Thermostatic Radiator Valves

ChasMan

On a one pipe steam radiator, would a thermostatic radiator valve replace the radiator's supply valve, or would it go where the radiator's air vent is?

What is the advantage of a thermostatic radiator valve?

Rob

Mark Hunt_6

On a single pipe


system, the TRV installs in the air vent tapping. You still need the vent, but the TRV is installed ahead of the vent. A vacuum breaker is installed before the TRV.

Benefit of the TRV is temperature control apart from an electric thermostat.

Keep in mind that the TRV's are non-electric and have no communication with the boiler.

Hope this helps.

Mark H

nicholas bonham-carter

TRV'S

i think that TRV'S should be installed as a last resort, after getting the system working as well as the original installers designed it. the "dead men" were very good at sizing radiators for various rooms, number of windows, etc.

if your system is perfect, and there HAVE been changes in room-sizing then you might need them.otherwise get your system in top notch condition first!--nbc

David Nadle

Last resort is a bit harsh

A perfectly balanced system on design day is not a perfect system for comfort all season long. Your upstairs may be sweltering in October. That's where TRV's come in. They work well and are easy to add to one pipe steam.

nicholas bonham-carter

maybe a bit harsh

maybe i was uncharitable to the designer of the TRV; however it could be another thing needing repair, or replacement as time goes by.

more to the point i was trying to make was that the first priority in steam system restoration should be getting everything working as well as possible. then if needed put in some TRV'S

if you put them on first, they could be masking another problem--nbc