Hi, I am replacing a couple of radiators with (bigger) Stelrad K2s, to compensate for lower temp Air Source heat pumps (55deg). The originals were fitted with Drayton/Invensys RT212 valves in 2004.
Remaining rads will be replaced next Summer, but these need to be done now.
The air source installer recommended I try to maximise flow, and pipework is gradually being upgraded from 22/15mm to 28/22/15mm wherever possible.
The Lifestyle valves have not been unreliable, but may not have been as responsive as they might be, although the previous boiler was oil fired with gravity DHW and a pretty old thermostat.
TRV4s are highly recommended here and I am looking to fit these to the majority of rads. A couple of comments though, have planted some doubt on whether this is worthwhile?
The latest TRV4 has apparently a more restricted flow rate, and other suggestions that they may use the same valve body as the existing TRVs. If there is no difference in the main valve, maybe I should only change the heads? though this would not save much if any money, and the existing valves are far from new.
My main attraction to TRV4s is they are liquid filled and said to be more sensitive to ambient room temp - this is particularly important in the living room where a wood burner may often mean the heating would be more beneficial circulating around the rest of the house.
Looking at the valve body of a removed RT212, even this has a max 7-8mm aperture. I have been hesitant whether to use TRVs at all, as this is supposed to be a 'whole house' solution, keeping the house generally around 18-19 degrees and boosting when required. The Installers, Ecovision, say 50% TRV's will be fine, maintaining flow, while diverting the energy to where its most needed.
Is there a reliable, responsive thermostatic valve which provides full flow when open? Also any recommendations on flow or return for valve location would be welcome, I know its either/or but it would be good to get the best possible result.
Thanks.
Remaining rads will be replaced next Summer, but these need to be done now.
The air source installer recommended I try to maximise flow, and pipework is gradually being upgraded from 22/15mm to 28/22/15mm wherever possible.
The Lifestyle valves have not been unreliable, but may not have been as responsive as they might be, although the previous boiler was oil fired with gravity DHW and a pretty old thermostat.
TRV4s are highly recommended here and I am looking to fit these to the majority of rads. A couple of comments though, have planted some doubt on whether this is worthwhile?
The latest TRV4 has apparently a more restricted flow rate, and other suggestions that they may use the same valve body as the existing TRVs. If there is no difference in the main valve, maybe I should only change the heads? though this would not save much if any money, and the existing valves are far from new.
My main attraction to TRV4s is they are liquid filled and said to be more sensitive to ambient room temp - this is particularly important in the living room where a wood burner may often mean the heating would be more beneficial circulating around the rest of the house.
Looking at the valve body of a removed RT212, even this has a max 7-8mm aperture. I have been hesitant whether to use TRVs at all, as this is supposed to be a 'whole house' solution, keeping the house generally around 18-19 degrees and boosting when required. The Installers, Ecovision, say 50% TRV's will be fine, maintaining flow, while diverting the energy to where its most needed.
Is there a reliable, responsive thermostatic valve which provides full flow when open? Also any recommendations on flow or return for valve location would be welcome, I know its either/or but it would be good to get the best possible result.
Thanks.