zero degrees Celsius, the water in the pipes and radiators freezes and turns into ice, which then slowly starts to expand and bursts.
Ethylene glycol
Drivers are more familiar with and understand the concept of non-freezing fluid; without antifreeze, it is hard to imagine operating a car in the winter today. Consequently, ethylene glycol’s ability to maintain its liquid state at low temperatures was helpful for the house’s independent heating.
Currently available on the market are two varieties of ethylene glycol solutions: the first freezes at -35 degrees Celsius, while the second can withstand temperatures as low as -65 0 s. Typically, an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol with a mass fraction of 52% and a freezing point of -40 0 s is used. The solution has a density of 1108 kg/m 3 at -40 0 C, -1092 kg/m 3 at 0 0 C, and -1045 kg/m 3 at +80 C. Kinematic viscosity is 100 at -40, 0 to 9.5 at 0 and 1.0 at +80.
Pure ethylene glycol is colorless and odorless. Under typical circumstances, ethylene glycol boils at +197 0 C.
The drawback of ethylene glycol is that it is not toxic; when taken orally, it can harm the kidneys and central nervous system in humans. A dose that is lethal to an individual happens at a concentration of 1.4 g/kg. It is only utilized in closed heating systems for this reason, and it is painted a signal raspberry color.
Propylene glycol
Propylene glycol is a colorless liquid with a distinct odor. It is regarded as an all-purpose material for closed- and open-type equipment. He is stained green because he is non-toxic and safe for humans. The temperature at which crystals form is 60 degrees Celsius. The boiling point of it in its undiluted state is + 187 0 C.
In essence, an aqueous solution with a boiling temperature of +108 0 C and a freezing threshold of -40 0 C is used. Density at +20 0C with 1044 kg/m3, and 999 kg/m3 after heating to 80 0S. Kinematic viscosity at +80 0-1.1 degrees Celsius and 0 degrees 18 is 150 units when cooled to – 30 0 conditions.
The benefit of this propylene glycol is that, even in low-quality steel pipes, it essentially does not promote corrosion due to its low aggressiveness toward ferrous metal.
Glycerol
In contrast to other non-freezing antifreeze types, antifreeze based on glycerol loses in the freezing threshold indicator, measuring 30 degrees, while the maximum heating threshold is +105 0 C. However, an antifreeze of this kind clearly prevails and has additional advantages.
- It is chemically neutral, and protects the internal metal surfaces from corrosion;
- The life of it is longer than 8 years, despite the fact that ordinary antifreeze requires replacement after 5 years;
- Glycerin can be added to ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, if necessary, add the missing volume – it is absolutely safe and compatible with these substances.
- Before pouring non -freezing based on glycerol into the circuit after another antifreeze, there is no need to do the washing of the pipes, which significantly reduces the reduction in the replacement process.
When it comes to heating and insulating your house, one essential aspect is pouring non-freezing liquid into the heating system. This step is crucial, especially in regions where temperatures drop below freezing. By pouring non-freezing liquid, you protect your heating system from damage caused by freezing temperatures. To pour non-freezing liquid into your heating system, start by turning off the system. Next, locate the filling loop and attach a hose. Then, open the valves and let the non-freezing liquid fill the system. Once the system is full, close the valves and remove the hose. Finally, bleed the radiators to remove any air. Regularly check the non-freezing liquid levels to ensure your system stays protected, particularly before the winter season. By following these steps, you can effectively pour non-freezing liquid into the heating system of your house, ensuring it stays functional and protected during cold weather.
Antifreeze filling technology
In order to prevent fraud, it is imperative to verify the system’s integrity before pouring non-freezing. This method’s main purpose is to test the entire design using actual working air pressure. Because ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and even glycerin have different physical and chemical properties from water, it is also necessary to do this before adding antifreeze. The actual crimping process doesn’t involve expensive equipment or complicated steps; all actions are straightforward and can be carried out independently.
Designation of the heating system
Additionally installed is an adapter with a thread for the purpose of conducting crimping to the drain cranes. It has a design attached to it that includes an American adapter, a crane, a tee with a manometer, another crane, and an adapter for attaching a hose. A standard car pump will suffice for a small house or one-room apartment; for larger volumes, a compressor is preferable.
Before pumping the circuit, all the taps on the heating boiler are overlapped – the fact is that modern boilers in their design have a valve, which grows air, so it needs to be isolated from the rest of the elements. After the valves of the boiler is blocked by pumping air into the pipes. To check the tightness of pipes compounds, it is enough to create pressure in 2-2.5 atmospheres. To test pipelines under pressure, remain 1 day, during which time the pressure can decrease by 0.3-0.5 atmospheres. For a house with 3 rooms and utility rooms, in which 6-8 batteries are installed normally. To finally make sure that all joints are hermetic and there is no leak, it is worth leaving the download for another day. If the manometer has not changed the testimony, then the contour is sealed and is ready to refuel with non -freezing.
Calculation of the required amount of coolant
It is important to determine the volume of fluid required to fully fill each component of the heating system before adding antifreeze.
A calculator and reference data—which are listed on the packaging of pipes, radiators, and boiler operating instructions—will be needed for the task. Reference data from the locations of equipment manufacturing facilities is also available.
The method is very straightforward: the total volume of all components is summed up to determine the amount of coolant needed for the home’s heating system. Therefore, the following reference data are used in the calculation:
- The type of type 11 radiator is 0.25 liters for every 10 cm length (height is 500 mm);
- The radiator of the steel type is 22 – 0.5 liters for every 10 cm length (height 500 mm);
- Aluminum section – 0.45 liters;
- Bimetallic section-0.3-0.35 liters per section;
- Cast iron elements of new models-1.0-1.25 liters per section;
- Sections of cast-iron casting of the old sample-1.8-2.0 liters per section;
- Sections of cast-iron enlarged issues of the 30-50s-5.6-6.2 liters in one section;
- Plastic pipe 20 mm – 0.17 liters in 1 epa meter;
- Plastic pipe 25 mm – 0.3 liters per 1 meter linear;
- Steel pipes:
15. ½ inches, or 0.17 liters per meter;
20 mm or ½ inch = 0.3 liters/meter;
25 mm (1 inch) = 0.49 liter/meter;
32 mm (1 1/4 inch) equals 0.8 liters per meter;
1.25 liters/meter – ½ inch (40 mm);
1.96 liters per meter at 2 inches (50 mm).
In reality, unexpected circumstances frequently arise when filling pipes and radiators. For instance, compounds may depressurize; antifreeze is a more fluid fluid than water; additionally, it is unlikely that some compounds will require conversion. Because of this, when calculating, its stock is also considered. At around 10% of the needed volume, this is sufficient to account for the situation’s force majeure.
Tools and materials for work
The main difference between filling an open and closed type heating system is that with an open type, you can fill it through an expansion tank without the need for any extra tools. You will need a sealed container, a manual pump, and a number of hoses and adapters if it’s a closed type. The best way to accomplish this quickly and effectively is to use an electric pump in conjunction with a fluid-pumping pump. Just download a non-freezing solution into an expansion tank to use the device for filling an open system.
As a result, the following is a list of tools and supplies needed to fill the coolant:
- A screwdriver or control key to the Maevsky crane;
- Containers that can be suspended on radiators for a collection leaked through the taps of liquid;
- Spanners;
- Adapters and hoses for connecting the pump;
- Check valve for installation at the heat carrier pumping point;
- Water pump;
- A container for the solution of the solution (if pumping equipment allows, then pumping can be done directly from the canister with the solution);
- Clamps, knitting wire, consumables.
It should be noted that the centrifugal pump found in self-contained water supply stations and the traditional vibration pump known as "Baby" can both be utilized as injection pumps. In the first scenario, the substance must be completely submerged in the pump body; in the second, lowering the hose into the canister will suffice.
Selecting the appropriate non-freezing liquid for your residential heating system is essential to preserving its effectiveness and avoiding damage in the winter months. Given the range of options available, it’s critical to comprehend the traits and specifications of each kind. The two primary categories of non-freezing liquids utilized in heating systems are propylene and ethylene glycol. Propylene glycol is a preferred option for many homeowners because it is less toxic and more environmentally friendly. It costs a little bit more than ethylene glycol, though. Although ethylene glycol is more widely available and less costly, it is extremely hazardous to people, animals, and the environment.
Safety must always come first when deciding which non-freezing liquid to add to your heating system. Because it is less toxic, propylene glycol is the safer choice even though it is more expensive. This is particularly crucial if there’s a possibility that the liquid will come into contact with you or if you have kids or pets in the house. Despite being less expensive, ethylene glycol poses serious risks to human health and the environment. Propylene glycol is more expensive, but it’s a wise investment for the environment’s and your family’s safety.
The efficiency and lifespan of your heating system depend on proper installation and upkeep. Make sure your heating system is clean and clear of impurities before adding non-freezing liquid to it. Thoroughly flushing the system will stop any debris or old liquid from reducing efficiency or causing damage. In order to make sure that the non-freezing liquid is at the proper level and that there are no leaks or other problems that could jeopardize the system, routine maintenance inspections are also essential.
It is strongly advised that you speak with a professional before adding non-freezing liquid to your heating system. An experienced technician can evaluate your system, suggest the best kind of non-freezing liquid, and guarantee a safe and efficient installation. Expert installation lowers the possibility of damage or mishaps while also ensuring the right kind and volume of liquid are used.
Even in the coldest weather, you can maintain the smooth operation and efficiency of your heating system by selecting the appropriate non-freezing liquid and making sure that installation and maintenance are done correctly. By preventing expensive repairs and replacements, making an investment in the efficacy and safety of your heating system can save you money over time and provide you peace of mind.