Drainback with Baseboard [RE-wrenches]

[Travis Creswell, Ozark Solar]

Hello Jeremy,

Yes you will need to provide low return temp protection to the boiler
especially if is a cast iron unit.  Low return temps hurt the efficiency of
any boiler regardless of manufacturers' claims, IMHO.  The published
efficiency curves that I've reviewed appear to be a snap shot of peak
efficiency and do not accurately show the boilers efficiency over a wide
range of return and supply temps.

And you're right about flue condensation problems with low temps.

Since you asked.... and at risk of being labeled heretic on the Wrenches
list I really don't think a solar space heating retrofit is appropriate for
existing homes and most homes under construction.  It seems to me that the
expense, complexity and hassle of doing it "right" really make solar space
heating a difficult task.  Everyone will have a different opinion on what
"right" is, by the way. Combine that with the fact the solar resource is at
it's lowest when the heating demand is at it's highest in most all regions.
I know there are others who will be offended by my opinion but it's just my
opinion.

It's a different story with radiant in floor and a really efficient home
because of the much lower supply temps required but we still don't strongly
recommend it.  All of that said we are preparing to complete our set up for
a solar space heating system at our shop and house.  We have radiant in
floor and wood gasification boiler along with a 1200 gallon atmospheric
storage tank.

So my advice would be to focus on the benefits of a SHW system for their
potable needs.  This is more cost effective less problematic to maintain
than space heating system.

Regards,

Travis Creswell
Ozark Energy Services



-----Original Message-----
From: Jeremy Rodriguez [mailto:allsolar at ris.net] 
Sent: Wednesday, November 02, 2005 10:31 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Re: Drainback with Baseboard [RE-wrenches]

What about the issues of low water temps returning to a boiler? Flue 
problems?
 
Should I stay away from baseboard apps. and just try to sell them on DHW 
pre-heat?
 
I just seems like there is a maket here for the baseboard world.  Maybe 
not
 
Thanks for your help
 
Jeremy

Your free subscription is supported by today's sponsor: