Radiator valves are an incredibly important mechanism within a radiator. Every single radiator has at least one type of valve inside of it. The reason valves are compulsory in each and every radiator is that they control the temperature. Unfortunately, having a single valve to control the temperature of all your radiators centrally isn’t possible. The type of radiator valves that are ideal for your radiator all depends upon where the radiator is located and how much you want to manage the temperature of the radiator yourself.

The two most popular types of valves found in modern-day radiators are radiator thermostat valves and manual valves. There are key differences between the two in regard to how they operate and what they can offer you. It’s important that you know the differences between them so you can make an informed decision when it comes to choosing what type of valve you want to integrate with your radiator.

 

The Differences Between The Thermostatic and Manual Radiator Valves

As the name might suggest, manual radiator valves are controlled directly by you. They require a lot more management and attention than their counterparts. They work in the same way that a tap does in that when you turn the valve you can control the temperature of the room. However, if you want to manually control the amount of water going into that radiator, as opposed to a manual valve, you’re going to need a lockshield valve. But if you’re controlling the temperature of the radiator a manual valve with be sufficient.

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Thermostatic radiator valves are a bit more hands-off in the sense that they can detect the temperature of the room from sensors they have built into them. When the sensor detects unusual temperatures or fluctuations in temperature they will counterbalance so that the temperature in the room remains at a constant. These sensors usually have a piece of wax contained inside of them. If the temperature in a room goes up, the wax expands, which limits the amount of heat being let through. And if it is too cold you will start to see the wax contract allowing for more heat to pass through.

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This is the main difference between the two types of valves and how they operate. If you don’t know which valves you have on your radiators currently, it’s easy to find out. Manual valves are usually just a round object sticking out from the top of the radiator on either side. If you have a digital interface with a temperature displayed on the screen, it’s more than likely a radiator thermostat valve.

Valve Cost Comparison

The cost of the two valves is also a key difference. For an average manual valve, you can expect to pay as little as £5 to £35. Whereas with thermostatic valves the prices of these can range to over £100 depending on the design of that particular valve and the extra features it offers. For that extra investment, you do access numerous benefits. If you are budget conscious a manual valve may be the better option for you. They serve the same purpose as a thermostatic radiator valve but lack efficiency in comparison.

Which Is Ideal For Me?

Thermostatic valves are the main valve of choice for most modern-day radiators. The reason for this is due to them being fully automated which makes them more efficient. Manual valves rely on you being quick to react to sudden changes in temperature which isn’t always possible. The slower you are to react and make changes to the temperature the more heat you use unnecessarily. Thermostatic valves are in full control of temperature regulation around the clock. This means a steady temperature can be kept even when you are away from your home or sleeping. This is something that isn’t possible with a manual valve. The interface on most thermostatic valves is incredibly user friendly allowing you to pick your desired temperature and to alter it up or down through the click of a button.

Bathrooms And Radiator Valves

However, manual valves can be more effective when placed in radiators in rooms that are very humid. Examples of such environments can include bathrooms. The reason for this is that the sensors in thermostatic valves can sometimes be influenced by the humidity to provide incorrect readings. Essentially it detects that the room is hotter than it actually is. This means that once the humidity goes the temperature will be colder than it should be. Manual radiator valves also give the ability for you to micromanage the temperature for individual rooms in your home so if you want one room hotter or colder than the other you can make the adjustment to each individual room manually.

 

Thermostat Conflict

It’s also quite important to note that you shouldn’t consider thermostatic valves for a radiator in a room where there is already a thermostat on the wall. The reason for this is that there may be conflict when it comes to trying to control the temperature. This can lead to the desired temperature not always being achieved. You should also check your thermostatic valves once every year. As much as they are self-operating and generally don’t need your attention as a manual valve does it is still important to assess them yearly to ensure that they are still working efficiently and maintaining your desired temperature.

 

Summary

Picking which valve is best for your radiator all depends on where your radiator is located and how much control you want over your system. If you’re installing a radiator in your bathroom a manual valve gives you more control and temperature flexibility. Whereas if you’re having radiators installed in your bedroom or your living room a thermostatic valve might be the better choice. Whichever valve you choose you will end up having the same result, but studies have shown that thermostatic valves, on the whole, are more efficient. This is a big benefit if you are conscious of your carbon footprint and want to reduce heat loss and the cost of your utility bills at the same time.

If you need help choosing the right radiator valve, please contact us right away. We have an award-winning team of experts who are always happy to assist you.