Most buffer tanks used in hydronic systems are piped in a “4-pipe” configuration.

There have been numerous studies over the years touting all the benefits of hydronic heating systems, including improved comfort and energy efficiency. 

Some hydronic system designers cling to certain system piping configurations — even when existing projects using those configurations have produced problems.

Whether designing a residential or commercial system, there are several lessons to be learned from Siegenthaler, a.k.a. “Siggy,” including thermal considerations, piping, heat pump technologies, panel radiators, slab heating, controls and ECM circulators in order to provide the ultimate goals: Comfort, high efficiency and a happy customer.

Viega’s seminar centers in Bloomfield, Colorado and Nashua, New Hampshire, held training and examination sessions in January and February for the ASSE 19210 Hydronic Heating and Cooling Installer certification. 

On Oct. 3, 1854, an industrious young man from New Haven, Connecticut, filed U.S. Patent No. 11,747. Stephen J. Gold called his patent “Improvement in Warming Houses by Steam.” 

The owner asked for a bid to replace her 35-year-old cast iron boiler which was still operating. She had two requirements: Redundancy in the event of a boiler malfunction and lower fuel costs for the building.

When John Kopf eventually gets around to designing and building his own house, he will go with hydronic heat instead of a more traditional forced air system. Kopf knows a thing or two about heating, having spent more than 20 years in the industry. He currently serves as boiler product manager for Navien.