Do TRVs impact BER?

oknepop

Can't find a definitive answer on this - I currently have a small 2-bed house (all one single zone) that was replumbed a few years back, all new rads, gas combi boiler installed, etc.

I don't have TRVs - will getting TRVs improve my BER? Similarly, will a smart thermostat improve my BER? The SEAI website refers to heating controls, but I'm not sure if it matters whether they're "smart" or not. I currently have one of those siemens 7 day programmable controllers, no TRVs.

Tree

The SEAI goes into more details on their guide: https://www.seai.ie/sites/default/files/publications/Homeowners-Guide-To-Heating-Controls.pdf

They absolutely do recommend TRVs but the heating controls are a bunch of different improvements.

Regardless of BER, TRVs do make a positive impact on heating bills, and smart TRVs bring an extra level of control.

oknepop

Appreciate the response - I'm still none the wiser tbh. Assuming that I'm purely chasing a BER improvement (independent of any practical comfort improvements), I'm still not sure if TRVs will make any impact. I guess the fact that they'd give me the ability to control rooms independently should count towards some kind of energy use improvement? Though I can turn rads in rooms I don't use with standard valves too…

Tree

Right but turning off rads with a standard valve isn't control. You now have rooms that could get too cold and damp, rather than have them on a low setting. IF you're chasing BER, TRV will help but will not be much on their own. You might want to get an assessment done and have someone walk around your house pointing out the high impact, low cost things you can do.

ligind

I would imagine they do help with BER, I got the non smart ones installed about 10 years ago to qualify for a grant when I was getting the boiler replaced.

They are a nuisance, most of the original set have stopped working , I replaced a few but I currently have have 3 trv heads removed as the rads would not heat at all.

In terms of control, in my experience it's very limited, in my house in winter I probably want the rads fully on in most rooms, there are maybe only three rooms where I had them set lower.

winklepicker2025

TRV will improve a ber assessment over standard rad valves