What could happen if a pressure-relief valve setting is too high?

When a pressure-relief valve setting is too high, the valve may never open, which is precisely why this answer is correct. The primary function of a pressure-relief valve is to prevent excessive pressure buildup within the system, particularly in boilers and heating systems, by opening and releasing pressure when it reaches a specified limit. If the setting is set higher than the safe operational pressure of the system, it effectively defeats the purpose of having a relief mechanism in place.

As a result, the system can experience unsafe pressure levels, leading to potential hazards such as equipment damage, failure, or even explosions due to unrelieved pressure. This underscores the essential safety role of the pressure-relief valve in maintaining system integrity and operational safety. Properly calibrated pressure-relief valves are critical in HVAC systems to ensure that pressure does not exceed acceptable limits, thereby protecting the entire installation from potential catastrophic events.