What do TRVs do?

Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) provide individual temperature control in each room where they are located. They prevent the room from overheating and prevent the boiler from heating a room that is already warm.

Each TRV will monitor the room temperature and reduce the heat generated by the radiator, so that the room temperature matches the set point.

Like a room thermostat, a TRV is focussed on maintaining the internal temperature regardless of how cold it is outside. Unlike a room thermostat, TRVs do not directly turn the boiler off when no heat is required – however they should allow the room thermostat to turn the boiler off more frequently.

How should I use TRVs?

Try to find a comfortable temperature for the room and leave the thermostat at this setting. Remember that TRVs will usually have a number scale (for example, 1-5), rather than temperature settings. You may be best starting with the TRV set at a lower point such as 2 and only adjusting it higher if the room temperature is not comfortable.

For rooms that are not used very often you can save money by keeping the TRV at the lowest setting, providing background heating only, and turning it to a more suitable setting when the room needs to be warmer.

 

Tip: As TRVs work by sensing temperature it is important to keep them free of obstructions such as furniture or curtains. Generally this is true of radiators anyway, as you want to get the heat into the room.

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Other control types:
Room thermostat
Programmer
Hot water cylinder thermostat

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