Hydronic balancing

During hydraulic balancing, each heating circuit is adjusted so that it receives exactly the required amount of water. This allows for a lower flow temperature.

Heating water always flows along the path of least resistance. Without balancing, radiators close to the circulation pump often get too warm, while those further away remain cool. During hydronic balancing, the installer calculates the required heating output for each room and, from this, the appropriate amount of water. They then adjust the valves on radiators, underfloor heating circuits and pipe runs accordingly.

Why this is particularly important for heat pumps

Without balancing, the flow temperature is often turned up so that even the very last room gets warm. With a heat pump, this directly reduces efficiency. The klimaaktiv guide to hydronic balancing lists these advantages, among others:

• no overheated rooms
• higher efficiency of heat pump systems
• fewer distribution losses
• less electricity for circulation pumps

What klimaaktiv recommends

klimaaktiv explicitly advises having hydronic balancing of the heat source and heat distribution carried out during installation. According to the guide, the necessary fittings and measuring ports must be planned for this, and balancing must be possible by group and by room. It must be included in the commissioning report.

What you should look out for

• Is the balancing explicitly mentioned in the quote? If not, ask.
• Make sure you receive the report with the setting values.
• After insulation measures or radiator replacement, the balancing should be adjusted.

You can find out more about checking quotes under Check quote.

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