It so happens that the use of water as a coolant is not possible. In such situations, an “frost-free” comes to the rescue for heating. This fluid has some requirements for operating conditions. It has characteristics different from water, which also must be taken into account when designing a heating system.
Appointment
It is far from a secret that one of the most important components of a private house is a heating system. Indeed, only with the help of it it is possible to endure severe frosts, from which no one is safe in our country, and indeed, in winter this is far from a rare occurrence. But, despite the consumer's readiness for frost, it is necessary to provide for some surprises in advance. And perhaps the most dangerous of them can be a frozen heating system - it is not for nothing that this condition is considered emergency.
For a heating system, an emergency does not bode well. It is important to note that this can occur not only in the central boiler room, but also in an individual boiler. For this reason, when designing any system, it is necessary to consider the conditions for ensuring additional security.
According to experts, the most common problem in a private house is the failure of the boilers, and, as a rule, this always happens unexpectedly. To prevent such unexpected surprises, as well as to eliminate the failure of the heating system and its subsequent cooling, experts advise using non-freezing liquid.
Composition
"Non-freezing" for heating - this is the same antifreeze or antifreeze. The main property of this coolant is not to turn into ice when the temperature drops. When this occurs, the thickening of the cooled composition. Any non-freezing fluid for heating systems is made according to the same principle. It contains the following:
- substances (additives) responsible for the characteristics of the composition;
- substances (inhibitors) that prevent corrosion;
- main active ingredient;
- alcohol (glycol) base.
Active component
Thus, the "non-freezing" and for heating is an alcohol substance. Glycol itself is not dangerous, but some supplements can harm your health. As an active component in a non-freezing fluid can be:
- Glycerol.
- Propylene glycol.
- Ethylene glycol.
Ethylene glycol
Ethylene glycol based coolant is strictly forbidden to be used in homes with permanent residence of people. Limitations are caused by the fact that this "frost-free" for heating is very toxic and can cause burns if it comes into contact with the skin. And the ingress of liquid or gas into the body can lead to serious consequences, up to death.
Antifreeze
The well-known low-quality antifreeze - engine antifreeze, which is sometimes also poured into the heating system - is made on an ethylene basis. However, if there is the slightest possibility of human contact with ethylene glycol, then its use should be abandoned for a number of reasons:
- In double-circuit boilers, a mixture occurs in the hot water circuit.
- There may be a leak.
- Evaporation from an open expansion tank is possible.
The use of ethylene glycol non-freezing liquids for systems where a double-circuit boiler is used as a heater is not allowed.
Propylene glycol
Propylene glycol-based coolant is completely non-toxic. Of course, this does not mean that you can drink it, but if you accidentally get it in minimal doses on the skin or even inside, there will be no health problems.
Glycerol
Glycerin "non-freezing" for heating (price lower) has been poured since the mid-twentieth century and has been successfully used to date. Glycerin is a universal remedy, and unlike the previous two, it does not dry the rubber, but rather restores it. In other words, glycerin liquid acts as a reducing lubricant on rubber, and as a result, you don’t have to worry about the condition of the sealing gums.
Manufacturers Overview
Among Russian consumers, the most popular is "nezamerzayka" for heating homes of such brands as:
- Hot Blood 65Eco.
- "Stugna-N"
- "Warm house".
When choosing an antifreeze, it is important to remember that the content of propylene glycol in it indicates that the process of crystallization of the liquid occurs at a temperature of -60 ° C.
Non-freezing heater for heating: price and technical indicators
Specifications | Distilled water | "KhNT-40" | Hot Blood 30 Eco | Hot Stream 30 Eco | Dixis Top | Warm House 30 Eco |
| Color | Transparent | Red fluorescent | Red fln | Green fl | Flavovirent yellow | Green fl |
| Heat capacity | 4.19 kJ (kg × K) | 3.57 kJ (kg × K) | 3.56 kJ (kg × K) | 3.55 kJ (kg × K) | 3.6 kJ (kg × K) | 3.62 kJ (kg × K) |
| Viscosity | 1 mm 2 / s | 7.1 mm 2 / s | 6.1 mm 2 / s | - | - | 5.86 mm 2 / s |
| Boiling temperature | 100 ° C | 106 ° C | 108 ° C | 106 ° C | 104 ° C | 106 ° C |
| Freezing temperature | 0 ° C | -40 ° C | -30 ° C | -30 ° C | -30 ° C | -30 ° C |
| Density | 1 g / cm3 | 1,075 g / cm3 | 1.05 g / cm3 | 1,045-1,05 g / cm3 | 1.05 g / cm3 | 1.04 g / cm3 |
| pH | 7 | 8-10 | 8.0-9.5 | 8.0-9.5 | 8.7 | 7.5-9.0 |
| Price per liter | 20 rub | 180 rub | 130 rub | 80 rub | 115 rub | 80 rub |
Tips and reviews of specialists
Of course, the “non-freezing” liquid for heating has various properties, characteristics and reviews for use, however, the main condition is the absence of a tendency to freeze. The composition of antifreeze is determined by the temperature regime at which crystallization occurs. Naturally, you should choose a lower temperature, which is characteristic of your climatic zone.
The type of heating system determines which “non-freezing” in the heating system of the house will be the most optimal. As mentioned above, all antifreezes are created using various substances. The composition may contain ethylene glycol, this is a toxic substance, so it can only be used in closed heating systems. Propylene glycol non-freezing fluid, according to experts, is less toxic.
Antifreezes help extend the life of the entire heating system, including radiators. And most importantly, such a coolant prevents the formation of gas.
Non-freezing fluid is a mixture of propylene glycol with the addition of various inhibitory components. On average, the antifreeze life is 4-5 years.
Conclusion
High-quality “non-freezing” for heating systems should ensure uninterrupted operation of the system, even in emergency situations. Therefore, saving on the purchase of antifreeze is completely impractical. You can save only by diluting it with distilled water, but only in this case, if you do not plan to operate the heating system in extreme conditions, for example, in the northern regions of the country.