What are TRVs and do you need them?

TRVs are Thermostatic Radiator Valves and are used to control air temperature in a room by automatically adjusting the amount of hot water flowing into the radiator(s) to which they are fitted.

They are a cost effective way of controlling heating – and therefore energy use – so that you can turn the heating up in a room you are using and lower it in unoccupied ones.

There is a capsule fitted – usually made of liquid or wax - inside the head of the valve which expands or contracts according to the temperature it detects, thus altering the flow of hot water into the radiator.

If you do not have them already you might consider having them fitted.  

However, this is a job that needs doing by a professional.  The reason is that if you were planning to have them fitted to all your radiators, the central heating system first must be drained of water. The type of TRV you will need will also depend on the type of radiators you have.

It can take a whole day to drain, fit the TRVs and then refill and repressurise the system.

So the cost will depend on the firm you engage to carry out the work.

If you were only thinking of fitting a couple it might be possible for the engineer to freeze the water in the pipes coming into those radiators and then fit the TRVs.

If you would like to have more control over your energy use and the temperature in individual rooms in your home do give UKBC a call 0800 43 46 494 for advice on fitting availability and costs.