Swing Vs Spring Check Valves

Hey everyone,
I am in the process of plumbing my EFM520 up to my old oil boiler. I went to Lowes to pick up some check valves and all they had were spring loaded check valves. The springs were not overly stiff but enough so I wondered if the circulators could push the valve open. Will a spring valve reduce my flow in the zones more than a swing gate check valve? I appreciate all your help.
Stan

I prefer the Bell & Gossett lift checks as they can be opened manually for thermosiphon if needed, you can't do that with swing or spring checks.

There are three styles of check valves used in hydronic heating systems. Swing check, spring check and weighted check. They all have slightly different applications and limitations. The swing check has the least pressure loss, i.e. best flow through. The swing check should be installed only in a horizontal position with the bonnett upright. The spring check valve can be installed in any position. It has less flow through than a swing check. A weighted flow check is normally used on a heating zone supply circuit after the circulator to prevent flow when the circulator is off.

The advantage of the weighted check is that it can be disabled by an external knob which lifts the weight allowing flow. One disadvantage is that some brands do not have valve stem seals. This is a source for air entry into the system, especially when the system cools creating a small vacuum pulling the air in. My experience is that any gravity flow capability is so limited that it's not worth the much greater cost of this type of check valve. In any case a second check is needed on the zone return line or a drop down thermal loop break. Without it you will likely get some thermal siphoning.

In any check valve installation there should be a minimum of 12 pipe diameters of straight pipe before the inlet to the valve. This prevent water turbulence which could cause the valve to rattle.