How to Lower your heating bills using TRV's
So let’s start with finding out what actually is a TRV and what is it used for?
A TRV or thermostatic radiator valve helps to control the flow of hot water to a radiator, which in turn controls the air temperature in a room. You can set it at a certain level so that it will regulate the flow of hot water to give your desired room temperature.
*It’s important to note that TRVs don’t control the boiler. They are also different from a room thermostat which sets the temperature for the overall home
TRVs give you greater control over your heating system which in turn can make the heating system more cost-effective, as you can have different temperatures in different rooms. For example, you can set a lower temperature in the hallway than the living room, which saves energy and in turn can lower your heating bill.
How do TRVs actually work?
There is a sensor inside in the TRV that contains a material which expands when room temperature goes up and contracts when the room temperature goes down. This movement in the sensor in turn causes a valve to open and close.
TRVs can be adjusted to different settings by twisting them clockwise or anti-clockwise. They are usually marked with a scale from 0 – 6, where zero (0) is off and six (6) is fully open. Aim for the lowest setting that keeps the room to your desired temperature. A lower setting reduces the volume of hot water, using less energy and saving you money. If you’re not using a room, TRVs can also be used to either turn the radiator off completely or maintain a minimum temperature to keep the room just warm enough to prevent damp.
How much money will using TRVs actually save?
It’s recommended that TRVs are fitted to every radiator in your home, excluding the bathroom. A study by the University of Salford concluded that the average energy saving potential for TRVs in homes is 18% of the heating costs.