Do I need manual or thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)?

Feature Radiators' technical expert, Jason, offers some helpful advice on choosing the best radiator valves for your particular circumstances, regarding both look and efficiency.  He explains the difference between manual and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs).

For more information, visit www.featureradiators.co.uk.

Do I need straight, angled or corner radiator valves?

You have bought your radiator, but the question of radiator valves has now come up.  So which type do you need?

Radiator valves for a long time just came in "straight" versions, for use on towel rails with underside connections, if pipes came from the floor. or "angled" versions for use on any "standard" radiator or when pipes came from the floor. 

However with an increasing range of radiator styles available and with an increased customer demand for the smartest and most stylish options, valve manufacturers have sought to increase the choice available not just in style, but also in format, to ensure the neatest finish.  As they say, the devil's in the detail!

A radiator expert, such as Feature Radiators, can identify which valve format you need for your situation depending on the style of radiator you choose, the position of the valve connections and the position of your pipework. 

So watch this video for more information or just give us a call directly for some tailored advice on 01274 567789 or, for more information, visit www.featureradiators.co.uk.

Radiator Valves – angled, straight or corner - which ones do I need?

Feature Radiators, a radiator expert, has provided below some helpful advice on which valves they would recommend for different radiator set-ups, enabling you to make an informed decision when buying radiator valves.

 

1. Are your pipes already installed? 

You may be starting from scratch without any pipes installed; in this instance, you can probably choose where you want your pipes to come from (wall or floor).  This means you have freedom when it comes to choosing your radiator and valves.

However, as is often the case, you may already have your pipework installed.  You may be able to have this moved but, if not, this may narrow down your radiator and valve choices. 

2. “Wall-mounted” or “floor-mounted”?

A question we are often asked is whether a particular type of radiator can be “wall-mounted” or “floor-mounted”.  

• “Wall-mounted” means that the radiator is hung from the wall on brackets (without feet).  However there is a common misconception among homeowners that “wall-mounted” means that the pipes come out of the wall. 
• “Floor-mounted” means that the radiators are sat on the floor, usually on “feet”.  Again however customers often think that this means that the pipes come from the floor. 

Whether the radiator is hung from a wall or sat on feet, the pipes can come from wherever you need them to; out of the wall, out of the floor, along the skirting board, etc.  This position of your pipes does not affect your choice of radiator, but it does affect your choice of valve.

3. Position of valve connections?

In order to choose the best valves, you firstly need to know if your radiator has “side connections” or “underside connections”.

 

Side connections

The connections for the valves (holes) are situated at the bottom of the radiator on either side.  This is the norm for standard corrugated panel radiators and traditional style cast iron radiators.  This type of connection is also known as BBOE or Bottom Bottom Opposite Ends.

Underside connections

The connections for the valves (holes) are situated underneath the radiator, at either end or centrally at 50mm apart.  This is the norm for ladder style towel radiators and is common on many modern vertical radiators, which are designed to take up a minimum amount of wall space. 

 

4. Position of pipes?

Choose your particular set-up from the list below:

 

• Pipes coming up from the floor on a radiator with side connections = you need “angled” valves

The head of the valves would sit upright, either side of the radiator. 

 

• Pipes coming up from the floor on a radiator with underside connections = you need “straight” valves

The valves would sit underneath the radiator and the head of the valves can be twisted so they are in-line with the bottom of the radiator and do not protrude into the room.

• Pipes coming out of the wall on a radiator with side connections = you can choose from “angled” or “corner” valves

Traditionally installers would use angled valves, but this means that the valves would lie flat either side of the radiator and the valve heads would stick forward into the room usually beyond the front of the radiator.  A neater alternative is to use corner valves, which means that the valves would be either side of the radiator but the heads of the valves would sit upright, rather than protruding into the room.

• Pipes coming out of the wall on a radiator with underside connections = you can choose from “angled” or “corner” valves

Traditionally installers would use angled valves, but this means that the valves would sit underneath the radiator and the valve heads would stick forward into the room usually beyond the front of the radiator.  A neater alternative is to use corner valves, which means that the valves would sit underneath the radiator and the heads of the valves would sit horizontally, rather than protruding into the room.

 

Manual or thermostatic?

 

Remember, you also need to decide whether you need thermostatic or manual valves.  Please see our article regarding the differences via the link below.

http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/Articles/Radiator%20valves%20thermostatic%20or%20manual.htm

My radiator isn’t as hot as it should be, why?

A cold radiator or a radiator with cold spots often indicates that the water is not flowing through the radiator as it should. This is almost always down to an installation issue and is very rarely due to a problem with the radiator itself.

This means that the issue should be easy to correct by following the step-by-step instructions detailed below.

1. Bleed the radiator

Firstly, you need to make sure the radiator has been “bled” properly. Bleeding a radiator means getting rid of any air that has accumulated at the top of radiator, using an air vent/bleed valve. Where air is present, there is no water, which means no heat.

Ideally radiators should be checked for air accumulation at least once a year. Bleed keys (vent keys) can be purchased from a plumbers’ merchant or home improvement store.

Bleeding a radiator is a simple process:

a) Ensure both valves at the bottom of the radiator are open;
b) Attach the bleed key (vent key) onto the bleed valve (air vent) at the top of the radiator;
c) Unscrew the air vent and have a cloth ready to catch minor drips;
d) Listen for the change in sound; you will hear a hissing noise at first (the sound of air escaping), then it will change to a steady squirt of water. At this point you can retighten the air vent.

Please note: On first filling a system it is air that is vented from a radiator. From then on the periodic venting required is actually releasing hydrogen that is the by-product of rusting in the system. If regular bleeding is continually required, then this is a strong indication that the system requires draining, cleaning and refilling incorporating a corrosion inhibitor to prevent further rust in accordance with BS5449 section five commissioning.

2. Check that the valves are open

Make sure the valve is fully open, to ensure water can flow into the radiator.

3. Is a “flow diverter” required?

Certain radiators need “flow diverters” that are fitted internally, to ensure that the water flows in the right direction around the radiator. A flow diverter is designed to ensure that all parts of the radiator get as hot as they should. If a flow diverter is required then it will be sent out with your radiator but occasionally installers do forget to put these in. Failure to install a flow diverter when it is required will almost always result in a radiator not performing properly.

4. Does your system need ‘balancing’?

Finally, if your radiator is still not hot all over, then you need to check whether your radiators need ‘balancing’. Your plumber or heating engineer should balance your system following installation or maintenance of your central heating system. Balancing is adjusting the flow of water through each radiator on a system so that all radiators are running at equal temperatures and take an equal amount of time to reach their operating temperature. Lack of balancing within a system is often the cause of cold spots on radiators, radiators failing to heat up properly, or radiators making noises. If your radiator is not heating up correctly then it is highly unlikely that the problem is caused by a manufacturing fault.

Please note: If you have paid a plumber or heating engineer to install your radiator(s), then unless there is a manufacturing fault with the radiator(s) (which is rare), then any newly installed radiators should function correctly before that person leaves your property. Your installer should also ensure that the performance of any existing radiators on the system has not deteriorated as a result of the work carried out. Problems are sometimes caused by installers failing to balance a system following maintenance but these checks should be included as standard as part of the service provided by them.

For more information on radiators including expertise and technical advice from a specialist, then contact Feature Radiators on 01274 567789, meet the team at their showroom in West Yorkshire or visit http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/

Help when choosing or installing radiators

Homeowners and renovators that are considering installing new radiators, whether it be traditional cast iron, contemporary models or towel rails, often get a bit stuck on a few of the technical aspects they need to consider.

Feature Radiators, a radiator specialist, confirmed that their customers often ask them the following questions:

1. Do I want a radiator with side or underside connections?

2. Do I need angled or straight radiator valves?

This article tries to help answer those questions by providing a clear explanation of the subject.

So what is the relevance of whether a radiator has side or underside valve connections?

The location of the valve connection points on a radiator should be considered as they determine:

· Whether straight or angled radiator valves are required; and

· The total width of wall space needed to accommodate a radiator once it has been installed.

Side Connections = angled valves required

Radiators with side valve connections (bottom opposite ends) are the standard connections used on traditional steel panel and cast iron radiators. Side connections mean the valves will be situated on either side of the radiator.

On a radiator with side connections, you need angled valves where conventional pipe work is used. Add approximately 150mm to the width of the radiator to give the total width needed to accommodate the radiator and valves once installed.

Many radiators including all cast iron and standard steel panel radiators have side valve connections.

Underside Connections = angled or straight valves?

Radiators with underside valve connections are a good choice where only a narrow space is available. This type of connection allows the valves to sit neatly underneath a radiator, as opposed to protruding either side, meaning less space is required.

When a radiator has underside connections, either straight or angled radiator valves are required, depending on where the pipes are coming from.

· If the pipe work comes up from the floor = straight valves are required; but

· If the pipe work comes out of the wall = angled valves are required.

Most heated towel rails and many contemporary radiators now have underside connections.

For more information on choosing and installing radiators and valves, then contact a specialist such as Feature Radiators. You can meet their expert team at their West Yorkshire showroom, call them on 01274 567789 or visit their website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/ where they have a comprehensive list of FAQs.

How warm is your house?

Feature Radiators considers an article written by the BBC that asks the question; should we be turning the thermostats down on our central heating?

“Spring is in the air in the UK, but it will be weeks - if not months - before the nation's radiators switch off. The average indoor temperatures of British houses are creeping up now central heating is the norm, and double glazing and insulation are added to older, draughtier homes.” (Lane, 2011)

The article makes it clear that consumer demand for heating has changed.

“Forty years ago, few houses had central heating, and chilly hallways and spare rooms dragged the average temperature down. Radiators now warm rooms that previous generations wouldn't have heated - corridors, bedrooms, and bathrooms.” (Lane, 2011)

But it appears that lowering room temperatures, or even turning radiators off, isn’t enough to adequately reduce our energy use.

“Dropping it [average indoor temperature] to 16C - the lowest setting in this virtual world - only shaves 7% off carbon emissions. Even if we all get in the habit of wearing woollies inside, this will still feel chillier than usual to most people.” (Lane, 2011)

So what else can we do to reduce our energy consumption, whilst maintaining our home comforts?

“David MacKay, the DECC's chief scientific adviser, practises what he preaches in his once draughty semi-detached 1940s house. As well as adding double glazing and insulation, he has turned the heating right down. He hopes that insulating more homes, smarter thermostats and "the promotion of sweater-wearing by sexy personalities" will encourage more people to follow suit.” (Lane, 2011)

The article makes it clear that energy efficiency gained through increasingly effective technology is key, alongside a good dose of common sense.

“So will smart thermostats and radiator valves help, allowing homeowners to target heat where it's needed at different times in the day? Experts say technology can do only half the job. A smart thermostat is only as smart as the person operating it.” (Lane, 2011)

So get smart. Investment in double-glazing, improved insulation and thermostatic controls will mean an initial financial outlay, but these options can dramatically reduce your carbon emissions as well as your heating bills.

For more information on efficiently heating your home or ways of minimising your energy usage, contact Feature Radiators on 01274 567789, visit them at their West Yorkshire showroom or http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/

Lane, M. (2011). How warm is your home? [Online]. 3 March 2011. Available from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-12606943. [Accessed: 21 March 2011]

Energy Efficiency Resolutions for 2011

What can we, as consumers, do in 2011 to reduce our energy consumption and minimise our carbon footprint whilst keeping our costs down and maintaining our home comforts?

Domestic heating is a key area where we, as consumers, can all make costs savings and try to minimise our energy wastage as well as our utility bills.

Below are some key tips for keeping your energy usage and consequently your heating bills down.

Consider installing Thermostatic Radiator Valves

Thermostatic Radiator Valves, or TRVs, come with an in-built temperature sensor. A thermostatic valve will maintain a room at the temperature you have selected, by automatically adjusting the heat output from the radiator.

This means that you can make the most of any “free” heat the room receives, such as that from the sun (solar heat gain) or from electrical or gas appliances. As the valve is controlled automatically, it adjusts itself, ensuring the radiators perform as efficiently as possible, reducing energy waste. For this reason, TRVs are the environmentally friendly valve choice as they prevent energy being wasted by overheating a room.

There is now a wide range of stylish thermostatic valves available in both contemporary and traditional styles in a variety of finishes. For instance, Feature Radiators offers a wide range of TRVs on the valves page of their website.

Please be aware that building regulations require TRVs to be used for all new builds except:

- For one pair of valves on a system, which can and should be manual, so they can be left fully open at all times. This is needed to allow the system to function properly. Usually such manual valves will be put on the radiator/towel rail in a bathroom or entranceway, as more constant heating is needed in these areas.

- In rooms where there is a room thermostat that controls the boiler.

Although not essential, we recommend TRVs for larger radiators (above 1800 watts, or where the radiator is oversized for the room) and for use in kitchens where temperatures tend to fluctuate dramatically (due to additional heat from ovens, fridges and other appliances).

Ensure your central heating system or heaters are on timers

Timers are now available for gas central heating systems, electric radiators and electric central heating systems. This has been the standard for boiler systems for a while but now they are available on other forms of heating. For instance, iRad, the electric radiator from Feature Radiators, is available with a wireless controller enabling specific times and temperature modes to be set, minimising energy wastage.

Insulate, insulate, insulate

The importance of insulation in minimising wasted energy cannot be underestimated alongside the amount of money it can save it on your utility bills. Improved insulation in your home is guaranteed to dramatically reduce the heat lost through your walls and roof, meaning less requirements for heating and resulting in lower energy usage.

Look at the possibility of having cavity wall insulation and loft insulation installed. Many local councils now run schemes encouraging residents to go for better insulation by subsidising the cost, or even waiving the costs entirely.

Also, better insulation means a lower heat output from your radiators is required. So if you are thinking of opting for new radiators, then more options are available, as the heat output will not need to be as high. For advice on choosing radiators with the right heat output for your situation, it is essential you speak to a radiator specialist or qualified heating engineer.

Consider the future of your heating system

With stocks of gas and oil rapidly depleting, the future of the standard boilers is uncertain. A movement towards electricity as a cleaner fuel that can be generated from renewable sources is seeing the shift in the type of heating systems that may be installed over the next century.

Heat pumps are very “in vogue”, but installation costs are high and many properties cannot accommodate or are not suitable this type of system.

In order to retain your current central heating system and radiators, why not just switch to an electric boiler. These are currently available but at a relatively high price, but increasing demand is set to see the costs fall and this will provide a simple, practical and inexpensive option for many of us in the years to come.

Other options for modern heating systems include electric central heating that is run by linking independent electric radiators wirelessly. Without pipework and a boiler, installation costs and disruption can be significantly reduced. This new electric radiator technology is really taking off due to its practicality, flexibility and efficiency.

Finally, wear a jumper!

This may seem obvious, but the younger generation often seem to take central heating for granted, and wearing a T-shirt in the house despite sub zero temperatures is deemed quite acceptable by many. However, this is surely a waste of our precious resources and an unnecessary addition to our carbon footprint. Also what can be better than snuggling up under a cosy blanket on those frosty winter nights!

For more information on maximising your energy efficiency within a reasonable budget, contact Feature Radiators on 01274 567789, visit their large showroom in West Yorkshire or visit their website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/

Radiator valves - Thermostatic or manual?

What are thermostatic valves and what are manual valves and which ones do I need for my radiator?

Feature Radiators, a radiator expert, has provided below some helpful advice for those choosing valves for radiators. There are 2 types of valves available, thermostatic and manual, and this overview of both will enable you to make an informed decision when buying radiator valves.

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) come with an in-built temperature sensor. The thermostatic valve will maintain the room at the temperature you have selected, by automatically adjusting the heat output from the radiator.

This means that you can make the most of any “free” heat the room receives, such as that from the sun (solar heat gain) or from electrical appliances. As the valve is controlled automatically, it turns itself up and down, ensuring the radiators perform as efficiently as possible and are environmentally friendly as they prevent energy being wasted by overheating a room.

Please be aware that building regulations require TRVs to be used for all new builds except:

- For one pair of valves on a system that can and should be manual, so they can be left fully open at all times. This is needed to allow the system to function properly. Usually such manual valves will be put on the radiator/towel rail in a bathroom or entranceway, as more constant heating is needed in these areas;

- In rooms where there is a room thermostat that controls the boiler.

Although not essential, we recommend TRVs for larger radiators (above 1800 watts, or where the radiator is oversized for the room) and for use in kitchens where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically (due to additional heat from ovens, fridges and other appliances).

Manual valves simply act like taps as they directly control the flow of water into the radiator and consequently how hot the radiator gets. Therefore the amount of heat given out will be constant, regardless of the surrounding room temperature.

Manual valves allow you to turn the heat up or down, but you will need to physically go to the valve to make the adjustment. Manual valves have no labelled settings – simply turn the valve head until the radiator is giving the amount of heat desired. The smallest most discreet valves available are manual valves.

Whether you choose thermostatic or manual valves is up to you (apart from cases where building regulations apply). As a general rule, thermostatic valves tend to be larger than manual valves (as they need to accommodate the thermostatic mechanism) but are more energy efficient. Manual valves on the other hand, tend to be smaller and more discreet, so are often chosen for their neat minimal look.

For more information on valves, or radiators, contact Feature Radiators on 01274 567789 or visit their website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/