Thermostatic radiator valve

A thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) is a self-regulating valve fitted to hot water heating system radiator, to control the temperature of a room by changing the flow of hot water to the radiator.

A thermostatic radiator valve on position 2 (15-17 °C).

Section of a thermostatic radiator valve.

Functioning

The classic thermostatic radiator valve contains a plug, typically made of wax (forming a wax motor), which expands or contracts with the surrounding temperature. This plug is connected to a pin which in turn is connected to a valve. The valve gradually closes as the temperature of the surrounding area increases, limiting the amount of hot water entering the radiator. This allows a maximum temperature to be set for each room.

As the valve works by sensing the temperature of the air surrounding it, it is important to ensure that it is not covered by material (such as curtains). If the controller is removed from the valve the valve turns on and the radiator will always be hot.

TRVs should not be installed in the same room where the boiler thermostat is installed.

The replacement of a manual heating control with a TRV has been estimated to save at least 280 kilograms (620 lb) of CO₂ per year.[1] They are also considerably cost-efficient, using heat only when needed, and can reduce heating bills by up to 17 percent a year.[2]

As of 2012, electronic TRVs are becoming available which use electronic temperature sensing, and frequently contain programmers so that individual radiators may be programmed for different temperatures at different times of the day. Such increased control allows even better energy and CO₂ saving.[3]

Temperatures

Position of Danfoss heads[4]	Position of Caleffi heads[5]	Temperature in °C	Temperature in °F	Recommended use[4][6]
*	*	7.5	45.5	Frost protection
1	1	12	53.6	Cellar, stairs, laundry room
2	(n.a.)	15	59	Entrance hall
•	2	16	60.8	Corridor
•	•	17	62.6	Bedroom
3	•	18	64.4	Child's (bed)room
•	•	19	66.2	Kitchen
•	3	20	68	Living room
4	•	21	69.8	Bathroom
(n.a.)	•	22	71.6
(n.a.)	•	23	73.4
5	4	24	75.2
(n.a.)	5	28	82.4

See also

• Wax thermostatic element
• Thermostat

Notes and references

1. Energy Saving Trust (2011), Heating and hot water controls
2. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-03-24. Retrieved 2014-03-24.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
3. OpenTRV aims to save 50% of space heating energy for typical UK home
4. Danfoss. "Robinets thermostatiques" (PDF) (in French). Retrieved 18 September 2016.
5. Caleffi. "Instructions for Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance" (PDF). Retrieved 20 July 2018.
6. (in French) Bien utiliser la vanne thermostatique, cantonal energy and environment services of French-speaking Switzerland (page visited on 18 September 2016).