In Praise of Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)

Mad Dog

Your reports are always very detailed and scientific. Your are one of the really great contributors here. Thanks Mike. Mad Dog

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Mike T., Swampeast MO

My renovation project begins its' 11th year this Spring. I saved a once fine old home from destruction by the adjacent public university. Was determined to keep the historic nature while making it thoroughly modern in function.

Of the many comfort/convenience systems I've incorporated, two are standouts.

The thermostatic radiator valves on the original cast iron radiators are number one! Nothing else approaches their convenience and wonderful comfort. Temperature swings and imbalances are for all real purposes gone.

Zero maintenance issues after seven heating seasons. The woodworking shop that will soon be the family room and library haven't had a deep cleaning in years. I [very] occasionally vacuum the TRV actuators--they work perfectly despite the extremely dusty conditions.

In addition to the nearly perfect comfort, the TRVs give exceptional energy efficiency when used properly. Unused spaces are set back deeply; those for living, sleeping, bathing, etc. set from 64° - 72°; those for heavy work at 59°. Compared to the old whole-house single thermostat, I suspect that they have already paid for themselves in reduced fuel.

Since they operate proportionally, recovery from setback is extremely fast but with very little overshoot. Under constant circulation the radiators are never hot--they just get warmer as the weather gets colder.

Another great feature is their ease of installation. Few if any piping modifications are required in a two-pipe water system. No modifications are required in a one-pipe steam system.

The valves and actuators are not very expensive, but the cost does mount if you have a lot of radiators--and it's best if they're installed on all. When budget is a concern they can be installed by any reasonably handy person (with a good, strong back for two-pipe, water-filled, standing iron) using only inexpensive tools.

You won't find them in home improvement centers, so seek out a good heating pro. Again, if the budget is tight and you're willing to do some grunt work, say so. I like to think that most heating pros won't have a problem and think you "cheap" if YOU'RE the one willing to do the heavy work of installing them on your radiators. With one-pipe steam, the job is generally so easy that you might as well have the pro do the installation.

The second standout: The central vacuum system. Utterly wonderful, quiet, clean, powerful and convenient. Just make certain that you get the "hose sock" to protect your woodwork. Be prepared for an exercise of your patience when installing a 30' "sock" however!

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Will crack open the Vitodens combustion chamber sometime this week and post photos just as seen. Will also open the wye strainer and post the photo. Gravity conversion with original piping and no low-loss header.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Thanks Mad Dog

Guess I'm just a 41 year-old kid who still loves his "grown up" erector set.

Do try my best to be unbiased and "scientific", but as you can tell, sometimes the real world is different than what's expected.

Perhaps in another four or five years I can report on my kooky solar integration. Still want to try very tight engineering with very little storage. The data logs are collecting and every shoulder season day seems to confirm that it will work.

Mark Eatherton1

Get ready for a suprise...

NOTHING!!

I opened up three of them on a project that had been doing DHW for a major project we did and the insides were immaculate. I was IMPRESSED.

They'd been on line for just over a year, and I'm not sure they ever really shut down, because the distribution system is 2 long city blocks long by 1 long city block wide, all underground piping and none of it insulated...

ME

Weezbo

Your right on ...

trv's are like the only way to travel it is hard to fully understand just how fantastic it is to get things working to the max ...I got to think at heart we are all experimential eperienctial scientists *~/:) and hey i even make up my own words