If you are looking for ways to improve the efficiency of your heating system and reduce energy consumption, installing thermostatic valves on your radiators can be an excellent option. These devices allow you to regulate the temperature of each room according to your needs, which translates into greater comfort and significant savings on your heating bill.
In this article, we will explore in detail what thermostatic valves are, how they work, their benefits, and the different types available on the market. We will also look at whether they are worth installing in your home and how to do it correctly.
What are thermostatic valves and how do they work?
The thermostatic valves These are devices installed on radiators to automatically regulate the flow of hot water based on the ambient temperature. They incorporate a sensor that detects the temperature of the room and adjusts the flow of hot water to the radiator to maintain the desired temperature.
When the room temperature is lower than the temperature selected on the valve, it allows hot water to pass through, increasing the temperature. If the room has already reached the desired temperature, the valve restricts the flow of water to prevent overheating and reduce energy consumption.
Types of thermostatic valves
There are different types of thermostatic valves depending on their operation and characteristics. The main types are:
- Valves with mechanical head: These are the most common and work with a rotary control that allows you to select the desired temperature.
- Valves with electronic head: They have a digital display for more precise temperature control.
- Smart thermostatic valves: They can be controlled remotely using a mobile app and allow you to program specific temperatures for each room.
Benefits of installing thermostatic valves
Having a thermostatic valve system on your home radiators can provide numerous advantages:
- Energy saving: It is estimated that the use of these valves can reduce the consumption heating costs by 10% to 20%.
- Greater thermal comfort: They allow you to adjust the temperature of each room according to your needs.
- Longer life of the heating system: By optimizing the use of the boiler and radiators, their overload and premature wear are avoided.
- Lower environmental impact: They reduce energy waste and CO₂ emissions.
How much can you save with thermostatic valves?
Savings on heating depend on various factors such as the size of the home, the number of radiators and the efficiency of the heating system. However, on average, you can reduce energy expenditure between a 10% and an 20%If, for example, you keep your home at 23°C instead of 20°C, you would be considerably increasing your consumption. Regulating the temperature precisely prevents these excesses.
Regulation of thermostatic valves
Thermostatic valves usually have a numbered scale from 1 to 5, where each number represents an approximate temperature:
- Position 1: Approximately 14ºC.
- Position 2: Approximately 18ºC.
- Position 3: Approximately 21ºC.
- Position 4: Approximately 23ºC.
- Position 5: Approximately 25ºC.
It is recommended to adjust the thermostatic valve according to the use of each room. For example, the living room and bathroom can be kept at 21°C, while the bedrooms can be set to 18°C at night for better rest.
Compatibility with general thermostats
If you already have a home room thermostat Since the thermostat regulates the overall temperature of the house, it is important to coordinate it with thermostatic valves. If the thermostat is located in a warm area of the house, it can turn off the heating before the colder rooms reach a suitable temperature. In these cases, thermostatic valves correct this problem by allowing individual adjustments in each room.
Installation of thermostatic valves
The installation of these valves is not complicated, but it is recommended that it be carried out by a professional, since it is necessary to drain the water circuit before replacing the old valves. The basic steps for installation are:
- Turn off the heating and drain the radiators.
- Disassemble the manual valves existing.
- Installing the new thermostatic valves following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Ensure a good seal to prevent water leaks.
- Restart the heating system and check its correct operation.
How much does it cost to install thermostatic valves?
The price of a thermostatic valve varies depending on its type and brand. In general, the cost of each valve can range from 50 and 100 euros per radiatorAdditionally, some communities have subsidies to encourage the installation of these devices, which can reduce the total cost.
Maintenance of thermostatic valves
To ensure proper operation, it is advisable to follow these tips:
- Review them periodically to make sure they are not blocked.
- Clean the valves with a dry cloth to prevent dust build-up.
- Do not cover the radiators with curtains or furniture, as this may affect the temperature measurement.
- Perform a radiator bleed at the beginning of the heating season to eliminate possible air build-up in the system.
The thermostatic valves They are an efficient solution to optimize heating consumption and improve comfort at home. Their installation not only helps to reduce the energy bill, but also has a positive impact in the life of the heating system and in the reduction of polluting emissions. With manual, electronic and smart options, it is possible to find the most suitable one for every need and budget.