Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)
- What is a thermostatic radiator valve?
A thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) is shown in the image to the right. You will find it on the pipework at the top or bottom of your radiator.
It gives you greater control over the heat from each individual radiator. Each TRV can be set to a temperature to suit you, so you can have different temperatures in different rooms.
- How should I set my thermostatic radiator valves?
It's best to set your TRV to a middle setting and see if the room is warm enough. If the room is too warm, turn the TRV down by 1, if the room is too cold, turn the TRV up by 1. A middle setting corresponds to approximately 20ºC (68F).
Do NOT turn the TRV fully ON or fully OFF to make the room you are in warmer or cooler - this will waste fuel. Turn it a little way and let it do the work.
- Why does one radiator in my home not have a TRV?
There may be one (or more) radiators in your home, usually the bathroom, which does not have a TRV. This does not mean that one is missing. There sometimes needs to be one radiator always open to allow water to flow into it if all the others are turned off, to avoid damage to the pump or boiler. Sometimes it is not necessary to have a TRV in the room with the main room thermostat.
(If you have TRVs on all radiators, you have another type of system which is balanced and, therefore, does not need this function.)
