What is water side balancing?
Water side balancing is the comparison of the temperature of the water flowing in and out of the radiators, by means of an infrared thermometer.
Why adjust the water side?
If the central heating boiler is not set correctly, the water will not be distributed correctly and radiators near the boiler will become very hot, while other radiators will heat much less. This can cause changes in comfort in your home, where one room is too warm while the other is too cold. You may also experience noise complaints in the radiator. If the radiators and central heating boiler are set correctly, you can save up to €100 on your energy bill.
This way you can adjust the water side by yourself
Nowadays, do-it-yourself toolkits are available to get you started on this job on your own. Much cheaper than if you made it with a fixer, because you lost 80-90 euros compared to hundreds of euros. It is important that you take the time for this and have some useful knowledge. If not, it’s smart to let the expert do the job.
You need this:
- infrared heat
- small thermometers
- faucet labels
- bleed key
- soft key
- radiator with foot valves
- Optional: Manual
Step 1: Heating vent and central heating filling system.
Step 2: Set your central heating boiler to the correct temperature (this can often save you a lot of money).
Step 3: Run all the radiators along the way and run the thermostat high until all heaters are up to temperature.
The fourth step: Measure the flow and return temperatures with an infrared thermometer on all radiators and see if there is a significant difference. The bottom should be about 45 degrees and the top 60 degrees.
Fifth step: Always regulate the heating through the supply to avoid blockages.
Turn the heater to the correct position using the foot valve. Don’t have a foot valve? Then you can also turn on the radiator valve, but it is preferable to install it.
The closer the heating is to the boiler, the tighter its circulation. Is the heating close to the boiler? Then, for example, you set it to position 2. The position also depends on the volume of the radiator and the insulation of the room.
Sixth step: Wait 20 minutes and then take the temperatures again with the infrared thermometer. Repeat the process until the correct temperature ratio is set.
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