I'm a complete newbie when it comes to HVAC. I did manage to install a new thermostat with help from here so I try again. I have a oil burner baseboard hot water system. My hot tap water is also heated through the burner. I know how I can change the temperature for the tap hot water, but can I change the temperature of the water that goes through my baseboard radiators? I attach a picture of what the system looks like since I am not able to describe the it in any meaningful way hoping the picture may tell someone something.
I think I found the aquastat for the heating. It's on the boiler itself. I have attached two new pictures. Is there any benefit to setting the temperature up? I also wonder what that metal piece attached to the temperature wheel is? That piece is set at around 170 it seems.
Best Answer
Boilers typically have a aquastat, high limit, low limit in one of several configurations.
This is an all in one unit specific to oil.
www.inspectopedia.com
Most aquastats look something like this on the outside
If you have conventional radiators high limit set to 150 max is common, convectors you can go to 180. It's usually best to run as low temp as possible but with oil it's very important to maintain a minimum chimney(stack) temperature. Low return temperatures can cause acid in the chimney. Now baseboard rads are split between the two types.
This is a conventional and beautiful cast iron radiator
www.allaboutrads.co.uk
This is the inside of a fin tube convector
www.inspectopedia.com
If your baseboard rads are copper tube fin type like the convector image, you can go up to 180. If they are cast iron you should keep the temperature lower because the surface gets very hot to the touch.
If you have any pictures of the controls attached to the system they would be helpful. Just keep in mind, oil is finicky and needs yearly service by a reputable technician.