The main purpose of a radiator valve in a central heating system is to control the flow of hot water into a radiator, which in turn controls the amount of heat that is emitted from the radiator into the room. Radiator valves can be either manual or thermostatic, with the latter allowing for greater temperature control and energy efficiency.
In a typical central heating system, hot water is circulated through a network of pipes and radiators to provide warmth to different areas of a building. Radiator valves allow the user to adjust the temperature of each individual radiator, which can help to save energy and reduce heating costs. For example, if a room is not being used, the radiator valve can be closed to prevent heat from being wasted.
Additionally, thermostatic radiator valves can automatically adjust the flow of hot water to maintain a desired temperature, which can help to ensure that each room is heated to the appropriate level without overheating.
What's the difference between a manual and a thermostatic radiator valve?
A manual radiator valve and a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) are two types of valves that control the flow of hot water into a radiator, but they work in different ways.
A manual radiator valve is a simple on/off valve that you manually adjust to control the temperature of the room. It has two settings, fully open and fully closed, and does not have a temperature sensor or any automatic controls. This means that you need to adjust the valve manually to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room, which can be inconvenient and lead to energy wastage if you forget to turn it off.
On the other hand, a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) is a type of valve that automatically regulates the flow of hot water into the radiator based on the temperature of the room. It has a built-in temperature sensor that detects the temperature in the room and adjusts the flow of hot water accordingly to maintain a constant temperature. This means that the TRV can help to reduce energy wastage and save you money on your heating bills by only using as much energy as is needed to maintain the desired temperature.
While a manual radiator valve requires manual adjustments to control the temperature, a thermostatic radiator valve can automatically regulate the temperature of the room, making it a more convenient and energy-efficient option.
- Further reading: How do thermostatic radiator valves work?
What are angled, corner, straight and H-block valves?
Angled, corner, straight, and H-block are different types of radiator valves, which refer to the configuration of the valve body and the direction in which the pipes are connected to it. What you'll need depends on where the inlets/outlets are located on your radiator and how your pipes come out of the wall or floor.
Angled valves
An angled radiator valve has an L-shaped configuration, with one inlet at the bottom and one outlet at the side. It is designed for use when the pipes come out of the wall at an angle, and the valve needs to be connected to the radiator at a right angle.
Corner valves
A corner radiator valve is similar to an angled valve, but with an additional bend in the valve body. It is designed for use when the pipes come out of the wall at a 90-degree angle, and the valve needs to be connected to the radiator at a right angle.
Straight valves
A straight radiator valve has a simple straight-through configuration, with one inlet at the bottom and one outlet at the top or side. It is designed for use when the pipes come out of the wall directly below or above the radiator, and the valve needs to be connected in a straight line.
H-block valves
An H-block radiator valve (a.k.a. "a twin valve") is a type of valve that is used when the pipes come out of the wall close together on one side of the radiator. It has a cross-shaped configuration, with two inlets and two outlets, and is designed to connect the radiator to the pipes in a compact space.
Dual fuel valves
If you have a dual fuel radiator or heated towel rail, which can be powered by your hot water central heating system, or independently via electricity, you'll need a dual fuel valve. With the radiator having an internal element that operates separately, a dual-fuel radiator valve needs to be able to adjust to the heat output from your standard heating and provide the right level of heat when the electric element is not in use.
- See our Radiator Valve Buying Guide to establish exactly which type of valve you need for your radiators.
Radiator valves at TradeRadiators.com
Trade Radiators provide an unrivalled selection of radiator valves. From modern to traditional, copper to chrome, thermostatic to manual, no matter what type of radiator installation you have, we’ll have a set to suit your requirements. The standard measurement for pipes in the UK is 15mm, and your radiator will most likely need valves that size, though we do offer valves in alternative sizes in case your pipes are not standard. All our valves come with extensive guarantees and free delivery.
