What Are TRVs And Why Are They Important For Energy Efficiency?
If you’re looking for ways to optimise your heating system without compromising on comfort, your thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) can play a big part in this. TRVs help you control the temperature of individual rooms in your home, but do you know how they work and why they’re important for energy efficiency?
Keep reading because in this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about TRVs, including what they are, how they work, and how you can use them effectively to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
What is a thermostatic radiator valve?
A thermostatic radiator valve, also known as a TRV, is a small device that attaches to your radiator, allowing you to control the temperature of each room in your home. They often have a numbered dial, usually ranging from 0 to 5, which allows you to set your desired temperature. When you adjust your TRV, you can regulate the flow of hot water into your radiator, helping you to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Thermostatic radiator valves consist of two main components: the valve head and the valve body. The valve head, usually located on top of the valve body, has a temperature-sensitive element inside, which expands or contracts as the room temperature changes. It’s this that controls the flow of hot water into the radiator.
TRVs are simple, yet effective because they ensure that a radiator only receives the necessary amount of hot water to maintain your desired temperature.
Why are TRVs important for energy efficiency?
Thermostatic radiator valves can help you achieve optimal energy efficiency in many ways. For example, unlike conventional manual valves, which only turn a radiator on or off, TRVs allow you to control the precise temperature of a room. This prevents energy waste because you’re not needlessly overheating individual rooms in your home, or heating rooms that are not in use.
This in turn results in lower energy consumption and savings on your heating bills. The ability to set specific temperatures using TRVs is a game-changer because you can tailor the temperature of your room to your specific needs, allowing you to save money without having to compromise on comfort.
With thermostatic radiator valves, you can reduce your carbon footprint, and save on your heating bills, making TRVs a wise investment for anyone who wants to do their bit for the environment and save on energy costs.
How do thermostatic radiator valves work?
The way thermostatic radiator valves work revolves around the valve head. As mentioned previously, the valve head contains a temperature-sensitive element, which is usually filled with wax or liquid. This element expands or contracts when the temperature in the air changes.
When the room reaches the desired temperature, the element expands and pushes a pin that restricts the flow of hot water to the radiator. If the temperature drops below the set point, the element contracts, which retracts the pin and allows for more hot water to flow through to raise the temperature of the room.
The coordinated way in which TRVs work ensures a consistent and comfortable temperature within your room, and ultimately makes them an essential tool of an energy-efficient central heating system.
How to fit a thermostatic radiator valve
Fitting or replacing a thermostatic radiator valve is a relatively straightforward task that almost anyone can do themselves. Some tools to have to hand include an adjustable spanner, some PTFE tape, and a radiator valve tail if needed.
Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to fit a thermostatic radiator valve:
- Turn off the heating – be sure to wait for your radiators to cool down completely.
- Isolate the radiator – locate the valve on either side of the radiator and close it by turning it clockwise.
- Release trapped water – use a cloth to catch any drips as you loosen the bleed screw on the radiator with a radiator key.
- Detach the old valve – with your adjustable spanner, unscrew the old valve from the radiator.
- Prepare for the TRV – wrap some PTFE tape around the threads of the valve tail (if your old valve didn’t have one, you’d need to fit this first).
- Install the new TRV – screw the TRV onto the valve tail, ensuring it’s straight and tight. Remember not to overtighten it.
- Reopen the valve and check – open the valve you closed earlier, and check for any leaks.
If you’re unsure or you’re not comfortable fitting or replacing a TRV yourself, be sure to speak to a professional who can help.
Tips for using thermostatic radiator valves efficiently
Using thermostatic radiator valves efficiently is key to maximising your energy savings and maintaining a comfortable living environment. Here are some simple best practices you can implement to harness the energy-saving potential of TRVs:
- Set the right temperature for each room based on how often they’re used – generally, a comfortable temperature tends to be between 18-21°C.
- Experiment with different temperature settings to find out what works best for each room.
- Consider installing smart TRVs as they allow you to create schedules and adjust settings remotely.
- Do not use a room thermostat where you have TRVs as they may misinterpret warmth from the radiator as the entire room being at the desired temperature.
Using thermostatic radiator valves efficiently is all about finding the right balance for different temperatures in each room, and this may take some experimentation. In the long run, small adjustments can make a big impact on your overall comfort and energy efficiency.
Need more expert advice?
It’s clear to see how much of a role thermostatic radiator valves play in enhancing energy efficiency and reducing heating costs. By regulating the temperature in individual rooms, TRVs help lower energy consumption and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
If you need more expert advice or guidance on TRVs, don’t hesitate to contact us today. If your property currently does not have a central heating system in place, or doesn’t involve a boiler and radiators, you may be eligible for a First Time Central Heating (FTCH) grant. Check if you’re eligible in less than 60 seconds with our handy online tool. We’re a fully certified installer, meaning you can apply for funding directly through us.
Thermostatic radiator valves FAQs
How do I know if my TRVs are working correctly?
If your radiators are heating up correctly to the desired temperature after adjusting the valve head, your TRVs are likely working fine. Feeling a temperature difference between the valve head and the room temperature is also a good indicator. If your heating system isn’t responding as it should, you should call a professional plumber.
Are TRVs suitable for every type of radiator?
It’s a common misconception that all radiators can accommodate TRVs. While TRVs are compatible with most standard radiators, certain types, such as corner radiator valves, heated towel rail radiators, and some cast iron radiators, may require specific TRV models or alternatives.
How to unstick a radiator thermostatic valve
If you find your radiator isn’t getting warm, you might have a stuck TRV. First, try turning the thermostatic radiator valve head to its highest setting and then back down again a few times. If that doesn’t work, you can remove the head and try tapping the pin on the side of your radiator with a spanner. If neither of these methods work, you should call a professional plumber.
How do you balance radiators with thermostatic valves?
Balancing radiators with TRVs involves adjusting the valves to control the amount of hot water flowing into each radiator, ensuring a consistent temperature throughout your home. Read our blog for our step-by-step guide to balancing radiators.