Flat Panel Radiator actuator vs Zone Valve

[HeatFarmer]

I'm trying to figure out the most reasonable & cost effective way to feed my rad. manifolds from the boiler/storage tank loop....Alternative Hydronic recommends a mixing valve & actuator and a constantly running circ pump..but the system they show in their design will cost over $850 just for mixing parts. Is this necessary to achieve best performance? Or is their a similar, but less costly alternative?

 

[slowzuki]

Constant pumping results in more constant panel temps and less noise in the system from expanding and contracting parts. It costs some money to run that circulator 24/7 so your loops better be sized right and the pump sized right.

 

[nate379]

Sounds pretty cheap to me.

The system I have that heats my house has about $10k of parts into it between the zone valves, 3 pumps, manifolds, pex, boiler controls/boiler. $850 would buy about 2 of the 4x Rahau manifolds.

 

[woodsmaster]

I don't think it is nessasary to mix the water temp. this is my first season running mine and i use trv's . So far very very very little noise from exp. and contraction. The house Is very comfy weather I'm using 190 degree water or 130 degree. I don't like the mixing in storage from the circulator running all the time, but other than that I love them.