Changing combi-boiler - should I change radiator valves too?

CantGetNoSleep

I'm getting a new combi boiler installed soon (changing to condensation). The installer has suggested changing the radiator valves at the same time while the system is empty. I'd guess the existing ones are 15-20 years old, still work but there are issues with some radiators being warmer than others (not sure if this is the valves or something else though). I live in an area with huge amounts of calcium or minerals in the water so the valves have blocked in the past if left closed over summer.

Should I change at the same time as changing the boiler? He says about 50e + VAT per radiator - does this sound ok? (changing with my full apartment building together so we've gotten a few quotes, can't shop around myself)

whizbang

++ +
Go the whole way and fit Smart Radiator Thermostats.

Dardania

whizbang wrote: »

++ +
Go the whole way and fit Smart Radiator Thermostats.

Agreed - on the presumption the plumber is proposing Thermostatic Radiator Valves, these are a great buy.

You can set the temperature you want each room to be (like a living room at a good temp for sitting down, or a bathroom quite warm to dry out towels, or a bedroom a touch cooler as you have bed clothes). The TRVs will control the valve automatically to suit the desired room temp.

€50 + VAT is okay - in terms of material costs, you can get decent ones for about €20 each, so it's not too bad.

With the issue of some rads being warmer than other, that's usually a balancing issue, but in practice with TRVs it's less of an issue (as each valve will close down as the room approaches the desired tem)

CantGetNoSleep

Thanks for the replies, he wasn't necessarily proposing the TRVs but on reflection I think I'll go for this as was planning a smart thermostat anyway.

Anyone recommend a specific brand? He suggests Tado?