"Striking a balance" is a common phrase that is often used to describe the balancing act between career and family or work and play. It's a comfort level that people seek that brings balance to a hectic lifestyle. This symbolism holds true as Mother Nature's unpredictable weather conditions force one to adjust the temperature setting between air conditioning and heat, trying to find the perfect indoor climate.
A correctly functioning hydronic heating and cooling system provides a comfortable indoor climate and enough domestic hot water so the building occupants can carry out their daily tasks. The owner has the satisfaction of knowing that his building has been proven through the balancing of the mechanical and plumbing systems to perform the way the design consultant intended. If the balancing valves are not correctly sized, then the size of the pumps and piping must be increased to force the flow to all parts of the building. This will require more power consumption than necessary. A crucial part of the design is the provision of adequate plant to meet the needs of the building; however, it is equally important to ensure that the power developed by the plant reaches every part of the building in the design flow rates required for heating or cooling.