As winter approaches, many households will be looking for ways to keep their energy bills down. With energy bills predicted to rise by around 20% over the next 4 years (eek!), it might be time to start looking for small upgrades that can make a big difference to your energy bills – and your comfort levels.

While some might have the option to simply delay putting the heating on for as long as possible, or to use it sparingly throughout the coldest days, this isn’t an option for everyone. The very young, the elderly and those with medical conditions need to be comfortable in their homes. So, what can you do to keep your home comfortable without seeing your energy bills increase?

One way to reduce heating costs is with TRV’s. Thermostatic radiator valves (TRV’s) offer a simple way to take control over your central heating and make the entire system work more efficiently. Studies have found that TRV’s could reduce energy consumption by up to 41%, which could add up to incredible savings.

In this article, we’re exploring how TRVs work and how you can put them to work in your home to help cut your heating bills. We’re also sharing our favourite vintage TRV styles, so you can enjoy an efficient upgrade with unique retro styling.

What are TRV’s and how do they work?

Radiator valves allow you to isolate a single radiator from the whole system. With a manual radiator valve, you can turn off the flow to the radiator, which will reduce the heat output. With a thermostatic radiator valve, this process is managed automatically, so you can set it and forget it.

The valve contains an internal thermostat that is keeping track of the temperature in that specific room. When the desired temperature is reached, the radiator diverts water around this particular radiator. With less water to heat, your central heating system will use less energy.

This means that rooms that reach the desired temperature faster will be heated for less time. Once your home reaches the temperature set by your central thermostat, the entire system switches off. And when the temperature drops, it switches back on again.

Do TRV valves really save money?

Controlling the temperature in each room might make your home more comfortable, but how does this translate to lower energy bills? First and foremost, installing the TRVs is not enough to lower your energy bills, you also need to set them up correctly.

Controlling your central heating room-by-room can add up to savings, provided you are using this efficiently. First, identify rooms you don’t use very often, or that are heated up from other sources. Examples of this would be the kitchen. A busy kitchen at the centre of the home might not require heating. The same goes for spare bedrooms that are seldom used and can be isolated from the rest of the home.

TRVs can also help to make your home more comfortable and avoid overheating. Your lounge is likely to be the space where you spend most of your time, so keeping the temperature consistently comfortable will be key. 

With a manual valve, you could end up with a living room that feels far too hot, so you have to open a window to cool it down. The same goes for bedrooms, as you will typically feel more comfortable in a cooler room.

By taking control of each radiator and customising the temperature for each room, you can reduce energy waste and only heat your home as much as is required. 

TRVs also allow your home to respond to outside temperature much more efficiently. So, if you experience temperature spikes outside, your central heating will switch off rather than continuing to heat your home as if you’re in the middle of a cold snap.

How to use TRV valves efficiently

Whether you are planning an upgrade or you just want to make sure you are making the most of your existing thermostatic valves, these are some essential tips you need to know.

  • First things first, make sure you have installed thermostatic valves in every room except for the bathroom. Why, you might be wondering? The bathroom is the one room in the house where a TRV might not be useful. Steam from the shower or bath can interfere with the thermostat, causing the valve to shut off before it has reached temperature.
  • Do not install a TRV in a room where there is a main central heating thermostat as the two will conflict with one another which means non-efficient heating in that room/area.
  • You’ll then decide the temperature level for each room. As a general rule, switch radiators off in rooms that you don’t use, and keep the temperature lower in bedrooms and higher in living areas.
  • You’ll then set the temperature for your central thermostat. This might need some fine tuning throughout the winter as you get used to a more streamlined heating system. 
  • You can also set a timer for your central heating so that your home will be toasty warm when you need it to be. With a smart thermostat, you’ll be able to set schedules that adapt to your daily routine to further optimise your heating.

Common mistakes to avoid with TRV valves

  • As mentioned above, placing a TRV in a bathroom is a bad idea due to the fluctuating heat from the steam.
  • Avoid using TRV’s near to main thermostats.
  • Avoid covering your TRV valves with curtains or placing large items of furniture like sofas in front of them, as this will trap the heat and cause the radiator to switch off before the room has reached temperature.
  • Make use of anti frost settings to allow a small amount of hot water to run through the system and prevent burst pipes in the event of a cold snap.
  • Avoid leaving all of your valves on maximum, as this will drive up your energy bills.

TRVs vs smart radiator valves — which is better for energy savings?

It’s possible to upgrade even further with smart radiator valves, which will connect each radiator valve to a central control hub and set your radiator temperatures automatically. While these might satisfy those who love a new gadget, it will take a long time to recoup the cost of these more expensive valves from energy bill savings.

When used correctly, a TRV should enable you to take control of your central heating and make the system work more efficiently. Smart radiator valves are also more prone to malfunctioning, and you could find yourself unable to access your heating controls if you forget your login details or lose your device.

Installation tips (and when to get a professional)

If you’re thinking about upgrading to cast iron radiators, we will always recommend choosing stylish thermostatic radiator valves for every room except the bathroom. Professional fitting is recommended due to the risk of developing leaks if the valve is installed incorrectly. 

If you’ve installed radiators with manual valves and are considering an upgrade, you’ll need a professional to isolate your radiators, replace the valves, check for leaks and then rebalance your system.

Final thoughts on TRVs for energy savings

If you’re looking for ways to make your home more energy efficient, it’s often the small steps that make a big difference. Switching to TRVs will not only help to reduce your energy consumption, but it can also make your home more comfortable. It’s time to say goodbye to chilly mornings or overheated rooms.