Aquacoil question

[butneway]

When using an aquacoil system as backup or emergency heat, when should the aquacoil draw water from the water heater? Does the system have an automatic valve of some sort that opens for hot water only when required or does the unit draw from the HW heater any time the AC is running. I should think if that was the case it would reduce the efficiency of the AC trememdously by pushing conditioned ir through the heated aquacoil.

[BaldLoonie]

http://209.39.20.159/literature/Brochures/Residential Products/Aqua Therm - Hot Water/cdxq(c).pdf

A pump pulls water out of the WH when there is a call for heat.

[sam797877]

I share your concern about wasted heat during non-supplement operation. I have isolated the hydronic unit with manual valving in both the supply and return sides. The valves are closed for summer operation. When the valves are opened, even without pump assist my unit percolates heated water through the coil and returns cooler water to the water heater. Check valves would not work because they would simply obstrust all flow when the pump is activated.

Is there an actuated valve that can open when the pump is switched and remain closed the rest of the time??

[bmathews]

Most have a TACO pump on them. When there is a call for heat, it starts spinning and circulating water. Otherwise, no hot water is circulating through the hot water coil. It is smart to put shut off valves on it, it makes it easier to change the coil if you have too.

[sam797877]

Thanks for your reply. My unit is ceiling mounted, located above the hot water heater and allows hot water to slowly rise (lower density) to the coil where it is becomes cooled and returns to the input line of the heater tank. There is no valve in the pump that restricts this flow when there is no call for auxiliary heat. This wastes energy and should be stopped. I just don't know how. Any suggestions?

[beenthere]

Have your contractor install one of these.

Taco 003-IFC

Performance Data
Flow Range: 0-6 GPM
Head Range: 0-4.5 Feet
Minimum Fluid Temperature: 40º F (4º C)
Maximum Fluid Temperature: 220º F (104º C)
Maximum Working Pressure: 125 PSI
Connection Sizes: 1/2”,3/4” Sweat

The Taco 003-IFC™ with Integral Flow Check (IFC) is designed for the circulation of hot or chilled water in open- or closed-loop applications. The IFC eliminates a separate in-line flow check, reduces installation cost and improves system performance.

* Patented design is easily serviced without removing entire unit from system piping.
* Unique, “00” family replaceable cartridge contains all of the moving parts so you can service it easily instead of replacing the entire unit.
* Available with optional Plumb N’ Plug Timer, Power Cord and Thermostat.


Features:

* Integral Flow Check (IFC)--Eliminates In-Line Flow Check, Reduces Installed Cost, Easy to Service
* Improved Performance vs. In-Line Flow Checks
* Unique Replaceable Cartridge Design—Field Serviceable
* Unmatched Reliability—Maintenance Free
* Quiet, Efficient Operation
* Direct Drive – Low Power Consumption
* Standard High Capacity output
* Compact Design
* Self Lubricating
* No Mechanical Seal
* Bronze Construction with Sweat Connections


Typical Applications:

* Domestic Hot Water recirculation
* Hydro-Fan Coil
* Heat Recovery Units
* Water Source Heat Pumps
* Potable Water Systems