Frozen Pipes

If people didn't want to go through maintaining Ph it may be easier to heat trace the pipes.

We battled with this issue last year and for this season we ended up buying a pellet stove for the basement. Got a good deal on a 3 year old Heatilator on craigslist. We keep the basement at 50 using a thermostat and we go through a bag every 4-5 days or so. Occasionally we use our basement for other stuff so we have the option of heating it up with the stove if need be for a day.

Jason Knapp said:

If people didn't want to go through maintaining Ph it may be easier to heat trace the pipes.

Click to expand...

Or use Boiler Heat Transfer Fluid made for hydronics instead of RV anti freeze made for toilets and showers. Heat trace works if the power isn't out, but on a heating pipe it almost sounds like an oxymoron!

DZL_Damon said:

Or use Boiler Heat Transfer Fluid made for hydronics instead of RV anti freeze made for toilets and showers. Heat trace works if the power isn't out, but on a heating pipe it almost sounds like an oxymoron!

Click to expand...

No argument here!

I would have a hard time not using a hot water heating system that is already in place. Nothing beats hydronic for heating comfort. Why not hook up a pellet boiler to it?

maple1 said:

I would have a hard time not using a hot water heating system that is already in place. Nothing beats hydronic for heating comfort. Why not hook up a pellet boiler to it?

Click to expand...

Most likely since pellet boilers cost a bit more than a stove. Stoves are easy to vent and are a cheerful addition to the living room if you don't mind the fan! Also, they are easier to DIY install with a few less skills and tools like plumbing equipt.

With all those excuses aside... I do love my pellet boiler!