What type of glycol is used in heating systems?

propylene glycol
There are two basic types of glycols used in HVAC systems, propylene glycol and ethylene glycol. Both of these fluids have similar freeze protection and heat transfer characteristics with the main difference being that propylene glycol has a lower toxicity level.

How often should glycol be changed?

roughly once per year
We recommend 100% USP Propylene Glycol at a mix rate of 1 part glycol to 2 parts distilled water. Inhibited glycol is not necessary but is OK. As a good practice to maintaining your glycol chiller, we recommend to change the glycol solution out roughly once per year.

Does glycol hold heat better than water?

Pure glycol or a mix of glycol and water has a much lower freezing point than that of pure water. By implication, glycol-based chillers are better suited to low-temp environments. Conversely, water has a better ability to retain and conduct heat from an associated process than a glycol mixture can.

Does glycol improve heat transfer?

Ethylene glycol and propylene glycol have higher vapor points and therefore can absorb heat at higher temperatures without boiling. Yet even with its lower vapor point, water still carries more heat per unit. A larger tube also has more wall-surface area, resulting in improved heat transfer.

What are the basic components in a hydronic heating system?

A hydronic system is generally composed of pumps, primary equipment (boilers, chillers), piping, fittings, coils and control valves. The relationship between the flow and pressure developed by a pump is graphically represented by a pump curve.

Can you DIY hydronic heating?

The DIY hydronic system can be as small or as large as it needs to be, depending on your heating needs and the size of the property.

What temperature should I set my glycol chiller?

Different applications call for different temperatures, but generally, most breweries set their glycol chiller temperatures at 28-30° F, while wineries typically set theirs at 30-35°F.

Why use propylene glycol for hydronic heating systems?

Propylene glycol is also the preferred anti-freeze for industrial food processing applications. Glycol has a higher viscosity and lower heat transfer characteristics than water. For this reason, HVAC engineers typically dilute glycol with water inside hydronic heating systems. The maximum recommended ratio for glycol dilution with water is 1:2.

What is glycol used for in HVAC?

Glycol, also called antifreeze, is an important compound that HVAC manufacturers use to protect hydronic heating systems in cold climates. When added to water, glycol lowers the freezing temperature of the resulting mixture, ensuring that it remains liquid even during harsh winter weather.

How do you use glycol in a hydronic system?

Using Glycol in Hydronic Heating Systems. Glycol, also called antifreeze, is an important compound that HVAC manufacturers use to protect hydronic heating systems in cold climates. When added to water, glycol lowers the freezing temperature of the resulting mixture, ensuring that it remains liquid even during harsh winter weather.

What is the ratio of glycol to water in hydronic heating?

Glycol Characteristics Glycol has a higher viscosity and lower heat transfer characteristics than water. For this reason, HVAC engineers typically dilute glycol with water inside hydronic heating systems. The maximum recommended ratio for glycol dilution with water is 1:2.