With recent changes to the Building Regs set to drive the installation of more thermostatic radiator valves, Sindar Singh from Pegler, part of Aalberts Integrated Piping Systems, explains how TRVs can make a real difference to energy efficiency in our homes.
» Under the latest regulations, TRVs should be fitted with any new or upgraded heating system
» TRVs are an important part of the commissioning process for low temperature systems
» Research has shown that the installation of TRVs can reduce gas consumption by 18%
» The latest Pegler Terrier TRVs have been enhanced by a pure copper element which helps to speed up response times
This year has brought about some significant changes to Part L of the Building Regulations. With a clear aim to integrate the built environment into the government’s Net Zero strategy, the changes have many facets to drive forward greater efficiencies in our homes and lower carbon emissions.
One consequence is that everyone who provides new build housing or is upgrading/replacing boilers in existing homes will be required to ensure systems include TRVs in line with the new regulations and in the guidance set out by BEAMA.
TRVs and energy saving
Since TRVs allow occupants to heat rooms to different desired temperatures, and even switch off radiators in rooms that are not being used, it should come as no surprise that regulations would be created to ensure their benefits were fully utilised across all areas of the built environment.
The latest changes reflect this and are aimed at integrating TRVS into all new home heating systems, and those that require replacement or upgrade. It is estimated that this could save as much as £1000 over the lifetime of a new boiler (according to the latest figures from BEAMA based on January 2022 gas prices).
With energy bills continuing to rise, it is fair to say that homeowners are looking for more and more ways to heat their home as efficiently as possible. So, for those looking to replace boilers with more efficient ones, either through choice or necessity, the changes to Part L couldn’t have come at a better time.
About 80% of energy in homes is attributed to heating and hot water so changes to legislate ways of reducing this were clearly needed as part of the over-arching strategy.
The new regulations
Since June this year, installers have been obliged to ensure that new TRVs are fitted when replacing a boiler, or ensure that the ones already on the system are fit for purpose and working to maximum efficiency.
In addition, all new and replacement heating systems will have to be designed with a maximum flow temperature of 55°C or lower, as part of the Part L uplift, and this is directly reinforced in a recent white paper by the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council – Heating Up to Net Zero – which shows that low carbon technology, such as heat pumps and alternative fuel systems, will be needed along with low temperature heating systems.
Furthermore, it cites the importance of hot water cylinders for low temperature heat generators such as heat pump systems, and the use of TRVs as integral to balancing a system and becoming ‘an important part of the commissioning process for low temperature systems.’
This shows how TRVs can support current heating systems, but also alternative fuel or alternative methods of heating our homes in the future. For such a simple procedure, the impact that properly specified TRVs can have on reducing energy consumption and lowering a property’s carbon footprint can be significant.
Big savings
The cost and energy usage savings that effective TRVs can have should not be underestimated. In research by the University of Salford it was found that, when used typically, a heating system that was fitted with TRVs would use ‘around 18% less gas, compared to the same system without TRVs’.
The Pegler Terrier TRV was the first radiator valve to be manufactured in the UK in the 1990s. Today Pegler Terrier TRVs and MRVs command the largest share of the UK market, with over 20 million already fitted, and continue to be manufactured at our state of the art manufacturing and plating facility in Yorkshire.
The latest Pegler Terrier TRV is optimised to deliver the best results possible. Enhanced by a pure copper element, the performance provides a faster response to temperature changes. Technical tests have shown that it provides even better accuracy for temperature settings with a 33% lower hysteresis, thereby reaching comfort levels in less time than other TRVs on the market.
In addition to enhanced performance, the new Pegler Terrier TRV range supports installers with a variety of sizes and benefits. It is supplied suitable for 8, 10 and 15mm pipework and is also offered in a tamper resistant option. It fully complies with the requirements of EN215 and also carries a five-year warranty against manufacturing or material defect.
Installers also like the simplicity of the installation that a Pegler Terrier TRV brings. With minimum specialist tools required, and push fit and compression options available, replacing an existing TRV is a straightforward process. Once the system has been re-commissioned, it is easy for installers to direct their customers to the user guide that is attached to the neck of each valve so that they can understand how TRVs can help them increase energy efficiency and decrease costs.
Quality TRVs can make a real difference and as we approach the winter months their performance, accuracy and functionality will be invaluable to many households across the nation.
