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Do you want to save money on your energy bills? Of course, you do! Many households in the UK could save around £75 on their energy bills by adjusting one simple setting on their radiators. Sounds cool, right?
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In this article, we’ll show you an easy way to cut down on energy costs by using Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs). By the end, you’ll know exactly how to use them to save money and keep your home cozy.
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We’ll break down what TRVs are, how they work, and why they are a smart way to save energy. Plus, we’ll explain how to set them up to make the most out of your heating system.
What Is a Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV)?
A Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV) is a special tool that you can attach to your radiator. It helps control how hot each room in your house gets by adjusting the flow of hot water into the radiator.
Why Should You Use TRVs?
- Save Money: You can save about £75 on your energy bills.
- More Control: TRVs let you choose how warm you want each room to be, so you don’t heat up rooms that don’t need it.
- Eco-Friendly: Using less energy helps the planet too!
How Does a TRV Work?
Instead of heating your entire house to the same temperature, a TRV allows you to set the temperature for each room separately. It has settings from 0 to 5, where each number represents a temperature level.
- 0: Off (0°C)
- 1: 10°C
- 2: 15°C
- 3: 20°C
- 4: 25°C
- 5: 30°C
For example, if you set your TRV to 3, the room will stay around 20°C, which is perfect for a cozy living room. Once the room hits that temperature, the TRV stops heating it. This prevents overheating and saves energy!
How to Use Your TRV to Save Money
- Pick the Right Temperature for Each Room:
- In your living room, set the TRV to 3 (20°C), since it’s a room you spend a lot of time in.
- In bedrooms or less-used rooms, set it to a lower temperature, like 2 (15°C) or even 1 (10°C).
- Avoid Overheating: There’s no need to crank your TRV to 5 unless it’s super cold outside! 30°C is very warm and can make your energy bill skyrocket.
- Don’t Install TRVs in the Bathroom: Your bathroom is often heated by hot showers, so putting a TRV there might mess with the heating system. Plus, bathrooms need constant warmth to avoid condensation.
- Keep TRVs Away From Your Main Thermostat: If you have a TRV in the same room as your central thermostat, they will fight to control the temperature, which isn’t energy-efficient.
Example: How TRVs Can Save You Money
Let’s say your house uses 11,500kWh of gas for heating per year, which could cost you around £717.60 under the new energy price cap. By using TRVs to regulate the temperature of each room, you could save up to 42% on gas costs. That’s roughly £301.39 in savings per year, with about £75 shaved off in just a few months!
Extra Tips to Maximize Savings
- Lower TRVs in Empty Rooms: If no one is using a room, turn the TRV down to 1 or 2.
- Set TRVs in Busy Rooms Lower: Rooms like your kitchen or living room might get extra warmth from cooking, electronics, and sunlight. Keep those rooms at a lower setting, like 2 or 3, to save more energy.
Conclusion
By using Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) the right way, you can save a lot of money on your energy bills. They help you control the temperature in different rooms, avoid overheating, and cut down on your gas use. So, if you haven’t set your TRVs yet, now’s the time! Just a few adjustments could make a big difference.
FAQs
Q: What is the best temperature setting for my TRV?
A: For living rooms, 20°C is a good choice (setting 3). For bedrooms or empty rooms, you can go lower, like 15°C (setting 2).
Q: Can I install a TRV myself?
A: Yes! TRVs are easy to fit on most radiators. If you need help, a heating professional can also assist you.
Q: Can TRVs stop pipes from freezing?
A: Yes, if you set your TRV to ✱ (7°C), it will stop your pipes from freezing in winter without wasting energy.
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