Hydronic water balancing
We measure the water flow through every coil, pump and balancing valve in your heating or cooling system and set it to design, so every zone gets the capacity it was designed for.
When you need it
- A new or renovated hydronic system needs balancing before turnover.
- Zones near the boiler or chiller overheat or overcool while distant zones can’t keep up.
- Pumps are working harder than they should, or the balancing valves have never been set.
- You’ve added coils, replaced pumps or converted to variable-flow pumping.
What we do
Review
We study the piping drawings, pump curves, coil schedules and valve locations, and confirm the system is filled, vented, flushed and clean.
Measure
We read flow at the balancing valves, use an ultrasonic meter where there’s no fitting, and record pump pressures and motor data.
Set
We adjust the balancing valves using a proportional method, so each coil reaches design flow with the least pump energy.
Verify and report
We confirm final flows and temperatures and record every valve position, so the system can be reset later.
What you receive
- Design and measured flow for every coil, terminal and heat exchanger
- Pump flow, head and motor data compared with the pump curve
- Final balancing valve settings
- Deficiencies such as trapped air, failed valves or undersized pumps
Questions
What’s the difference between air and water balancing?
Air balancing sets the airflow through ducts and diffusers. Water balancing sets the flow through the pipes, coils and pumps that heat or cool that air. Most buildings need both, and each affects the other.
Can balancing reduce pumping costs?
Often. Once flows are correct, the pump can usually be slowed down or its impeller trimmed instead of throttling valves, which cuts the energy it uses.
Do you need to shut the system down?
No. Hydronic balancing is done with the system running at its normal operating conditions.
Further reading
- Units and conversions every HVAC engineer uses
A practical reference for the units and conversion factors used daily in Canadian HVAC work, with the core air and water heat equations and tips to avoid common unit mistakes.
- Chilled beams: active and passive systems
Learn how active and passive chilled beams deliver cooling, why dew point control is essential, and which buildings and spaces suit chilled beam systems.
- Fan coil units in commercial buildings
An overview of fan coil units: configurations, two-pipe and four-pipe piping, how to provide ventilation, and the design and maintenance issues that affect comfort and cost.
- Air and dirt separation in hydronic systems
Learn where air and dirt in hydronic systems come from, the equipment that removes them, and how location and pressure decide whether that equipment actually works.
- Chilled water system design fundamentals
A foundation guide to chilled water systems covering supply temperatures, delta T, flow arrangements, piping, coils and controls, with notes on Canadian practice.
- Condenser water systems and cooling towers
Learn how a condenser water system works, the design values that drive tower and pump selection, and the control and water management issues owners need to understand.
Related services
Also in testing, adjusting and balancing: Air balancing (TAB), Duct leakage testing, Control system verification, Residential air balancing.
Get a quote for water balancing (hydronic)
Tell us about the building and what you need. We’ll be in touch within one hour.