Thermostatic Radiator Valves & Boiler Timers
Reduce Fuel Bills With Essential Controls for Gas Central Heating
Sep 30, 2009
The U.K. Building Regulations (Part L in England & Wales) stipulate a set of controls for central heating so that it will work efficiently and reduce wasted fuel and carbon emissions. Any new installations must comply with these regulations, this includes replacing a boiler on an existing heating system. The heating system, generally, must have thermostatic radiator valves (T.R.V.s) and timers for heating hot water.
The building regulations are generally concerned with the health and safety of people who use a building or who are near to it. Making buildings more efficient has been added to the agenda.
Timers & Thermostats for Gas Central Heating SystemThe minimum requirement is as follows:
- temperature control of space heating
- temperature control of hot water system
- an independent time line control of both the heating & hot water systems
- a boiler interlock
In order to meet these requirements one would normally have:
- A room or programmable thermostat;
- Thermostatic radiator valves (T.R.V.s) in all other areas;
- A cylinder thermostat controlling a zone or 3 port valve for stored hot water (not applicable to a combination boiler).
- A timer
A boiler interlock ensures that the boiler and the pump switch off when there is no requirement for heat. This cannot be achieved by T.R.V.s but a room thermostat can perform this function.
Thermostatic Radiator Valves
These are very simple controls fitted nest to each radiator. When a temperature is reached the valve prevents hot water flowing into the radiator, it is by passed. This radiator will cool down but others on the circuit are unaffected.
Independent Timers & Thermostatic Controls for Hot Water & HeatingTemperature controls and timers allow heating and hot water to be controlled independently of each other. The controls should allow maximum variations so that heating or hot water can be on or off at different times and temperatures set.
Remote Control, Portable and Digital Heating Controls
Technological advances mean that the controls can be digital and they can be portable working via remote control. Many users, however, will want something which is simple and intuitive to use; which does not require consultation with the user manual when any slight changes to temperature or times are to be made.
The Benefits of Simple Heating Controls
Reduce the overall amount of fuel used and wasted in the following way:
- It is not necessary to have the boiler heating water to a higher temperature than is required;
- Heating of radiators or hot water only takes place when needed;
- Less heating rooms which are not used or at unnecessary times of day.
The benefits to the users or owners of buildings should be that the heating and hot water supply will be easier to use and cheaper to run. There is additional work involved in installing a heating system to current standards with all the controls but it may pay for itself.
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