Is there a better way to control radiators?

Question

We already have thermostatic valves of the ordinary sort (Danfoss) all over - the ones that are just like glorified radiator knobs. Trouble is they control the temperature of themselves, not the temperature of the room, and the adjustment is a bit finicky.

Surely there's something better available nowadays?

Thanks!

Answer 1

These two guys jayktee96 & nosdda gave excellent advice.
I would check that the stat on the boiler was set at a comfortable level 65- 70 if you go above 73 you start using fuel exponentionally, like a car doing 85 uses ,more fuel than at 65.
All stats should be mounted horizontally to avoid heat from the rads, quite a number are REVERSABLE
Make sure you have anti-rust inhibitor in the system

Answer 2

While I can't speak to the issue of the (Danfoss) valve, not knowing what it is I do know a little about radiators. We had an old 4 square house built around 1900 or so on Missionary Ridge in Chattanooga. The heat upstairs was stifling, while the downstairs was cold. What we had to do was get a technician in to "balance the system." This involved bleeding air out of the system. Air trapped in the system blocks the return of the return water or steam. Once this was done this ancient system worked fine, responding well to the one thermostat and keeping the house comfortable.

Answer 3

Danfoss TRV's do not control 'themselves' but respond to the ambient temperature of the room, certainly in proximity to themselves, but with very little response to the water temp. in the pipework. However if yours are mounted vertically above the valve they will pick up more heat from the pipe below, they are more sensitive to the room temp. if mounted horizontally. Make sure yours are on the flow unless bi-directional and SET for the right direction. Try the latest model, RAS-C2 http://www.danfoss-randall.co.uk/default.asp or possibly replace your existing heads.

Have you got / do you use a timer/programmer or room stat, what is the boiler stat setting? Have you heard of an optimiser or a programmable thermostat?

Answer 4

as a plumber of 40 years experience, I have always thought that thrmostatic valves are a complete waste of money, and ddo cause problems. You are far better off fitting ordinary valves and controlling the room temperature by the room thermostat or boiler thermostat.

Answer 5

Your thermostat is just a self modulated valve, under the concept that you control the amount of hot water that flows through your radiator based on the temp of the water going through the valve.
You need to check to see if your heating system has what is called a reset thermostat on it.
This stat controls the temp of the water that the boiler puts out based on outside temp.
So when it isnt so cold outside the water isnt as hot as it would be when it gets real cold out side.
If your system doesnt have one, (a lot of smaller older systems dont). then you are stuck relying on the stat at the radiator.
If you are having trouble with accurate control at the radiator. You may first want to bleed any air out of the radiator.
If any of this is confusing to you, then you need to get somebody with experience to look at it.Hot water heat is the most efficient, and comfortable heating system known, yet it can also be the most dangerous to screw with.

Answer 6

Yes I have just had a new boiler fitted ,with it I have a control unit that I Can set for each room in the house ,lovely and warm and not to hot in the bedroom,I believe they are about £100 .pounds

Answer 7

agree better NOT to use those valves and simply heat with a tstat

Answer 8

there are room themostat's