Have you ever wondered what the numbers on your radiator dial mean? As many people think they can are a temperature gauge, a plumber has revealed the real reason they are there
Heating your home usually is simple enough when you just turn the heating on and the radiators fire up. It’s often an action you do without giving it much thought..
When looking at your radiator, however, you may have noticed the knob on the side with numbers on the dial. Again, not taking much notice, many people may assume this means the temperature of the radiator and you can adjust the level to make it hotter or cooler if needed.
This knob, known as a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV), actually has a different use, and Nathan Martin-Nicholls, a plumber at INHOUSE Plumbing and Heating, has revealed its actual meaning.
Revealing it’s one of the most asked questions, he said: “The numbers actually relate to the temperature in the room, not the temperature of the radiator.” So the TRV actually detects the temperature of a room and then controls how much hot water flows into the radiator. It can tell if a room is cold and will therefore allow more hot water to flow into the radiator.
Similarly, it should also be able to tell if a room is warm and restrict the amount of hot water flowing into the radiator to maintain the temperature of the room. The numbers on the TRV should roughly correspond to the temperature of the room. As a guide: 0 = 0°C (off); * = 7°C (usually a snowflake symbol or full stop); 1 = 10°C; 2 = 15°C; 3 = 20°C; 4 = 25°C.
In a chat with the Sun, Nathan added: “TRVs are a simple way to give you full temperature control on radiators in any rooms where you have the TRVs installed. The main benefit to them is that they will save you money on your heating bills if you use them correctly.”
It comes after a heating bill expert revealed that there are a few tricks you can try with your radiator to really get the most out of your heating this year – including making sure your curtains aren’t covering it. Chris Shaw, the CEO of Utility Bidder, shared a few more expert tips on radiators and heating with the Daily Record. They included making the most of daylight and keeping curtains and blinds open during the day to let the sun in to help heat different rooms in the house.
He also advised strategically placing furniture out of the way of the radiators, as they’ll soak up the heat if they’re directly in front of it, and ensuring you are keeping out any drafts in your house by checking any pet flaps and your letter box for potential drafts.
Chris said: “Simple tips such as knowing where to place furniture in your home, leaving the bathroom door open when showering, and allowing as much sunlight in as possible throughout the day will enable people to feel warmer for longer and with financially uncertain times ahead, simple changes around the home could potentially go a long way.”
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