Windshield washer fluid for radiant heating

[83trekker]

Talked to a guy that has a friend that saids to use windshield washer fluid -49 protection mixed 50% with water. What do you think?

 

[sneezer41]

first, why do you need antifreeze if it not a snowmelt system?

Second, you want thermal transfer, what is the transfer of washer fluid? Dunno.

third, flammable, seems like a bad idea

 

[baugie]

If using ethylene glycol which is normally found in washer fluid, you should balance the pH. If the pH is not balanced the fluid can turn acidic and can eat away at any copper pipe/fittings that are used in the heat system.
Also if your furnace has a hot water tank built in and the hot water is for human use, then ethylene glycol can be harmful to humans.

My furnace is a BAXI LUNA 310FI with a built-in hot water heater and I used "propylene glycol" in my system, (mixed 4 parts water, one part glycol),....it's food grade, non-toxic, very safe.

 

[walrus]

The windshield wash I see in stores around me contains methanol

 

[nate379]

I don't know of any system that you are drinking the boiler water!

4
Also if your furnace has a hot water tank built in and the hot water is for human use, then ethylene glycol can be harmful to humans.
4.

 

[83trekker]

From what the guy said itys a closed loop for his garage, also "If the pH is not balanced the fluid can turn acidic and can eat away at any copper pipe/fittings that are used in the heat system." He did mention this also but said ha has verry little in his setup.

Not sure never heard of this before.

 

[z28snksknr]

first, why do you need antifreeze if it not a snowmelt system?

Second, you want thermal transfer, what is the transfer of washer fluid? Dunno.

third, flammable, seems like a bad idea

In regards to heat transfer, water is better than just about everything you could easily get your hands on.

I'd be worried about overheating more than freezing since methanol starts to boil at 148°F (higher depending on dilution in water). If you lose circulation with continued heating, you'll boil the methanol and overpressurize the system

I suggest distilled water and a design that keeps the fluid protected from freezing.

 

[rwhite692]

Here's a crazy idea, I realize, it's radical...way out there...

Contact the system manufacturer, and ask them what to use.

I wouldn't use anything other than what the manufacturer recommends, esp if it is a brand new system with a warranty...

 

[z28snksknr]

Here's a crazy idea, I realize, it's radical...way out there...

Contact the system manufacturer, and ask them what to use.

I wouldn't use anything other than what the manufacturer recommends, esp if it is a brand new system with a warranty...

Even better.