Hydronic and Espar Heat
Last year we modified our Winnebago View to be able to use the motorhome (full water, showers, dump tanks, without Propane) throughout the Wisconsin winters. I thought I'd share the writeup that I di...
Forum Discussion
SteveAE wrote:
06ViewH,
I understand that you are using two different heat sources, one of which is a water heater. Is this water heater also your domestic hot water heater?
If it is, did you find it cooled your water off too much for domestic usage?
Steve
Yes, we are using the domestic hot water heater. In order for the hydronic heat to work correctly in very cold weather, the hot water heater needs to heat the water to around 170 degrees. So, actually the hot water does not cool off as you only need around 110 degrees for showers.
The hydronic heat uses the same pipes as the shower, sinks, etc. The registers are plumbed into the hot water lines and a check valve sends the hot water back to the water heater via the cold water pipes. This is controlled by a small solar pump that will circulate the water if the coach's thermostat calls for heat.
We have a thermostatic controlled shower faucet to ensure the water is not too hot while taking a shower.
