What is a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV)?

Thermostatic radiator valves are fitted to radiators where they sense the air temperature in the room and regulate the flow of water through the radiator to which they are fitted.

They should be set at a level that gives your required room temperature. These settings may well have to vary from room to room, and the TRVs should be set to suit each room and then left to do their job.

Turning a TRV to a higher setting will not speed up the heating of the room. The speed of heating is determined by the boiler size and setting, and the radiator size.

Turning a TRV to a lower setting will result in the room being controlled at a lower temperature level, and saves energy.

TRVs need a free flow of air to sense the temperature, so they must not be covered by curtains or obstructed by furniture.

TRVs are generally not capable of turning off the boiler when the whole house is warm. To do that a room thermostat is required as well.

The radiator in the room where the room thermostat is positioned should not normally have a TRV, but, if it does, keep the TRV on the maximum setting and adjust the room thermostat as explained with the instructions.

Most people like a very warm bathroom so TRVs are generally not fitted on the bathroom radiator.

TRVs will contribute to comfort levels while at the same time saving energy and money.