Heating Advice

Heating Controls

 

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)

 

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) are used in place of standard on/off valves. Their purpose is to enable any central heating system to be used in the most effective and economic way. They can, in fact, save you money. Instead of one central control thermostat switching all the radiators in the home on or off at the same time, depending solely on the temperature near the thermostat, every radiator is independently controlled by its own thermostat. As soon as any individual room temperature reaches a pre-set level, the radiator in that room automatically reduces its output, yet others in the house continue to operate until they too reach the required temperature. They work best in rooms that overheat, like kitchens or conservatories, or in rooms which are rarely used, such as spare bedrooms.

 

Saving

By fitting TRVs you can save £10-£15 annually.

 

Safety

Leave TRVs on their highest setting when the heating system is not in use for a long period (e.g. over the summer) to prevent them seizing closed.

Always leave one or two radiators without TRV if you have a fully pumped central heating and hot water system. The radiators, ideally the bathroom should be one, should have a permanently open lockshield valve at both ends so that pressure is not put on the pump when the TRVs elsewhere have closed down all the other radiators.

Don’t fit a TRV in the same room as a room thermostat. It will stop the room thermostat from turning off the heating when it should.