Balancing a heating system
One way to balance a heating system is by using I-time, P-band and degree-minutes, amongst other things. These settings control how valves and compressors should respond when the temperature changes, so that the system maintains a constant temperature.
Stay with us and we’ll try to explain!
I-TID
Determines how quickly a valve regulates a temperature that is out of range.
– Short I-time = faster correction.
– Long I-time = slower correction.
P-BAND
Determines how far a valve should open or close to maintain the correct temperature.
– A narrow P-band = the valve responds more.
– Wide P-band = the valve responds less.
DEGREE MINUTES
Determines how often and for how long the compressor should operate.
– A higher value for degree minutes = the compressor starts later and runs for longer.
– A lower value for degree minutes = the compressor starts earlier and runs for a shorter period.
Gradual cooling therefore helps to reduce wear and tear on the compressor by ensuring that the heat pump runs for longer and more consistently, rather than the compressor starting and stopping at every slight change in temperature.