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Best thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)

30/03/2019

Jo Alsop

Heating Hero

The Heating Hub

TRVs are a great energy saving measure, we guide you on the products available to buy.

 

Which are the best TRVs? We compare 32 TRVs of all styles.

We have researched 32 good quality TRV’s available to buy in the UK and presented them here in product groups according to budget and style as follows: Standard TRVs, Premium TRVs, Chrome TRVs and Designer TRVs. Prices shown are based on angled TRVs (prices are given as a guide and may vary according to supplier).

Thermostatic Radiator Valves, or TRVs, are a way of turning the temperature on your radiators up and down. TRVs allow for room temperatures to be individually controlled. As such they are a cost effective way of improving the efficiency of your heating system and lowering fuel bills. Prices for TRVs vary, commonly from £10 to £30, although designer products are £100-£200. 

TRVS by type:

Standard TRVs:

Manufacturer Drayton Drayton Honeywell Honeywell Myson Peglar Peglar Danfos
Model RT212 RT313 Valencia VTL120 VT15EG 2TRV15C Terrier 11 Bulldog 2 RAS-C2
 
Price £12.99 £10.20 £19.54 £15.70 £16.94 £17.83 £11.39 £14.89
Warranty 1 years 2 years 1 year 1 year 2 years 5 years 5 years 1 year
Settings No 1-6 No 1-6 No 1-6 No 1-6 Roman numbers I-VI No 1-6 No 1-6 No 1-6
Frost Protection Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

 

Premium TRVs:

Manufacturer Drayton Honeywell Danfoss Siemens Peglar Peglar Altecnic Intatec
Model TRV 4 White and Chrome Valencia VTL200 RAS D2 White TRV B4452/4 Terrier 3 Ecocal I-Therm
 
Price £23.86 £20.77 £23.96 £30.00 £28.44 £17.83 £27.41 £21.60
Warranty 1 years 1 year 1 year 5 years 1 year 5 years 5 years 2 years
Settings No 1-6 No 1-6 No 1-6 No 1-6 No 1-5 No 1-6 Roman Numbers I-VI No 1-6
Frost Protection Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

 

Chrome TRVs

Manufacturer Drayton Honeywell Myson Myson Peglar Reina Danfoss Intatec
Model TRV 4 Chrome Valencia VTL20015A-C 2TRV15DEC Petite Terrier 11 Chrome Modal RAS-D2 Chrome I Therm
 
Price £29.15 £28.98 £37.50 £24.00 £21.00 £24.00 £33.60 £26.40
Warranty 1 year 1 year 2 years 2 years 5 years 1 year 1 year 2 years
Settings No 1-6 No 1-6 Roman numbers I-VI Roman numbers I-VI No 1-6 No 1-6 No 1-6 No 1-6
Frost Protection Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

 

Designer TRVs:

Manufacturer Peglar The Radiator Company The Radiator Company The Radiator Company The Radiator Company Beehive Beehive Beehive
Model Terrier Decor Ideal TRV Chrome Pistol Ideal White Ideal Black Black White Chrome
 
Price £35.00 £105.56 £138.90 £120.65 £125.40 £198.00 £198.00 £198.00
Warranty 5 years 5 years 5 years 5 years 5 years 1 years 5 year 1 year
Settings No 1-6 No 1-6 - No 1-6 No 1-6 No 1-6 No 1-6 No 1-6
Frost Protection Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

 

TRV basics:

Angled TRVs

Most standard radiators will use an angled TRV irrespective of whether pipework comes up from the floor or out of the wall.

Straight TRVs

Where pipework comes out of the floor and usually only with designer radiators and towel rails.

Corner TRVs

Sometimes a preferred option over Angled TRVs where compatible with the radiator.

8mm/10mm/15mm sizes

Most TRVs will be fitted to 15mm pipe, which is the standard size pipework for a heating system. 8mm and 10mm are used for ‘microbore’ pipe systems.

Top or bottom of the radiator?

If the valve is currently at the top, then it’ll go in the top, otherwise it almost always goes at the bottom. Both with bill angled valves

Lock Shields

Most standard radiators have two outlets. A TRV is fitted on one outlet and a ‘lock shield’ on the other

Installation tips

Arranging installation

Thermostatic radiator valves can be installed by a heating engineer or a plumber, i.e. the fitter does not have to be Gas Safe registered to work on the radiators and radiator valves.

It is however very cost effective to fit new TRVs when a new boiler is installed, since changing the valves can be done whilst the system is drained down. It is also a nice job for the apprentice whilst the lead engineer installs the boiler.

Are they mandatory with a new boiler installation?

For new build properties, it is an energy saving requirement that the new heating system meets a minimum standard of controllability, namely the inclusion of a thermostat, programmer and TRVs.

For existing properties, heating companies are urged to encourage the installation of TRVs, but it is not mandatory. It does however make good sense.

 

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