The summer months are the best time of year to tinker with your heating system to make sure it’s in complete working order by the time autumn rolls around. Radiators are an excellent source of heat, and with the right radiator valves and accessories, you can control the temperature in your home with ease.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the different types of radiator valves and accessories, and provide tips for maintaining your heating system.
Types Of Radiator Valves And Their Function
There are two main types of radiator valves: manual and thermostatic.
Manual Radiator Valves
Manual valves are straightforward. They have a control knob that you turn to adjust the temperature of the radiator. The downside is that you have to do this manually, which means you have to keep an eye on the temperature and adjust it accordingly. Manual valves are a good option for those on a budget or for those who want a simple solution for their heating needs.
Thermostatic Radiator Valves
Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) are more advanced. They contain a temperature sensor that automatically regulates the radiator's heat output. You simply set the desired temperature, and the valve does the rest. TRVs are ideal for those who want to automate their heating system and ensure optimal energy efficiency.
Which Valves Do You Need?
As well as manual and thermostatic valves, you'll also need to choose between angled valves, straight valves or corner valves. This choice will very much depend on your pipework orientation.
Angled Valves
You'll need angled valves if your pipework is coming out of the floor and the radiator has side connections. You'll also need angled valves if your pipework is coming out of the wall and the radiator has underneath connections.
Straight Valves
If your pipework is coming out of the floor and the radiator has underneath connections you'll need a set of straight valves.
Corner Valves
You'll need corner valves if your pipework is coming out of the wall and the radiator has side connections. Furthermore, you'll also need them if your pipework is coming out of the wall and the radiator has underneath connections.
What Other Radiator Pipework Will You Need?
In addition to valves, you might also need radiator pipe kits or fittings to ensure that your radiators are correctly connected to your boiler.
A radiator pipe kit is a set of pipes and fittings that are used to connect a radiator to a central heating system. The kit typically includes two pipes - one to carry hot water from the boiler to the radiator, and one to return the cooled water to the boiler. The pipes come in various lengths and diameters to suit different radiator sizes and installation locations.
The pipe kit may also include various fittings, such as elbow joints, T-joints, and valves, to help connect the pipes to the radiator and the heating system. A properly installed radiator pipe kit is essential for ensuring efficient and effective heating and can help to prevent leaks and other issues.
Best Practices For Maintaining Your Heating System
To ensure that your heating system operates efficiently, it’s important to maintain it properly. Here are some best practices for maintaining your heating system all year round:
- Bleed your radiators regularly to remove any trapped air, which can prevent them from heating up properly.
- Clean your radiators regularly to remove any dust or debris that can impede heat flow.
- Check your boiler pressure regularly to ensure that it’s at the correct level.
- Keep an eye on your heating bills, and if you notice any sudden increases, it may be a sign that there’s a problem with your heating system.
- It's also important to have your boiler serviced annually, but you should never do this yourself. Always call out a licensed professional to service and repair your boiler.
Get In Touch
Radiator valves and accessories are essential components of any heating system. At the Radiator Warehouse, we sell radiator valves and pipe kits to fit all modern radiators and heating systems.
Contact us today to learn more about our range of valves and pipe kits or to discuss what kind of radiator accessories you might need. Our award winning customer service team are always happy to help you.
