For nearly a decade, Circuit Solver has exceeded the standard for balancing domestic hot water systems. The thermostatic self-actuating balancing valve controls temperature and ensures hot water is delivered consistently to all fixtures without the need for manual balancing. The simple design combined with the unique technology of the valve has transformed the future of domestic hot water balancing. To date, there are thousands of Circuit Solvers installed in buildings across the country with more being spec’d into projects every day. More and more contractors are realizing the convenience the valve creates by eliminating the need for time-consuming and expensive manual balancing labor and equipment. 

ThermOmegaTech interviewed a few contractors to hear about their experiences using Circuit Solver. Below are the responses from three plumbing contractors: E.M. Duggan Inc, Pan-Pacific Mechanical, and Production Plus Plumbing Inc.

E.M. Duggan Inc. – Boston, Massachusetts

Overview of the project

Founded in 1891, E.M. Duggan Inc. is a full mechanical contractor specializing in commercial plumbing, HVAC and sprinkler systems in and around Boston, Massachusetts. Stephen Thompson, who has been working for E.M. Duggan for 30+ years, talks about the recently completed Avalon North Station high-rise apartments, right next to the home of the Boston Celtics, and the installation of Circuit Solvers.

Installation

This newly constructed 38-story luxury apartment building with 537 units used Circuit Solvers to balance its domestic hot water system. The system was broken into three zones of water — low, medium and high — and required roughly 100 Circuit Solvers.

Results

The contractor was pleased with how quickly the system was balanced. It usually takes two to three days to balance a system manually, but by using Circuit Solvers, this process was done instantly. This translated into huge savings in terms of time and effort that is usually devoted to the balancing process. There was no scaling or gumming up of the system either, which is sometimes an issue when using manual valves. They experienced no problems or call backs. When asked how Circuit Solver compares to other balancing valves, Thompson says, “It’s hard to compare to since there really isn’t anything else like it on the market.”

Pan-Pacific Mechanical – Los Angeles, California

Overview of the project

For 60+ years, Pan-Pacific Mechanical has been a family-owned mechanical contractor in California. Richard Parker talks about the USC Village project at University Park Campus Los Angeles, and his experience with installing Circuit Solvers.

Installation

This construction project consisted of five buildings — five stories, at 750,000 square feet a piece. Each building required 110 Circuit Solvers totaling 600 valves for the whole project. 

Results

Normally it takes a long time to balance a system. A project this size would take three or four plumbers per building at least two weeks to get the system perfectly balanced. With Circuit Solver, the contractor was able to start up the system, and it was balanced automatically. This saved them both time and money, plus made the whole process easier. They have had to make zero adjustments and haven’t had any clogging issues that can be a problem when using other valves. Since Circuit Solver automatically adjusts to the changing water temperatures, the system doesn’t becomes unbalanced and hot water will be at the branch when you need it, so there won’t be any long wait times. 

When asked about his experience using Circuit Solver Parker says, “Circuit Solvers are the best option out there. The only con is the initial cost is higher than most manual and automatic valves, however, you save a lot of money on start-up costs and commission. Overall, it’s a fantastic option, and the owner will be very satisfied when Circuit Solver valves are used.”

Production Plus Plumbing Inc. – Los Angeles, California

Overview of the contractor

Production Plus Plumbing Inc. is a residential plumbing contractor that has been serving California since 1977. Dan North, who installed Circuit Solvers, talks about the Kohn Hall project at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics at University of California Santa Barbara, California. 

Installation

The project was for a new construction of living quarters. The building was only three stories and required 38 Circuit Solvers.

Results

The contractor was pleased with the ease of initial startup and the hot water delivery times. Once the Circuit Solvers were installed and the system was fired up, it balanced itself. The contractor could see the results quickly since the valves were fully open during startup than gradually closed as each valve reached its set temperature, rapidly getting hot water to each line. They did not have any problems and did not have to adjust a single valve.

When asked about his experience using Circuit Solver, North says, “Circuit Solver is a great product, and I love its simple design. The valves automatically adjust to changing temperatures and pressure drops unlike manual and automatic balancing valves. We never have any issues when installing them in our projects.”

For more information about Circuit Solvers, visit ThermOmegaTech.com.