Commonly referred to as TRVs, thermostatic radiator valves are used to control the temperature of various rooms. Thermostatic radiator valves are often situated on the side of the radiators. Given that it’s set up properly, TRVs will allow you to have various heating zones throughout your home, even if you only have one centralised boiler supplying the heat.
What Thermostatic Radiator Valves are For
A TRV is a self-regulating valve. It works by changing the flow of hot water into the radiator. A TRV is made up of two parts—the valve head and the valve body (the head sits atop the body). When the room temperature in your house changes, a capsule found in the valve head expands and contracts. A pin moves in the valve body and causes it to either open or close.
If the temperature in your room is too warm, expansion of the capsule causes the pin to close the valve. This slows down the movement of the hot water into the radiator. In the same manner, if the temperature in your room drops, the contraction of the capsule in the valve head will pull the pin out and allow hot water to enter the radiator again.
There are two materials used in TRV capsules—liquid or wax. Overall, liquid models are considered the better option. One of the main advantages is its responsiveness to changes in temperature. While the one made of wax is slow to contract or expand, the liquid capsule can change the flow of water into the radiator more quickly.
Frequently Ask Questions About Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)
When is the use of TRV not recommended?
Primarily, there are two places where TRVs should not be installed. The first place is in the bathrooms. The heat produced by the shower/bath can cause the TRV to shut off just when you need the heat generated from the radiator to fight off condensation.
Installing a TRV in the same room as the main heating thermostat is also not recommended. Your primary thermostat is directly linked to your boiler. When you have a TRV in the room, they will fight for control. If the latter wins, the heating in your home can go off!
What are smart TRVs?
Smart TRVs take zonal heating control to another level. Smart TRVs are controlled remotely so the temperature in the room is monitored accordingly. Smart TRVs can also be used with other heating control components. This allows you to accurately monitor and control the individual room temperatures in your home, all with just a touch of a button on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Are TRVs a great idea?
If you have a decent number of rooms at home, then TRVs are definitely worth considering. This is especially beneficial if you have unused rooms that don’t require heating. When part of an intelligent heating system, TRVs can bring about significant energy savings for you.
To ensure they continue to function accordingly, TRVs will require proper maintenance. It is crucial that the valve head does not get clogged by dust as it can obstruct the air that hits the wax or liquid capsules and can affect how the TRV functions.
Checking if the pin in the valve body can still move freely is also recommended at least once annually.
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Want a TRV installed? Get in touch with us! We are based in County Durham and we service all places throughout the North East of England. All our work is guaranteed and fully insured and we accept card payments.