Choosing the perfect valve for your designer radiator

When it comes to splashing out on designer radiators, people often forget the importance of choosing the right valves.

 

When it comes to splashing out on designer radiators, people often forget the importance of choosing the right valves.

 

Designer radiator valves give you the combination of look and control you want

Choosing the best valve for your radiator pipes and position, you can make sure your radiators work well with an installation that looks neat and tidy.

 

What is the best type of radiator valve for your installation?

If you want a designer radiator valve to compliment 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.

 

The controllability of your designer radiator valve

Do you want to regulate the temperature automatically or are you prepared to turn the valve up and down yourself?  There are two types of valves, and they both have their respective advantages and disadvantages.

 

Thermostatic Radiator Valves

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.

 

Manual Radiator Valves

Manual valves can best be described as taps. These are ideal in rooms, such as bathrooms, where it is a less of a problem if the room gets too warm. 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, leave it turned up and you might discover a sweltering room which might prove a costly waste of energy.

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 compliment the radiators you have in your home.


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