Uneven heat distribution in domestic heating

Hydronic balancing

Until now, it’s likely you’ve had to rely on manufacturers’ standard settings, referring to generic tables or base balancing on experience or recommendations from radiator or TRV (thermostatic radiator valves) manufacturers to balance the heating system. 

This is why many heating systems do not operate efficiently. In fact, research shows that 82% of heating systems in existing buildings in Germany alone in 2017, were incorrectly balanced (CO2online, 2017).

Effects of insufficient heating system balancing

Basic or insufficient hydronic balancing can become a headache when homeowners contact you for a solution when heat is distributing unevenly in their home. 

Inadequate balancing in a home heating system will vary depending on the system: 

•In Condensing boilers, excessive operation can cause a rise in return flow temperatures due to loss of condensing, making the system less efficient. The introduction of hydrogen boilers will compound this issue in the future as fuel will not be so cheap. 

• For heat pumps, flow temperature needs to be as low as possible to minimise energy costs and maximise performance.

• Increasing flow velocities also increases the circulation pump’s energy consumption, as well as flow noise inside thermostats and radiators.

The solution to all of these issues is the correct balancing. Traditionally that’s been a time consuming process, requiring advanced measuring and adjustment of each valve – something few of us have time for.

Balancing with Grundfos requires two things:

1. A Grundfos heating circulator installed in the system -  ALPHA3, UPM3 LIN or UPM4 LIN.
2. The Grundfos GO Balance app (Links to iOS and android download)

The app works in a range of heating systems, including two-string radiators systems and underfloor heating systems, both with pre-set valves and can balance them easily in just five simple steps.

5 Steps of hydronic balancing with Grundfos

1. Download and open the Grundfos GO Balance app
2. Start balancing - the app takes you through hydronic balancing step-by-step
3. Add measurements for each room in the home (you can add room specifications, radiator specifications and Q + H measurements)
4. Balance each room – you adjust each heat emitter according to the calculated target flow
5. Get the report - when the hydronic balancing is completed you will get a report to show you what has been done.

Finally, your customers will have a system that not only provides better indoor comfort, but one that can offer between 5-20% energy savings annually (Study of FH Münster, 2015).