The longevity and efficiency of your warm floor system can be greatly impacted by the fluid you choose. Water and antifreeze stand out as the two primary contenders when it comes to options. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the best option will rely on a number of variables like personal preferences, financial constraints, and climate.
The conventional option for underfloor heating systems is water. It’s affordable, widely accessible, and eco-friendly. You can use an easy-to-install and maintain system by using water as the heat transfer fluid. Water is also a very good thermal conductor, which means it can effectively transfer heat throughout your house.
Water, however, can be dangerous in areas with lower temperatures or when the system might be exposed to them. Water expands when it freezes, which can harm the heating system’s pipes and other parts. Antifreeze solutions are useful in this situation.
Antifreeze protects against freezing temperatures; it is usually a water and glycol mixture. Antifreeze makes sure that your underfloor heating system works even in the coldest weather by lowering the fluid’s freezing point. This can be especially helpful for houses in areas with severe winters or for homes that might be vacant for long stretches of time.
Antifreeze solutions have their own set of considerations despite their benefits. In general, they are more costly than water, and extra care may be needed during installation to avoid spills or leaks. Furthermore, if handled or disposed of improperly, some types of antifreeze may be hazardous to the environment.
In conclusion, your unique needs and circumstances will ultimately determine which option—water or antifreeze—is best for your warm floor system. In temperate climates, water is an economical and effective choice; in colder climates, antifreeze offers additional protection. When making your choice, take into account aspects like climate, cost, and the impact on the environment. You should also speak with a qualified installer to guarantee the best possible performance and long-term durability of your underfloor heating system.
What liquids are used in warm floors
The floor surface is heated by the coolant, a heated liquid that travels through the heating line. The water heating system can use a variety of coolant types.
Realizing that using it on warm floors is preferable Think about the qualities, benefits, and drawbacks of each liquid.
However, there are several drawbacks to water that degrade the heating quality. Among them are:
- Sensitivity to changing the ambient temperature, which leads to a change in physical properties. At a high minus temperature, the liquid freezes, which can lead to a rupture of the pipeline. But this moment is important in the case when the house is not a place of permanent residence, and the floor does not work constantly.
- The presence of various impurities that eventually settled on the walls of the pipeline, reducing the cross -country line and heat transfer.
- The oxygen content increases the corrosive effect of metal pipelines. If you choose the right pipes, you can reduce the degree of corrosion. It is necessary to choose pipes with low oxygen permeability, and with an additional layer not allowing oxygen to penetrate inside the highway.
- The need for replacing the entire coolant in warm floors is 1 time every six months, in extreme cases once a year.
It is possible to keep the warm floor’s water volume at the required level with little effort. Boiling is sometimes suggested to reduce rigidity and helps get rid of excess salt. Additionally, increasing operational characteristics is aided by adding soda.
Distilled water
Another kind of liquid that is poured onto heated floors is distilled water. Its main qualities are the same as ordinary water, but the distillation process will cost you more than using a water supply. It is important to remember that using distilled liquid will result in fewer pipeline system issues because it contains fewer impurities.
Regarding the admissibility of distilled water in heating systems, opinions differ. Because of this, when it comes into contact with air, its pH value drops, making the fluid more acidic and causing acid corrosion. It is therefore preferable to seek advice from experts, who will select the coolant while taking your system’s specifications into consideration.
Water from the well
Well water isn’t good for heating systems because of its chemical makeup. It has not been cleaned and has a high concentration of iron, calcium, and fluorine, which precipitate and deposit as scale.
Moreover, corrosion forms and acid is released as a result of its chemical reaction with air. All of this influences the system’s condition and hastens its demise. Cleaning the pipeline of deposits and mucus will need work.
Pouring this kind of liquid on warm floors or batteries is therefore not advised.
Antifreeze for a warm floor
Brand-specific antifreeze varies in the quantity and make-up of additives, which impacts the product’s characteristics. As a result, it is best to become familiar with the different kinds of this coolant beforehand.
Antifreeze comes in two varieties:
- Ethylene glycol, it is a chemical, butter, transparent, colorless substance that does not have a smell, which includes a hydrocarbon. Ethylene glycol is a liquid that belongs to the category of the third hazard class. Its entering the human body, and even prolonged inhalation of vapors can lead to death. Therefore, its use is allowed only in closed heating systems. When working with him, you should wear gloves and glasses.
This kind of antifreeze is inexpensive, which contributes to its widespread use despite its toxicity, and it foams when heated.
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Furthermore, this coolant experiences a reaction that results in precipitation and a reduction in heat transfer when it overheats. When compared to other kinds of antifreeze, the substance’s corrosive activity is increased due to its chemical activity.
- Propylene glycol – viscous and colorless liquid, not toxic, it is even used in perfumes. When using this substance, a powerful pump is required, since it has a denser and more viscous composition, unlike water. The cost of this type of antifreeze is higher, but it is safe for humans.
Propylene glycol has a three times lower thermal conductivity than water and a doubled heat capacity when compared to other liquids.
Non-freezing liquids have a two-year shelf life, after which their properties gradually deteriorate as stated by the manufacturers. In actuality, antifreeze can endure longer. It is not advised to misuse this, though. Replacing the coolant after three to five years is preferable.
Propylene glycol-based reaches are typically stained green. Numerous packages of this kind have the prefix "Eco" on them. The primary color of ethylene glycole antifreeze is pink.
Technical alcohol
Professionals suggest combining technical alcohol with water and applying this mixture to heated floors. This decreases the coolant’s freezing point. However, the fluid’s fluidity and heat capacity don’t change.
There are drawbacks to this composition as well. The mixture’s boiling point is between 75 and 90 degrees. However, you are aware that the coolant for a warm floor cannot be overheated.
When it comes to deciding between water or antifreeze for your warm floor system, it"s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option. Water is a natural and cost-effective choice, readily available and environmentally friendly. However, it"s prone to freezing in colder climates, which could lead to damage if not properly insulated. On the other hand, antifreeze offers protection against freezing, making it suitable for regions with harsh winters. It also has a higher heat transfer efficiency, allowing for better warmth distribution. However, antifreeze can be more expensive and may require additional safety precautions due to its chemical composition. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and climate conditions, so it"s crucial to consider these factors before making a decision for your home"s heating and insulation system.
| Criteria | Water | Antifreeze |
| Efficiency | Good conductivity, efficient heat transfer | May require higher temperatures for comparable performance |
| Compatibility | Compatible with most heating systems | May require specific antifreeze-compatible system components |
| Cost | Generally cheaper | Antifreeze fluid can be more expensive |
| Freezing Point | Can freeze in extremely cold conditions without proper insulation | Antifreeze fluid has a lower freezing point, suitable for colder climates |
The decision between water and antifreeze when choosing the proper fluid for your heated floor system can be confusing. Though each option has advantages and disadvantages, the choice ultimately comes down to your own requirements and situation.
Since water is widely available and reasonably priced, warm floor systems frequently use it. It effectively transfers heat, making your house feel comfortable and welcoming. It’s crucial to remember, though, that water can freeze in extremely cold temperatures, which could harm your system.
Conversely, antifreeze—which is usually a blend of water and glycol—provides freezing protection, making it appropriate for use in colder climates. It also boils at a higher temperature than water, which lowers the possibility of the system overheating. But antifreeze costs more than water, and it might need special handling when installing and maintaining it.
A few things to think about before choosing are the climate, the cost, and upkeep needs. If you live somewhere with mild winters, water might work just fine and be more affordable. On the other hand, if you live in an area where freezing temperatures are common, purchasing antifreeze could give you piece of mind and ultimately safeguard your investment.
In the end, the decision between water and antifreeze comes down to striking a balance between efficiency, cost, and climate suitability. You can evaluate your options and come to the best decision for your needs by speaking with a professional installer.
