How Can Homeowners Reduce Energy Costs?

Ed Morris, Technical Manager at Altecnic, investigates how making small upgrades, such as a high-quality TRV, can help save on energy costs.

Ofgem has revealed that energy bills have been on the rise as a result of global prices for fossil fuels, especially gas, increasing at an unprecedented rate. With the increase in price said to be coming into effect as of the 1^st October 2021, with an estimated 15 million households* being impacted, how can homeowners attempt to keep their energy costs down?

Innovation is key

There are a number of innovative solutions that homeowners can explore to help them to reduce energy costs. One of the most common solutions used by a range of homeowners is by installing more efficient thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs).

An Ecofys-Institute study revealed that replacing a manual radiator valve with a TRV can achieve energy efficiency improvements as high as 13-19%. Thus, highlighting how, through the installation of a TRV, a radiator can perform better at a lower cost of energy.

Furthermore, if homeowners take into account the average cost of a TRV, it can be estimated that it would take just two years for the investment to essentially begin generating rewards. This compares favourably in comparison to other commonly used energy-saving systems, such as hydraulic balancing, which entail a much longer payback period.

Making informed decisions

The TELL (Thermostatic Efficiency Labelling) classification scheme sets European standards for radiator valves and provides clear guidance for consumers in order to help them make an informed purchasing decision. TRVs may only use ‘I-rated’ energy efficiency labelling if they fulfil the minimum requirements which are in line with EN 215 (influence of water temperature, hysteresis, response time and influence of differential pressure).

The Altecnic Ecocal® TRV has a family of A-rated models, offering 15mm, 10mm and 8mm versions and featuring anti-theft sensing heads. These brass TRVs with a chrome plated finish are particularly ideal for use in conventional twin pipe heating systems where the level of temperature control needs to be more accurate than is available through a manually operated valve.

These A-rated models have been carefully manufactured for both retrofit and new installations, with them being designed with a serrated sliding tailpiece to prevent alterations to pipe work during installation. The models have a reversible body for either vertical or horizontal fit and are suitable for on flow or return pipe work, providing the installer with ultimate flexibility. Thanks to their positive off position, they even allow for radiators to be removed without needing to be drained.

It is also worth noting that any system with a TRV installed must also have an automatic differential by-pass valve (DBV) fitted, especially for systems working with variable flow rates. Building regulations outline that an upgraded system must have pump control in order to prevent pump strain. A DBV works by taking pump overrun into account when TRVs are shut or shutting down.

Altecnic’s DYNAMICAL® dynamic thermostatic radiator valves allow the automatic dynamic balancing and pressure-independent adjustment of the thermal medium in radiators of two-pipe heating systems. This device, used in conjunction with thermostatic, electronic or thermoelectric control, combines different functions in a single component. The use of dynamic thermostatic valves in combination with thermostatic control heads makes it possible to keep the ambient temperature automatically constant, at the set value, in the room where they are installed, thus guaranteeing effective energy saving.

At Altecnic, we pride ourselves on the quality and efficiency of the products we supply and our fantastic range of TRVs including the DYNAMICAL® dynamic thermostatic radiator valves, are testament to this. These products show that just a relatively small change to a heating system can have considerable cost benefits to homeowners.

Ecocal TRV