When it comes to maintaining your radiator, valves are small but intrinsic parts of the process. These small angular tap-like devices are there to control what comes in and out of your radiator. This is crucial, as when you turn your radiator on and off you want to have a range of options in terms of the heat radiating throughout your property. The radiator valve is therefore a tool provided to aid in this process and is a vital part of your radiator setup. The challenge customers face is which type will suit their needs. Whilst there is no right or wrong answer, it is a question you must answer for yourself.
Manual Valves
Manual radiator valves are angled taps on your radiator which are there merely to turn the radiator on and off. In a manual radiator valve system, the radiator control is down to the thermostat, located elsewhere and of the radiator body. The radiator valve is only used to control whether the radiator is on or off and keeps you in control of your radiator's temperature whenever you turn it on. To control the amount of water going into your system, you have to use the lockshield valve instead. No one wants their radiator on full blast every time they heat up a room, and the manual valve means that you have more control over your radiator system.
Benefits of manual valves
So, should you invest in a manual valve or a thermostatic valve?
The manual valve is the age-old standard for radiators. This makes them easier to find and find more variety in form. The manual valve is also by definition cheaper to install. These valves also give you more focused control over the heating in your home, that is if you don’t mind a little fiddling. You can tailor your manual valves to different temperatures in each room, especially when you’re heating up your entire house but want rooms at different temperatures. For instance, the fluctuating temperatures of the kitchen and bathroom may need different temperatures for the balanced heating of the living room and bedroom. In some rooms, you may want to turn the heating off entirely, and manual valves give you the freedom to micromanage your home ecosystem.
Thermostatic radiator valves
A thermostatic radiator valve can be bought with your radiator or as a separate add-on. These are there for not only ease and simplicity of use, but for environmental purposes as well. The Thermostatic Radiator valves work by maintaining the temperature you want, and this occurs through a thermostat located in the centre of the valve, which when set to a certain temperature will expand to shut off the entering water when the heating unit reaches its desired temperature. You can set the temperature you want by turning the handle on the valve handle, making it easier to manage the radiators in the rooms of your house.
Benefits of thermostatic valves
Thermostatic valves are simply put, far more environmentally friendly than manual valves. The reason for this is that their maximum capacities match the heating output recommendations for carbon footprint reduction efforts. Despite the heftier price tag, these will save you more money in the long run, which is a good thing due to how high heating bills can get if you’re not careful, especially in the winter. The thermostatic radiator valve is therefore one of the best ways to make your radiator heating experience as simple and easy as possible. Simply input the maximum temperature in your thermostatic radiator valve and you can back and relax as your radiators flow in unison. The simple valve handle turning function will mean you can dial up or dial down the desired temperature for your radiator system.
Different brands
So, what should you choose? At DRD, you’ll be able to find a range of options from a broad array of top brands. Whether you prefer convenience or control, Designer Radiators Direct will give you the brands you need to enjoy either to their full capacity. Our advice will also help you to work out which route is best for you.
If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact us right away!
