Danfoss vs Oventrop thermostatic radiator valves

Philip Haves

I've been quoted $35 each for the Danfoss thermostatic heads for the Buderus radiators I'm about to order, and $19 for Oventrop. Is there any difference in performance and reliability? Is the Danfoss worth the extra money? Do the valves tend to stick? (I've had this problem with cheap valves back in the UK). Thanks!

Phil

DWood

Not sure you're

comparing like to like, Phil. Danfoss built in operator lists for less than $30 US. Is it possible you need to buy a valve as well for the Danfoss, and not for the Oventrop?
As far as sticking, it is usually water treatment or lack of that causes a valve to stick, usually after the first heating season. Danfoss valves fail in the open position, Oventrop has one that fails in the closed position.
The valves and operators for both Danfoss and Oventrop are very similar, I feel (with some predjudice) that the Danfoss distribution, technical support and customer support are far superior.
Valve bodies are nickle plated brass (stamped by Danfoss, cast by Oventrop), EPDM disk, ss stem. Operators are sealed bellows by Danfoss, Oventrop has both wax filled and sealed bellows, I believe. Bellows will give you faster reaction times, better control. Wax filled will allow you to shut off against higher delta P.
Hope this helps.
DWood

Alan(CaliforniaRadiant)Forbes

That's great information,

Mr. Wood; I never knew that much about TRV's.

As far as valves sticking, we just had a batch of HERZ valves stick in the closed position. What kind of water treatment do you recommend. Replacing the valve stems was not cheap for the owner.

I agree that Danfoss is a good product; Danfoss vs. Oventrop is like Chevrolet vs. Ford, uhummmm.

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DWood

Sticking Valves

Alan,
Sorry, nothing specific at this time, vacation starts tonight at 5:30, sort of. Treatment should keep the water near neutral, chemical companies like to sell chemicals (my opinion) and seem to have a tendancy to load up as system nears shut down. Have seen it more in steam than water, but it does happen in both. Ask treatment company what "falls out" in distribution and what may be adhesive in nature for closed valves. Danfoss lists some chemicals and concentrations on their data sheets than may cause problems.
Please send me email to remind me to give you some more info after the end of Sept. sorry, mind in vaca mode.
DWood