How Do Smart Radiator Valves Work
Smart radiator valves are clever inventions that allow you to control your radiators directly from your phone. With useful features such as precise temperature control, timer settings, and open window detection, smart radiator valves can take a lot of effort out of heating control.
In this guide, we’ll discuss what a smart radiator valve is, its benefits over manual radiator valves, how to fit a smart radiator valve and much more. So, keep reading to find out more.
How Do Manual Radiator Valves Work
Manual radiator valves work similarly to a standard tap. They simply control the hot water flow within your radiator. When turned on clockwise, they allow hot water to flow through to heat your radiator. The higher the setting, the more hot water you let out. Therefore, providing a greater amount of heat to your home.
What Can Smart Valves Do That Manual Valves Can't?
Whilst you can control the flow of hot water with a manual radiator valve, it’s not always reliable. With manual radiator valves featuring numbers or lines to represent a new level, it’s not always easy to get the valve in exactly the place you want and even then, it’s a bit of a guessing game whether you’ll get the heat output you require, especially if you’ve had new radiators fitted or just moved to a new home.
If you have manual radiator valves and want to control the heat levels in your home during the day, you’ll have to control each radiator in the home manually. This can make it quite a hassle if you want to change the heat levels multiple times throughout the day.
However, with a smart radiator valve, gone are the days of manually adjusting each radiator in your home. This can be done at the touch of a button from your phone. What’s more, you don’t even have to be in the house to control your heating.
With a smart radiator valve, it’s also much easier to control the temperature of your heating accurately as you can control the temperature of each radiator in degrees rather than just using numbers or lines on a manual valve.
How to Install a Smart Radiator Valve
If you currently have a manual radiator valve you will likely need a professional plumber to install your new smart radiator valve. However, if you already have a thermostatic radiator valve then you should be able to replace this yourself.
Depending on the brand of smart radiator valve, the initial set up may vary slightly. This will depend on the app and its functionalities. You may be required to set the app up first, before fitting your smart thermostat. If so, follow the instructions on the app to get set up.
- Firstly, you’ll need to remove your current thermostatic radiator valve. Simply turn the valve on and twist the head off. If the valve is turned on to the maximum this should be straightforward to remove.
- Once you’ve removed your existing valve, ensure you have the correct fittings for your new smart valve. You will need to use a valve adaptor to attach the smart valve to your radiator but in most cases, these are provided with the valve when purchased.
- You do, however, need to make sure you are using the correct adaptor for your radiator. The best way to ensure this is to check your smart valve’s installation instructions or user manual. If in doubt, it’s best to contact the manufacturer.
- Once you have identified the correct adaptor it’s time to attach it. This may vary depending on the type of adaptor, some screw in, and others click into place. Therefore, check the manufacturer's installation guide to ensure you’re fitting your adaptor correctly.
- At this stage, you may need to register your smart valve on your newly set up smart heating app. If so, simply follow the instructions on the app to get your new valve registered and ready for fitting.
- To fit your smart valve, this could vary by manufacturer but most simply twist on. If you have any issues, consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
- You should now be able to start controlling your smart thermostat directly on the thermostat itself, or via the app. At this point, if things aren’t working as they should be, we suggest double-checking the manufacturer's instructions or contacting the manufacturer directly, for advice.
For more information on installing radiator valves take a look at the following post - A Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Radiator Valve.
Do Smart Radiator Valves Save Money
For the initial start-up radiator valve kit, you could pay around £60 -£100 depending on the make you choose. But you may be wondering if this initial cost is worth it, and whether smart radiator valves can really save you money in the long run.
The short answer is yes. When used efficiently, smart radiator valves with settings such as open window detection, individual room controls and features showing how much energy you’re using can prove highly energy efficient. Therefore, helping to save money when compared to a standard manual radiator valve.
Are Smart Radiator Valves Worth It
So, you know radiator valves can save you money, but are they worth it? If you’re looking for a simpler and more efficient way to control your home’s heating, smart radiator valves can be the perfect solution.
It allows you to control each radiator in your home with a smart valve conveniently all in one place, and you can also keep an eye on your energy usage and costs much more easily.
You can also change settings depending on when you’ll be home. If you know you’ll be back late one night, you can remotely change your heating settings from your phone to a lower temperature until you’re home. We think this is a complete game-changer. Not only is it convenient, but it prevents you from heating your home unnecessarily.
Smart Heating at Plumbworld
At Plumbworld, we stock a wide selection of smart heating products. From smart radiator valves and smart heating elements to smart electric radiators, we’ve got all your smart heating needs covered. Visit our website today to view our full range of smart heating products.
If you found this post useful, you might like – Designer Radiator Buying Guide - Smart Thermostat Guide - Choosing the Best Radiator for Your Home.
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