Closed System Water Heater

Radiantec s closed system uses a high efficiency water heater or boiler to heat water or another heating fluid such as anti freeze.

Closed system water heater.

In a closed system the extra water volume that results from heating puts stress on other parts of the plumbing system and can result in broken pipes leaky taps relief line leaks or a damaged or leaking water heater. If freeze protection is an issue than a closed system with anti freeze is a good idea. A closed water heater system means that the hot water cannot expand beyond the valves and mix with the municipal water. All water heaters waste heat energy even when the burner is off and the unit is sitting idle between heating cycles.

A boiler is a device used to heat a home using steam and radiant heat techniques and is a closed system which rarely replenishes its supply of water from an external source. The heated water then flows into the storage tank before it s channeled into the heat exchanger. The valves that are usually found in the closed systems are the check valve pressure reducing valve mixing valve backflow preventer and other. A closed system is created when there is a check valve between the water heater and the city water main.

The heating fluid is self contained within the system and stays there unless removed for maintenance completely separate from the domestic hot water. This is usually in the form of a bell shaped pressure regulator which is normal located very close to the water pipe s entry to the house. Closed systems are often used in second homes or primary residences in areas prone to long power outages. Closed loop solar water heater systems sometimes referred to as anti freeze or glycol systems include the heat collectors insulated piping a circulating pump an expansion tank a hot water storage tank a heat exchanger solar fluid usually a solution of water and nontoxic propylene glycol antifreeze a controller valves and gauges.

Closed loop solar heating system here s how a solar powered water heater works. When the controller senses that the sun is shining and your tank needs a warm up it signals the pump to send water through the black collector panels. When water heats it expands. The down side is two heat sources.

Some new water meters also have a check valve.