In the simplest hydronic distribution system, all heat emitters are connected into a common loop, or “circuit,” with the heat source. Radiators near the end of the loop are often larger to compensate for the lower water temperature. In a series circuit, the simplest hydronic piping system, the radiators and boiler are on one common loop. This article weighs the pros and cons of four piping methods that are suitable for use with the equipment often used in residential and light-commercial buildings. Once you’ve chosen a boiler and some heat emitters, you need a piping system designed to get the most out of that heating equipment, both in comfort and efficiency. For example, the familiar finned-tube baseboard convectors, used in many residential and light-commercial buildings, work well with water temperatures above 150☏, but not with low-temperature systems such as ground-source heat pumps (see table “Matching the Components” ). Some types of heat emitters are best suited for relatively high-temperature heat sources. To design an efficient system, you must match the heat source to the “heat emitters” - that is, radiators and convectors. A good piping system can be the difference between a noisy, uncomfortable, energy-wasteful system, and one that brings even comfort to all the rooms in a house. While a lot of attention is paid to efficient boilers and innovative radiators, the design of the piping system is often what makes or breaks a hydronic heat system.

Hydronic loop map software