There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to radiant heating, and the decision of whether or not to use a flow and return radiator is just one of them. If you’re not familiar with the term, a flow and return radiator is one where the water flows into one side of the radiator and out the other. The advantage of this type of radiator is that it’s less likely to create hot spots, and the water flow can be easily controlled. However, they can be more expensive to install, and some people find the constant water flow to be noisy. Ultimately, it’s up to the homeowner to decide whether or not a flow and return radiator is the right choice for their home.
Flow and return on a radiator does not matter as long as there is a good amount of heat being output from the radiator.
Does it matter which way a radiator flows?
Most thermostatic valves are installed on the return side of the system. The arrow on the valve body indicates the direction of flow. If the arrow points away from the valve, it should be installed on the return side. If the arrow points into the valve, it should be installed on the flow side.
If the pipes are reversed, the sensor will record the lower temperature and could compensate to make up the difference. This can result in unwanted noise, or overheating and inefficiency.
How does radiator flow and return work
The radiator system in your home is designed to keep the water in the radiator hot so that it can heat up the room. However, if the water is not hot enough, it will flow out of the radiator and into the next one in the chain. As the water flows through the system, it will start to cool down. When it flows back to the boiler, the water will be in a cooler state. The boiler will then reheat the water.
The baffle in the bottom of the rad is there to create resistance to flow and force the incoming water upwards. This helps to ensure that the water flows evenly through the rad and out the other side.
Should radiator valve be on flow or return?
Most modern thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) are bi-directional, meaning they can be fitted on either the flow or return pipe of your radiator. However, for optimal performance it is always best practice to fit the TRV on the flow pipe that enters your radiator. This allows the TRV to more accurately regulate the flow of hot water to the radiator, resulting in more efficient heating and greater comfort.
If you want to determine which of two pipes is the flow, you can hire a laser hand held thermometer from a hire shop. Turn off the heating until the pipes are cool, then turn on the laser and aim it alternatively at the two tails. The one that heats up fastest is the flow.
Should both sides of a radiator be open?
Both valves should be turned fully open (anti-clockwise) so that the water can flow freely through the radiator. This will ensure that the radiator heats up properly and provides optimal warmth. The lockshield valve normally has a plastic cover over it and controls the flow of the water into the radiator.
Radiators are designed to transfer heat from the water inside to the air around them, and they do this by having two pipes – one that takes in hot water from the boiler, and one that takes it out again. When the heating is first turned on, you’ll only get one hot pipe until the radiator has heated up, but after a few minutes both pipes should be hot.
Why is return pipe hotter than flow
There can be several reasons why the temperature of the water coming back from the radiators (return water) is cooler than the water going to the radiators (flow water).
One reason could be that the boiler is not big enough to heat all the radiators in the house at once. So, when you turn on the heating, the boiler has to work hard to heat up the flow water which goes around all the radiators. By the time the flow water reaches the last radiator, the water in the first radiator will have cooled down and will be coming back to the boiler as return water.
Another reason could be that the radiators are not equally balanced. This means that some radiators will heat up quicker than others. The water in the radiators that heat up quickly will be hotter than the water in the radiators that take longer to heat up. So, when this hot water reaches the end of its journey and starts to come back to the boiler as return water, it will be cooler than the flow water.
If you think that your boiler is too small or that your radiators are not equally balanced, you should get a professional to take a look.
The 80/60 flow and return temperatures for gas boilers is a common setup because it provides an optimal balance of heating efficiency and comfort. The boiler heats the water to 80°C, which then returns to the boiler after circulating through all the radiators at 60°C. This process gives off 20°C of heat to the room, providing a comfortable and efficient heating solution.
Does radiator inlet outlet matter?
There are many different types of baffles or diverters, but they all serve the same purpose: to redirect the flow of fluid. It is important to ensure that the fluid is properly connected to the inlet and outlet ports before beginning any type of testing or operation.
You don’t necessarily need to have the TRV on the flow side. Simplest solution would be to close both valves and swap the vent with the blanking nut. Alternatively, you could drain down and turn the radiator around end to end.
Which is better a cross flow or downflow radiator
Crossflow radiators have several advantages over downflow radiators when it comes to performance: They can remove more heat and usually have a larger core area.
Mickel, rads themselves are symmetrical, so it don’t matter none However, ‘convention’ says that TRVs should be fitted to the ‘flow’ side, even tho’ most modern TRVs are ambidextrous.
Which vertical radiator gives out the most heat?
The Aspen Double Vertical is a great radiator for those looking for a sleek and simple design. The double option provides four sizes, the largest of which has an impressive BTU rating of 9691. This makes it a great choice for those looking for a cost-effective way to heat their home.
As a rule of thumb, most guidelines recommend heating your home to 70F (21C). Bedroom temperatures should be kept a little cooler, around 64F (18C). For most people, this temperature will be comfortable. If it feels a little hot (or cold), the temperature can be adjusted from this baseline.
Does it matter which side the bleed valve go on a radiator
The bleeder valve is an important part of the radiator and is responsible for draining the radiator and letting the trapped air escape. It is usually situated at the top of the radiator and can be at either end. It is round and has a square section in the middle with two notches. This is where you put the bleed key (or screwdriver) to open the valve and allow the air to escape.
TRVs are used to regulate the temperature in a room by controlling the flow of hot water to the radiator. The user sets the required temperature on the TRV, which then opens or closes the valve to maintain the room at the set temperature. TRVs can be fitted to most radiators, and can be a great way to save energy and money on your heating bills.
Warp Up
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, such as the type of radiator, the size of the room, and the climate. In general, however, it is typically best to have the flow and return on a radiator located at the top and bottom, respectively. This allows the heat to rise and circulate around the room more effectively.
It is important to ensure that your radiator has a good flow and return, as this will ensure that it is able to operate at its best and provide you with optimal heating.
