Heating Valves & Controls
Heating Controls
A boiler is only as efficient as its heating controls, and householders with a state-of-the-art A-rated boiler can still be wasting hundreds of pounds a year. The Energy Saving Trust calculates that fitting controls could slash up to 30% off energy bills, yet a whopping eight million homes in the UK have none.
For installers, it’s important to note domestic heating controls have been included in Part L of the Building Regulations, which states that when installing a new boiler, the heating control system must be upgraded to include a time and temperature control.
There’s a huge range of domestic heating controls on the market to suit every heating system, requirement and budget. They can be as sophisticated or simple as you like, but each one is designed to improve efficiency and stop people wasting money.
Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) are the perfect place to start because they are able to control the heat output of individual radiators. Why heat the whole house when the people in it are only using certain rooms?
The Association of Controls Manufacturers (TACMA) has just released figures showing TRVs can save more energy than previously believed. It estimates that homeowners can save up to 40% (up to £409.86) on their heating costs by installing a room thermostat and TRVs. They can also recoup the installation costs in 15 months.