During the adjustment process, the heating water is evenly distributed across the heating elements, and this is set in the heating installation. The central heating installation is a collective name for the central heating boiler and the radiators or convectors. When this is done, the water flows through all the heating elements in exactly the right amount to sufficiently heat your rooms.
The advantages of adjusting your central heating waterways
The biggest advantage is that it can drastically reduce your energy consumption. In most cases by 5%, but sometimes by as much as 15%. Do you now set the thermostat in one room extra high when you want to heat another room? Then you get the most out of water-side adjustment. It also improves the flow of water in the heating elements. The distribution of warmth is therefore much better. When the distribution is poor, some rooms will be too hot or too cold compared to other rooms in your house. With the adjustment, you get a pleasant temperature everywhere.
In fact, in most houses the central heating system is not properly adjusted. So you can imagine that this has a negative impact on energy consumption and living comfort.
When can you do it?
There are two times when you can perform the adjustment, namely during the installation or afterwards. In the past, the adjustment was always done by the installer during the installation of the boiler, unfortunately this is no longer the case. The main reason is that the installation companies are afraid that the customer will find the costs too high. Since most people do not see the added value. Sometimes the installers also lack the knowledge.
If your boiler needs replacing, ask them straight away whether the installation can be adjusted on the water side. If you are not yet ready to replace your boiler, it is certainly worthwhile having the adjustment carried out afterwards. It will quickly save you dozens of euros per year. In addition, since 2020 it is even mandatory for heating systems that are being renewed. Also when more than 30% of your heating elements have been replaced. In some older homes, however, this is not possible and an exception is made.
Does it make sense for my house?
Water-side balancing is not ideal for every situation. Do not all rooms in your house reach the right temperature? Then it is a good idea to carry out the adjustment. Also when your house does not feel comfortably warm, then it probably makes sense. It is also a godsend when you have a (hybrid) heat pump. These work best with a regulated heating system. And of course it is a solution when the energy consumption of your central heating boiler is very high.
Costs and subsidy
The costs of the adjustment amount to approximately between 300 and 500 euros. It is assumed that you will have earned back your investment after 3 to 4 years. The SEEH, also known as the subsidy scheme for insulation measures for VVEs, has a special scheme for installation. You get 90 euros back if you have your heating system adjusted on one side. This has to be done by a certified installer. In addition, you are obliged to carry out two insulation measures in your home.
Do it yourself or outsource
Installing a central heating boiler should almost always be done by a professional installer, you cannot do this yourself. Of course, you can have an installer do the adjustment for you, but it is also possible to do this yourself. You do need some skill and time to do this. Also make sure you have the right tools, like a special thermometer. Most of the work is in setting the radiators. Only then can they distribute and give off their heat properly. On the internet you can find a number of manuals on how to do this.
It also happens frequently that installers offer the wrong solution. They set the temperature of the central heating water higher, or they run the central heating system pump harder. This is not a good solution, because the central heating system uses more energy and the pump more power. This is not necessary if the heating system is properly adjusted.
This is how it should be
Have you decided to make the adjustment yourself? Then proceed as follows. First you need to regulate the water flow through the radiator, this is done with the adjustable radiator valve. Do not turn the knob itself. It is also possible to do this via the foot valves, in the drain pipe at the bottom of the radiator. However, you should first check that the central heating water is not dirty, in order to prevent a blockage.
