The importance of a balanced heating system.
Energy efficiency can be achieved by installing a modern A-rated condensing boiler with digital or mechanical time control. Additionally, balancing a central heating system ensures that the heat generated by the boiler is evenly distributed throughout your property. Radiators need adjustment; otherwise, those closest to the boiler will consume most of the heat. Balancing a central heating system can be time-consuming, but this process is crucial for the system to operate optimally.
The distribution of heat throughout an heating system.
.The pump circulates heat throughout a heating system. It can be either inside the boiler casing or external, depending on the system. The only other redirection of water flow is by a diverter valve, which, like the pump, can be located within the boiler casing or near a storage cylinder. This valve redirects water flow to meet the selected demand, such as heating or hot water. However, a diverter valve does not affect the balancing of a central heating system. Balancing can only be achieved by installing a specific fitting: a lock shield radiator valve.
Balancing a heating system by using radiator valves
Radiator valves have been around for a very long time, this useful device can isolate slow down and also alter the temperature. Most radiator installation consists of two varying valves on either side of the connecting pipework. One of these being a lock shield and the other a thermostatic radiator valve. An abbreviation to this would be the term TRV, this valve can easily be identified by the head that is numbered between 1 – 5 . The adjustable head is designed to reduce or maximize the temperature of a room providing a user friendly option for temperature control.
A liochelid radiator valve is slightly smaller than a thermostatic radiator valve, it is fitted with a small plastic adjustable head that is used for the purpose of isolate or balancing. When installed they should not be adjusted after being set to the correct parameter. Through the natural process of heat convection radiators closest to the boiler will devour most of the heat. However by using strategic adjustments to the lock shield valve will force heat that would usually remain isolated to a certain part of the system into equal distribution.
Choosing a radiator valve combatable to the flow of your system.
In a balanced heating system, radiator valves are installed to suit the system’s flow. Most radiator valves are designed to allow water to flow in only one direction. This is sometimes illustrated on the valve to help installers identify the recommended direction of flow. Before making repairs, it’s important to note the sequence in which the valves are fitted, left to right, such as lockshield or TRV. Confusing the two could lead to an imbalanced system, affecting the warmth of certain radiators.
Illustrated above is the image of a bi-directional thermostatic radiator valve. This cost-effective device is available at most plumbing merchants. It allows water to flow in both directions, with two arrows embossed on the valve’s metal body demonstrating its versatility. Therefore, if your existing system needs replacement valves, bi-directional radiator valves are the easiest and least time-consuming option.
