Can You Combine Hydronic Heating with Wood Stoves?

Combining Hydronic Heating with Wood Stoves

To integrate a hydronic heating system with a wood stove, you’ll need to design a system that allows for both sources to work together seamlessly. This can be achieved by installing a mixing valve, which controls the output temperature of the hydronic system, ensuring it’s always below the maximum temperature the wood stove can handle. A typical maximum temperature for a mixing valve in this setup is around 190°F (88°C).

System Design Considerations

When designing your system, consider the size of your hydronic heating system in relation to the size of your wood stove. A general rule of thumb is to ensure that the hydronic system is at least 50% larger than the wood stove’s maximum heat output. For example, if your wood stove can produce 20,000 BTU/h, your hydronic system should be capable of producing at least 30,000 BTU/h. This ensures that the hydronic system can handle the peak heat demands of the space and the wood stove can act as a supplemental heat source.

Installing a Mixing Valve and Controls

When installing a mixing valve, it’s essential to ensure it’s sized correctly for your system. A mixing valve with a 1:10 ratio is a good starting point for most applications. This means that for every 10 gallons of water flowing through the hydronic system, the mixing valve can handle 1 gallon of hot water from the wood stove. Additionally, consider installing thermostatic mixing valves with built-in controls to regulate the temperature of the hydronic system and prevent overheating. These controls can be programmed to work in tandem with your wood stove’s thermostat to optimize the performance of your dual-fuel heating system.