So I'm trying to decide if my flat panels are operating as efficiently as they should. Knowing next to nothing about balancing hydronic systems I'm throwing this out here......
I've got an Alpha circ pump showing 2gpm feeding an 8 port manifold with 6 ports activated. I've got a total of 300 feet of 1/2" pex going to 6 varying sized flat panel radiators. Right now all radiators are emitting heat & fully purged. The heat is nice & the house is SO much warmer given that it is 5º outside and before things would be frozen in the house with all wood stoves AND propane furnace roaring....
The panels are hot to the touch, but not unpleasantly so. Incoming supply water is showing an average of 160º and output is just above 140º. All of the radiators are wide open, i.e. the non-electric thermostats are on MAX. What should my flow meters be set to? Should I up the flow rate to achieve more heat and be able to shave off supply temp? or is an average of 1.2-1.5 gpm per circuit good enough? Should the longer runs have more flow or less? Should the higher output radiators get preference?
Looking to be educated and improve performance of storage & keep my sweeties warmer.
I've got an Alpha circ pump showing 2gpm feeding an 8 port manifold with 6 ports activated. I've got a total of 300 feet of 1/2" pex going to 6 varying sized flat panel radiators. Right now all radiators are emitting heat & fully purged. The heat is nice & the house is SO much warmer given that it is 5º outside and before things would be frozen in the house with all wood stoves AND propane furnace roaring....
The panels are hot to the touch, but not unpleasantly so. Incoming supply water is showing an average of 160º and output is just above 140º. All of the radiators are wide open, i.e. the non-electric thermostats are on MAX. What should my flow meters be set to? Should I up the flow rate to achieve more heat and be able to shave off supply temp? or is an average of 1.2-1.5 gpm per circuit good enough? Should the longer runs have more flow or less? Should the higher output radiators get preference?
Looking to be educated and improve performance of storage & keep my sweeties warmer.