Due to circumstances, it is not always possible to purchase a special antifreeze for the heating system. But what if the probability of exposure to negative temperatures on pipes and radiators is high? Then the only way out is antifreeze for the home heating system. But before you start pouring it, you should familiarize yourself with all the possible effects that are inherent in this composition.
Why it is not recommended to pour antifreeze into the heating system
Before pouring antifreeze into the heating system, you need to find out its exact composition. In the vast majority of cases, it includes ethylene glycol. This substance is extremely toxic to humans. In the liquid state, you must be careful not to get into the eyes and on exposed skin. But much more dangerous is antifreeze, which turns into steam due to exposure to high temperatures, when overheating or a small leak of the coolant occurs.
But is it possible to pour antifreeze into the heating system in this case? Subject to all the rules and safety requirements - the use of automotive antifreeze is permitted. However, in this case, you must take into account the features of the operation of the system:
- The viscosity of antifreeze is higher than that of water. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the circulation pump with a more powerful one - by 15-20%;
- High degree of fluidity. A small microcrack or a loose connection in the pipeline is enough so that the antifreeze for heating the house begins to penetrate into the room. Be sure all rubber gaskets are replaced with paronite;
- Is it possible to pour antifreeze into open-type heating with an unpressurized tank? No, this is strictly prohibited;
- The heating rate of the coolant with the addition of antifreeze will be lower than that of simple distilled water. This must be taken into account when choosing the temperature regime of the system;
- Do not pour antifreeze for heating systems in a concentrated form. This can lead to damage to the pump, failure of the boiler. The ratio of car antifreeze to water can be found on the label.
What other problems can be encountered after pouring non-freezing fluid? First of all, its quality. If manufacturing technology is not followed, after prolonged thermal exposure to the antifreeze solution, third-party substances appear in it in the form of white flakes. They negatively affect the state of the heating system, can cause a decrease in the throughput of the pipeline and the transfer of energy to the heat exchanger.
Antifreeze can corrode polypropylene pipes. It cannot be used in such pipelines.
Solution preparation and pouring
In order to add antifreeze to the home heating system, you need to choose its composition correctly. All manufacturers produce ready-to-fill fluids. The temperature at which crystallization occurs is indicated in the title. For example - A40-M (-40 ° C). It is important to know that ready-made antifreeze should not be diluted with water. For this you need to use special concentrates, 95% consisting of ethylene glycol.
We prepare a solution of antifreeze for heating
For the correct filling of antifreeze in the heating system, it is best to use concentrate. This gives additional advantages, since you can independently choose the ratio of antifreeze to distilled water. In addition, more often you can find a fake of a ready-made solution than a concentrate.
First you need to determine the minimum temperature at which the effect of crystallization of the coolant will not be observed. To do this, you need to know the ratio of antifreeze for heating a house to water.They are presented in the table.
| The ratio of concentrate to water | Freezing temperature, ° С |
| 1:1 | -40 |
| 2:3 | -30 |
| 1:2 | -20 |
But first you need to check whether this antifreeze can be poured into the heating system. To do this, in a small transparent container (glass) we make a solution and leave it for several days at room temperature. After this period, no sediment or foaming should be observed in the liquid. If this is present, the quality of the concentrate is very low.
If there is a leak of antifreeze from the heating system, you must first ventilate the room, eliminate the accident and thoroughly wash the places where it got.
Pouring antifreeze into the heating system
Having decided that it is this brand of antifreeze that can be poured into the heating - they begin to prepare the system. First, the entire coolant is lowered. If before that antifreeze was poured into the pipeline, it should never be mixed with a new solution.
Then the following actions are performed:
- Thorough flushing of pipes and radiators. Before you add a solution of antifreeze to the heating system at home, you need to remove all internal pollution. It is best to perform several circuses until the water is completely clean;
- Check all joints and pipe joints. Be sure to replace the rubber gaskets;
- Pressure testing - necessary to check the system for a possible increase in normal pressure. In this way, elements with hidden defects can be identified;
- Antifreeze filling for the heating system using a special pump.
During this procedure, all safety rules must be observed. The room should be well ventilated - all windows and doors open. Be sure to use a protective suit, a respirator and rubber gloves. If during pouring antifreeze into the heating system it gets on an open area of the skin - immediately rinse it with water. If a chemical burn occurs, consult a doctor.
The lower the concentration of antifreeze, the lower the likelihood of a chemical burn.
Alternatives to antifreeze
Antifreeze can be poured into the heating system, but only in compliance with all safety rules. If we compare all the "pros" and "cons" of this type of antifreeze, then we can conclude that it will be the worst option. First of all, this is due to the increased risk to the health of those living in the house. Is there an alternative to antifreeze in the heating system?
First you need to decide whether you really need a potentially dangerous antifreeze. Despite the intensified advertising campaign of manufacturers, all types of non-freezing coolants, including antifreeze, are inferior to water in their operational characteristics. Their only advantage is a low crystallization rate.
If the probability of exposure to negative temperatures on the pipes is high, and you can’t do without antifreeze in the heating system of the house, you can consider alternative options:
- Installation of a heating cable and additional warming of sections of the pipeline where freezing of water is possible;
- The use of special antifreezes for heating based on propylene glycol or glycerin. Their price is much higher - from 63 rubles / liter. Domestic antifreeze is cheaper - from 37 rubles / liter;
- Installing a programmer with anti-icing mode. It will support the operation of the boiler for a minimum water temperature of + 5 ° C.
These are the most common alternatives to pouring antifreeze into the heating system. In addition, it must be remembered that with an increase in temperature in automobile antifreeze, profuse foaming begins. You can fight it with the help of special additives. Before using them, you need to check the composition for compatibility with antifreeze. Therefore, almost all experts do not recommend the use of antifreeze in autonomous heating systems.
The video material describes the choice of radiators for a heating system with antifreeze:
