Radiator Valves Buying Guide
If you're looking to upgrade your current radiator valves and want a little advice, you've come to the right place. Whether you're looking to upgrade from outdated manual radiator valves or fancy a touch of technology and convenience in the form of a smart radiator valve, we've got you covered.
In this guide, we'll discuss each type of radiator valve, including the many shapes and designs they're available in. Keep reading to find your next set of radiator valves.
What is a Radiator Valve?
A radiator valve controls the flow of hot water through your radiator and the temperature in each room. Depending on the type of radiator valve you choose, they provide different functionalities, from simple manual controls to clever smart controls allowing you to change your heating settings from your phone.
The Different Types of Radiator Valve
There are three main types of radiator valves: manual, thermostatic and smart. All of these have their positives and negatives, but the overall decision on the best valve for you will depend on how much time you spend at home and whether you're looking for something simple and classic, or modern and convenient.
Radiator valves also come in a variety of shapes, including straight, angled and corner valves. Keep reading for further information on the types of radiator valves.
Manual Vs Thermostatic Radiator Valves
As it says in the name, manual radiator valves need to be altered manually to adjust the temperature of the radiator. Manual radiator valves work similarly to a tap, allowing water to flow through your radiator and heat the room. The more you turn the valve on the more water you allow to flow and the warmer the room will become.
However, manual radiator valves aren't always easy to control as they don't allow you to control the precise temperature of the room. They normally come with numbered or lined settings on the valve giving you a rough idea of the level of heat your radiator is providing.
Whereas thermostatic radiator valves, otherwise known as TRVs include a sensor, that allows them to detect the air temperature in the room and prevent it from getting too hot or cold.
However, TRVs shouldn't be used in the same room as your home's main wall thermostat as they will both compete to work against the other. However, fitting TRVS in other rooms in your home can be particularly beneficial if you can't keep track of your heating with current manual valves.
The Different Shapes of Radiator Valve
Radiator valves are available in a wide range of shapes, to cater for all radiator types and pipework connections. Some of the most common designs are angled straight and corner valves. Keep reading to find out which type of radiator valve is best suited to your needs.
Angled Valves
Angled radiator valves can be used if your pipework comes from either the wall or floor. Most commonly when the radiator inlets are coming from the side of the radiator.
Straight Valves
Straight radiator valves are ideal for situations where your pipework comes from the floor and leads to a connection underneath your radiator.
Corner Valves
Corner valves are ideal when your pipework comes from the wall as they create a neat design, with the valve controls tucked to the side of the radiator and facing upwards.
Please note the type of valve you need can also vary depending on the positioning of the inlets on your radiator or towel radiator.
Traditional Vs Modern Radiator Valves
The choice between a traditional or contemporary-styled radiator valve tends to come down to the design of your radiators. If you have a traditional column radiator, you're more likely to opt for something classic in design, for example, a chrome or brass radiator valve, possibly with cross-head controls.
However, if you have contemporary, designer radiators you may choose matching contemporary valves, perhaps in black or anthracite. A modern radiator valve often looks more streamlined than a traditional option, with simple streamlined controls that don't take away from the design of the radiator. Whereas, a traditional radiator valve can sometimes be more attractive than the radiator itself.
Do Certain Radiators Need Specific Valves?
The type of radiator valve you need depends on the positioning of your pipework and inlet connections and the radiator you have. Keep reading for more details on the following types of radiators and the valves they may be compatible with.
Designer Radiators
Generally, designer radiators don't need a specific type of valve as this will still be determined by the location of your pipework. However, some more expensive models tend to come with colour-matching valves. Therefore, if you were to replace the valves you would need to ensure any new valves were compatible.
Column Radiators
Due to their gorgeous classic design, column radiators work well with traditional radiator valves to create a stylish coordinated finish. In years gone by you would have been limited to a manual radiator valve for a traditional column radiator, there are now plenty of traditional designed thermostatic radiator valves too.
What's more, if you're not bothered about a coordinated traditional design, you can even fit a smart radiator valve to a column radiator.
However, if you are looking for something traditional to match your column radiator there are plenty of classic cross-head valves to choose from, in a variety of colours from brass and chrome, to white and even anthracite.
Towel Radiators
While some towel radiators come with matching valves, most don't. Therefore, this allows you to choose the right type of valve for your needs.
Whether you're looking for something plain and simple like a classic chrome manual radiator valve, which is the perfect match for traditional towel radiators, or a modern brushed brass or matt black design for a contemporary towel radiator, there's plenty to choose from.
Smart Radiator Valves
If you're looking to add smart valves to your radiators these simply screw in to replace your existing valve head, so can be installed on a straight, angled or cross-head valve, no matter where your pipework comes from.
Find the Right Radiator Valve at Plumbworld
We know finding the right radiator valve for your needs is essential. That's why we stock a wide range of valves from manual and thermostatic options to smart radiator valves for those wanting to add a piece of technology to their home. To view our full range of radiator valves, visit our website today.
If you found this post useful, you may also be interested in - A Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Radiator Valve - How Do Smart Radiator Valves Work - Choosing the Best Radiator for Your Home.
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