The Forestry Forum

came across a tote of anti freeze from a water boiler company on the job. should I show interest in it or let it go? I would like the flexibility of letting the boiler go out in the winter here so I could go away w/o having to worry freezing.

what are some of the things to look for when dealing with used antifreeze?

How long are you planning to be away?  Antifreeze, especially in high concentrations can inhibit heat transfer and it's usually not recommended or used.  If you leave the pumps running, and the water cools (takes a number of days), heat will get transferred from your backup heat in your house (oil burner for me) and warm the water in the OWB.  I don't use antifreeze.

Listen to the doc.  He speaks truthfully.

thank you

  Just to muddy the water I use boiler anti-freeze and haven't noticed any change in performance, and I ran it the first year without. If your boiler is marginal in size maybe a problem but otherwise if there is any slight difference in heat exchange it just smoothes out the cycles, shouldn't cause any heat loss.

I don't mess with anti freeze either.   I added propane backup so we can leave town for extended times in the winter if necessary.  My 6048 will usually burn for 2 to 3 days as long as the outside temp is above 40°.

Yes there can be problems if incorrect anitfreeze is used.  Only propylene glycole boiler antifreeze should be used.  There have been problems with automotive and RV antifreeze coagulating and plugging pumps and system parts.  Do not use antifreeze manufactured with inhibitors.  Straight propylene glycole boiler antifreeze at 25% or more water to antifreeze mix.  Anitfreeze at lesser concentrations can cause biological contamination of the system that can lead to corrosion failures.  Be sure to add the proper amount of CB corriosion inhibitor and get the correct test kit to test the inhibitor level.