Jump to content

Radiator balancing (is a pita)


Radian

Recommended Posts

I've always used the rough-and-ready technique of starting with the closest rad to the boiler and setting its lock-shied to a quarter turn or so, then gradually increasing on that for subsequent rads in the system - out to the furthest one - ending at a couple of turns or so. Seems a bit unscientific, so I thought I'd be clever and make me a fancy, internet connected, differential measurement kit:

 

IMG_20230207_180116911.thumb.jpg.2927fc066f1e5e6dc4fbc7043687ef18.jpgScreenshot_20230206-180239.thumb.jpg.9648658881ace8515da273669cb8b877.jpg

 

This merges the live temperature readings with some handy data from the boiler etc. and pings them up to my phone for display.

The screenshot was the first quick test on a nearby radiator. Great I thought! Looks super useful.

 

Until, that is, I tried to use it. 🙄  The thing is, the first rad I tested it on was a big one and was evidently well balanced already (using my old method). When I started with the radiator closest to the boiler (a small one) I could not get a delta greater than 6oC. The reason seems to be that operating the lock-shield in the almost off position alters the volume of flow so much that the flow temperature falls as well as the return. The delta stays put whatever you do. Opening the lock-shield enough to get the flow temperature within, say, 10oC of the boiler flow temperature means losing the ability to control the delta as it's already pi$$ing through.

 

Different radiators scale this problem in inverse proportion to their size so while I felt I was getting somewhere with in a handful of rooms with large rads, I went back to the old method for the majority of the radiators. Anyone got any pro-plumbing tips to offer me?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, Nickfromwales said:

Go see Chris in the Swan Inn in Sturmy, and I'll put one behind for you. ;) 

Looks like a good destination for a evening outing. Cheers! Actually have some reasonable pubs around the place but none within walking distance... as defined by how long my bladder will hold out 🤣

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...