System balancing: Why it is so important

System balancing is a vital part of attaining the best efficiency for homeowners. It’s also a necessary part of commissioning the system.

With regulations, compliance, and customer happiness all at stake, there’s truly no justification for not properly balancing systems. Utilising the appropriate tools simplifies the task, making it quicker, easier, and more accurate. It’s one of the most straightforward methods for installers to enhance efficiency for their customers, increase comfort, and minimise expensive callbacks.

Why is system balancing so crucial?

System balancing guarantees that the right amount of hot water flows to each radiator. Radiators nearer the boiler will tend to heat up more quickly on an unbalanced system, while those further away – typically at the distant end of the house or on the upper floors – will have a harder time getting warm. Even though the boiler is functioning properly, this will result in cold areas, something that those living in the building will not enjoy. 

What are the conventional methods for balancing a system, and what drawbacks do they have?

The traditional method has been to use the lockshield valves. This technique can be quite labour-intensive, often requiring several hours to accurately measure and adjust the flow and return temperatures for every radiator. Another method involves thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) that come with manual balancing features. While this option is more effective than relying on lockshield valves, it still necessitates manual temperature evaluations and is not entirely reliable. If alterations are made to the system – such as adding more radiators or replacing a TRV – the balance may again be disrupted.

Which other methods are available?

Auto-balancing TRVs automatically manage the flow rate, ensuring each radiator receives precisely what it requires regardless of the conditions in other parts of the system.