The Importance of Radiator Valves
As a seemingly small addition to radiator installations, a radiator valve is often overlooked. However, radiator valves are a necessary accompaniment for a radiator purchase and are available in a large range of styles and finishes.
New radiators are an ideal solution to improve the efficiency of your heating as modern systems have great money saving benefits. Installing the correct radiator valve will also significantly impact the efficiency of your new radiator as you have more control over your heating.
The comprehensive styles and fitting types for radiator valves can be confusing when trying to select the right one to fit your radiator. This guide to radiator valves explains the various types to assist you in selecting the right valve.
There are three types of valve:
Manual radiator valve
This are perhaps the most common style of radiator valve. They are the most traditional example of a valve that is operated in a similar process to a tap. By simply turning the top of the valve you can control the amount of hot water entering the radiator. They are simple to use and easy to maintain, however they are completely dependent on manual control. This means they could become inefficient if not regulated properly.
Thermostatic radiator valve (TRV)
This type of valve also controls the amount of water that enters the radiator. A TRV self-regulates by measuring the temperature in the room and adjusting the heat output accordingly. Once the radiator reaches the desired temperature the valve closes meaning you don’t overheat the room, reducing your energy consumption. Thermostatic radiator valves also allow you to heat individual rooms at varied temperatures, so you can heat frequently used rooms more than others.
Lockshield valve
These valves control the volume of water that flows out of the radiator to ensure an even distribution of heated water across the property. Lockshield valves therefore manage the rate at which your radiators heat up around the house, making your heating more efficient.
The shape of your radiator valve will depend on the location of the valve inlets on your new radiator. The shape of your valve also depends on whether your pipe work comes from the floor or from the wall. There are three types of valve; this includes angled, straight and corner.
