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Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) have become a hit in the UK in recent years. All central heating radiators installed since 2002 must be fitted with a TRV, following the amendment to the Building Regulations that was issued that year. The ‘Conservation of Fuel and Power in Dwellings’ amendment to the Building Regulation calls for installation of TRVs on all newly installed domestic radiators. The market for TRV has subsequently shot up, from 3.7 million TRVs sold in 1995 to around 7.5 million TRVs sold in 2003. At recent property development rates of around 160,000 new housing starts annually, the market is likely to continue its growth.

The UK government has set itself challenging targets for the reduction of carbon emissions. Along with the Kyoto agreement, the government intends to lead the way within the western world in terms of reducing the country’s greenhouse gases and environmental impact. The Kyoto protocol refers to emissions of key greenhouse gases that have to be reduced by 12.5% against 1990 levels. Not satisfied with this requirement, the UK government has set a target of 20% reduction against 1990 levels, with a long term highly challenging goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050.

Government agencies call on central heating installers to only install systems that are environmentally friendly. Around 25 per cent of the UK’s emissions of CO2 comes from domestic energy (more than half a billion tonnes of carbon dioxide). Of this volume, around 75% result from domestic heating (space heating and water heating).

TRVs help reduce wasted heat by allowing the user to set the desired temperature in each room separately. This way the user doesn’t need to heat unused rooms just to get the right temperature in rooms that are used. TRV manufacturers have made the kits not only technically effective but also visually pleasing. Most new units now have polished stainless steel finish which looks nice and is easy to clean.

Recent models have a liquid fill interior which offers high performance compared to the previous wax-filled thermostatic radiator valve models. The liquid provides higher sensitivity for fast reaction to temperature changes. This capacity ensures that heating requirements are adjusted quickly and effectively to meet changes in the heating circumstances.

Just installing a TRV will not in itself save money or reduce carbon emissions. It is important to educate the user or owner of the property on how to take full advantage of the unique benefits of the TRV. Experts estimate that by using the TRV effectively, a typical household can expect to reduce their heating bill by up to 17%, and yet ensure a pleasant temperature around the house.

Another industry that has grown under the TRV umbrella has been the towel warmer. Closely linked to the TRV technology, towel rails have grown to be a 33 million industry last year, with an estimated volume for this year of around 1 million units.

Filed under: Home Business