A simple adjustment to a common household heating control could put hundreds of pounds back into the pockets of UK residents this winter, according to a leading plumbing expert.
The Secret Behind the Radiator Numbers
Rob Nezard, a plumber and managing director of UKRadiators.com, has clarified the function of thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) and their potential for significant savings. He explained that the numbered dials, found on most modern radiators, are widely misunderstood.
"TRVs have clever mechanisms, sometimes using liquid or wax, that will shut off the flow of hot water to an individual radiator when the room temperature is at its desired level," Nezard told the Sun. He emphasised that installing these valves is like having a boiler thermostat control in every room without needing to interact with the boiler directly.
Nicholas Auckland recently supported this, stating a key fact many miss: "it's important to note that the numbers on the thermostatic valve do not indicate the radiator temperature." He clarified, "These numbers actually refer to the temperature in the room, not the radiator. This is a really common misconception."
How to Decode Your TRV Settings
The numbers on a TRV, which typically range from 1 to 5 or 6, correspond to specific room temperatures. Understanding this code is the first step to efficient heating. According to the expert guidance, the settings roughly translate as follows:
- 0 = 0°C (off)
- ✱ (snowflake) = 5°C (frost protection mode)
- 1 = 12°C
- 2 = 16°C
- 3 = 20°C
- 4 = 24°C
- 5 = 28°C
- 6 = 32°C
The frost symbol, often shown as a snowflake, indicates a frost protection setting designed to prevent pipes from freezing in unused spaces.
Substantial Annual Savings for Households
The financial benefit of using TRVs correctly is substantial. By allowing precise control over which rooms are heated and to what temperature, households can avoid wasting energy.
"TRVs give you total control of your heating, meaning you don't need to heat rooms you aren't using, and they are designed to switch off when they reach the right temperature," Nezard added, speaking ahead of the Christmas period when energy use often spikes.
The potential savings are significant. For a typical three-bedroom semi-detached house, annual savings are estimated to be between £55 and £180. This is achieved by turning down valves in rarely used rooms like spare bedrooms or hallways, while keeping frequently used living spaces at a comfortable level.
This expert advice provides a timely and actionable tip for UK residents looking to manage rising energy costs, proving that a small tweak based on understanding your radiator's code can lead to a much warmer financial outlook.
