A hydronic system uses water, typically moved by a pump, as a heat-transfer medium throughout a building’s heating and cooling system.

Hydronic systems are often more energy-efficient than forced air systems because water is a better heat conductor than air. Hydronic systems can operate at lower temperatures and are capable of distributing heat more evenly, reducing energy consumption.

Hydronic balancing is the means and the method to control hydronic systems, thus providing a comfortable indoor climate, while optimizing energy efficiency, minimizing costs, and preventing issues during operation.

When a hydronic system is unbalanced, sections of a building farther away from the pump can receive less water, since the liquid meets different levels of resistance as it moves through the piping system. An unbalanced system can run noisily, use energy inefficiently and cause excess strain on valves and pumps. Most importantly, it makes the people in the building uncomfortable because of inadequate temperature regulation in occupied spaces.

Tools like balancing valves and control valves help control water flow throughout a system so that no building areas receive under- or overflow.

With all components pre-assembled in a single unit, Victaulic Koil-Kit™ standard coil packs allow contractors to pipe in components once, simplifying installation. Their flexible hoses offer installers more placement options, and contractors can flush the system without having to disconnect joints or use air-to-close (ATC) valves. The coil packs are designed to work alongside manual and automatic balancing valves and PIBCVs in sizes ranging from ½” - 2”.

Learn more about Victaulic’s hydronic balancing products and solutions here.

• Manual Balancing Valves
  • Require manual adjustment to reset flow rate after changes in system pressure, which can be labor-intensive
  • Must be evaluated periodically to ensure they’re maintaining proper flow
  • Extremely sensitive to low flow rate
  • Work in conjunction with control valves, which take over the dynamic regulation of flow within each zone after the system is balanced

Manual balancing valves work well in small HVAC systems without a lot of valves to adjust, in systems without significant variance in heating and cooling needs and in cost-sensitive projects.

• Automatic Balancing Valves
  • Adjust automatically to maintain a constant flow rate regardless of changes in system pressure
  • Less labor-intensive to service than manual valves since they don’t need frequent readjustment
  • Work in conjunction with control valves

Automatic balancing valves benefit projects that require some level of automated balancing to improve efficiency, such as schools or other public sector buildings, but where budget constraints prevent the use of more advanced PIBCVs (see next section). 

• Pressure-Independent Balancing and Control Valves (PIBCV):
  • Combine the functions of a balancing valve and a control valve, adjusting flow based on both pressure and demand
  • Provide precise flow control regardless of pressure fluctuations in the system
  • Simplify installation with balancing and control valve sections integrated into one unit
  • Enhance energy efficiency by ensuring optimal system performance and reducing energy waste

PIBCVs are ideal for buildings with varying heating or cooling loads, such as those in variable climates. They’re also useful in buildings that undergo frequent renovations, such as hospitals or academic buildings on college campuses.