Valves and accessories for designer radiators
10 October 2022
A valve can not only add a finishing touch to the look of youR new radiator, but it can ensure it runs cost efficiently too!
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Radiator Valves & Accessories are important for heat efficiency
People often forget the importance of choosing the right valves and accessories when splashing out on designer radiators. Radiator valves are an indispensable part of your designer radiators and/or heated towel rails. This is because it allows you to control the heat output of an individual radiator which means the radiators in each room can be set to control the temperature.
What are the different types of radiator valves?
Do you want to regulate the temperature automatically or are you prepared to turn the valve up and down yourself?
There are two main types of radiator valve available, both of which serve a distinct purpose.
A manual radiator valve is a simple to use valve, which sets your radiator to either ‘On’ or ‘Off’. When switched on, this type of valve will keep your radiator at a constant temperature, regardless of the temperature of the room. These valves tend to be less energy efficient due to the constant temperature and flow of water but can be ideally suited for use in rooms such as bathrooms, where it is a less of a problem if the room gets too warm; or rooms fitted with a ‘room thermostat’, as they maintain a constant temperature.
The downside of a manual valve is that if it gets turned down or off, you have to remember to turn it back on again otherwise you might be welcomed by a cold room in the morning. Likewise, leaving it turned up and you might discover a sweltering room ,which might prove a costly waste of energy.
Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs), on the other hand, have an in-built sensor which allows the user to adjust the temperature output of a radiator by controlling the flow of hot water through it. It makes them more energy efficient than manual radiator valves.
This is why thermostatic radiator valves, (TVR’s) are the most common radiators valves that you see around. These usually have numbers showing to denote a particular setting. By setting the valve the heat will be regulated so there is always a constant temperature in the room. This makes for a more efficient system as you are not wasting energy by overheating a space. They can also be left to do their job rather than require constant intervention.
Balancing your central heating system. There is also something called a lockshield valve, which is used to control the flow of water coming out of the radiator, to help distribute the water in your central heating system evenly. Often referred to as 'balancing your central heating system - this enables the water to flow effectively to all areas of the system and ensures the radiators furthest away from the boiler get the necessary heat levels required.
What is the best type of radiator valve for your installation?
It’s not just the radiator itself that you need to consider when it comes to creating your perfect look. The designer radiator valves you choose can provide that final flourish to the overall design. If you want a designer radiator valve to complement your look, or simply to fit into an awkward space, like a corner - then you need to be aware of which designer radiator valves are the best option for your installation:
Angled radiator valves are the most common
Angled valves work best with pipes coming from below a side inlet or from the side onto a bottom inlet. These valves are the ones that you see on the vast majority of radiators.
Straight radiator valves the pipes come from side on or straight up
Straight valves are less common, but may be the best choice if your radiator has a side inlet where the pipes come from side on, or a bottom inlet where the pipes come straight up from below. Typically you would see this type of valve on towel rails and radiators with ‘underneath connections’. Sometimes referred to as Central Radiator Valves.
Corner radiator valves
Corner valves are ideal if your radiator has the pipes approaching the inlet from the wall, as they keep the valve head in line with both the radiator and the wall. This is a great way of keeping the installation neat and the floor clear of obstruction.
Expert help to select the best valves and accessories for your chosen designer radiators
You need to pick the correct valves that will work well with your designer radiators and give you the control you want. Don’t make the mistake of buying radiator valves that don’t complement the radiators you have in your home.
Please give us a call on 01530 564 122 or email us at sales@agadon.co.uk if you would like to visit our extensive showroom or simply get more information and expert advice.
