

Although there are a number of heating sources that are suitable for radiant heating, boilers and tankless water heaters are among the most popular options.Ī boiler is a device that is used to heat water. In order for a radiant heating system to operate, it needs to have a viable heating source. Once the flow rate and pressure drop rates are calculated, a special chart is used to match the data to a circulator that’s the best fit. It is caused by friction as water moves within tubing and by elevating the water mass. Pressure drop, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) is also referred to as loss of head. Lower return temperature would generally result in increased flow rate. The flow rate is measured in gallons per minute (GPM) and it varies depending on how much heat is lost during circulation.

When choosing a circulator, flow rate and pressure drop must be considered to ensure that the circulator will fit specifications of a particular radiant heating system.

Taco circulators are available with various speed options. The purpose of a pump is to carry liquids from one point to another, while circulator simply re-circulates water through a circuit.Ĭirculators on the market today are significantly more advanced than their predecessors. Contrary to popular belief, a circulator and a pump are not the same, as they perform different functions. Its responsibility is to keep the water flowing from the boiler, into the PEX tubing and back to the boiler to be reheated. Aside from PEX tubing, the system must have a circulator and a heating source in order to function.Ī hot water circulator is considered to be the "engine" of any radiant heating system. While tubing is the product that does the actual distribution of heat, there are other components in the system that are equally as important. PEX tubing has become a very popular material in radiant heating installations due to its low cost and efficiency.
