Take a moment to consider the positive and negative connotations associated with the words “manual” and “automatic.”  Thanks largely to modern technological developments, we’ve come to look down on manual equipment options as old-fashioned or even obsolete, but the truth is that even experienced plumbers and pipe experts know that a manual balancing valve is often a better choice than an automatic balancing valve or circuit setter.

Though water heating and cooling system installers saw a revolutionary way to hook up a larger building project with the advent of the circuit setter, it’s not always the best choice (even setting pricing aside).  Circuit setters feature a built-in balancing valve system and monitoring and measuring points allowing for automatic calibration of the water system.  Because there’s no need to readjust valves by hand or mess with the existing system, circuit setters allow for easy expansion of the water system into other parts of the building project (such as an addition).

The main selling factor is the shutoff valve capability, which allows users to shut off water to an entire part of the system to save water and energy when part of the building is not in use.   Being able to shut off water to a particular area of the building is an excellent feature for large construction projects which may undergo renovations or need additions, but circuit setters simply come with too many expensive features for smaller buildings and homes.  Manual balancing valves may require installation at more junctions of the piping system and hand-calibration, but they offer a time-tested and much less costly method of keeping a water system in balance.

Manual balancing valves come with a wide range of benefits, including the capability to read low rates of flow very accurately while saving energy.  In a smaller home water heating or cooling system, hand adjustment of manual balancing valves does not pose a problem and costs are generally much lower than the cost of installing fancier valves.  Choosing the right system for your building project can make a world of difference in your client’ energy bills and satisfaction with the final product.

This post is courtesy of Flow-Pac LLC. Our sincere gratitude goes out to them. Please contact Mr. HVAC if you would like to be a guest writer.