Which Radiator Valve is best for me? Understanding the difference

When it comes to making sure your home is comfortable and energy efficient, radiator valves play an important role. But how do you know which type of radiator valve is best for you? In this blog post, we’ll be taking a look at the differences between thermostatic and manual radiator valves, as well as straight/angled/corner valves, and finally what a bi-directional valve is.

Manual vs Thermostatic Radiator Valves

Manual Radiator Valves

Manual radiator valves are exactly what they sound like— valves that need to be manually adjusted to control the temperature of each room in your house. By turning the valve up or down, you can adjust the amount of heat that’s released. This makes it easy to customize the temperature in each room, but it also means that there’s no consistent temperature from one day to the next. You’ll need to constantly monitor and adjust these valves if you want to ensure that your house stays at a comfortable level throughout the day.

We have many options to suit your needs when it comes to manual valves. Find our full range here

Thermostatic Radiator Valves

On the other hand, a thermostatic valve (or TRV) is much more efficient at controlling the heating. Thermostatic radiator valves work by using sensors that detect changes in air temperature and adjust accordingly. For example, if a room gets too hot, the TRV will automatically close off some of the flow of hot water and bring down the temperature without any manual intervention on your part. This makes them incredibly convenient as well as energy efficient since they allow you to set a specific temperature for each room and maintain that constant temperature without having to monitor or adjust anything yourself. Ensuring each room is always at the perfect temperature.

Depending on your style, there are many options to choose from in our thermostatic valve range. Enjoy a more designer look with these Kartell thermostatic options, in classic Chrome or Anthracite. Or stick with more classic thermostatic styles with our range from Drayton

Angled, Straight, or Corner?

All radiator valves perform the same function—they regulate the flow of water into and out of your radiator—but their designs differ significantly. Knowing which type of valve is best for your system is key to getting the most out of your heating system.

It is also important to take into consideration the placement of your pipes; as this can affect the radiator valve you require.

Angled Valves

Angled valves are designed to fit into tight spaces such as corners or between furniture, and should be used if your pipes are coming out of the wall.

As the name suggests, they have an angled design that allows them to fit into tight spaces without taking up too much room. They also come with a built-in shut-off valve which can be useful if you need to turn off one radiator without having to turn off the entire system. These valves offer a convenient solution for those who need to place their radiators in hard-to-reach places.

Straight Valves

Straight valves are ideal for larger radiators as they provide more space for water to flow through. And also come with a built-in shut-off valve. This valve type should be used if your pipes are coming straight out of the floor.

Straight valves tend to be less expensive than angled ones but they don’t provide as much flexibility when it comes to placement in tight spaces.

Corner Valves

As the name suggests, corner valves are designed specifically for use in corner radiators, offering a neat solution when space is at a premium. These types of valves usually have two outlet pipes – one on each side – allowing you to connect two radiators in order maximise heat output from both sides of the room. Corner valves tend to be more expensive than other types of valves due to their unique design and should only be used on corner radiators where space is limited or non-existent.

What are Bi-directional Radiator Valves?

Bi-directional radiator valves are a type of valve used to regulate the flow of hot water or steam in heating systems. These valves provide a greater level of control than traditional on/off valves, allowing for more precise control over temperature and energy efficiency. Bi-directional radiator valves can be adjusted to allow for either increased or decreased flow, depending on the desired temperature. This makes them perfect for rooms with large windows or doors that require a more consistent temperature throughout the day.

In addition, these valves also feature built-in safety features like pressure release buttons and check valves. This ensures that excess pressure is released before it can cause damage to the system. It is important to note that bi-directional radiator valves are not suitable for all types of heating systems. They should only be used in sealed systems with compatible components. Additionally, regular maintenance is necessary to ensure proper performance and ensure the safety of everyone in your home.

Conclusion:

When it comes time to choose radiator valves, there are two main options available—manual and thermostatic valves. Manual radiators require constant manual adjustment if you want an even temperature throughout your entire house. Whereas thermostatic radiators offer much more convenience since they can automatically detect changes and respond accordingly, without any input from you. So depending on whether convenience or customization is more important to you, either type of valve could be a good fit for your particular needs!

Radiator valves all perform the same function—regulating water flow into and out of your radiator—but their designs differ significantly depending on how much space you have available and what type of radiator you’re using them with. Knowing these differences will help ensure that your heating system works efficiently and effectively throughout the year!