Smart central heating

Manual Only Control 

Some manufacturers allow their smart Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) to be controlled manually or through a connected hub and app without requiring a smart thermostat. However, the individual smart radiator valves will only control the temperature of the room if your central heating is already active. While smart TRVs can be used to control the temperature of each room while the heating system is on, they will not start up the boiler if the heating system has not already been manually turned on at the boiler or the main system thermostat. 

This is ideal for homeowners who want to be sure that the heating system cannot fire up unless they manually turn it on. 

Heat on demand with a full system 

Some manufacturers allow TRVs to request heat from the boiler, but this requires a smart thermostat to be part of the system. Without a smart thermostat, the "demand" from the smart radiator valve signal goes nowhere, meaning that although the radiator valve is set to 20oC, the room will not heat up as the boiler will not turn on. 

A smart thermostat or central hub allows the individual smart radiator valve to turn the boiler on and provide the heat required to heat up that one room to the desired temperature and turn the boiler off once the desired temperature has been reached.

This provides greater control for the user and requires less manual intervention.

Can smart thermostatic radiator valves be installed on all heating systems?

Smart TRVs can be installed on most central heating systems, including those with combi system or heat-only boilers, and can work with underfloor heating and hybrid systems if set up correctly. However, compatibility is not universal, and they generally cannot be used with electric radiators. 

If the radiators on your central heating system do not currently have thermostatic radiator valves already installed, upgrades to the valve bodies will be required. 

Are smart heating systems expensive?

As with many things in life, the cost is directly related to the manufacturer / brand used in the installation and the number of components used. 

Full smart systems containing a thermostat and TRVs on all radiators will be more expensive than installing individual smart TRVs on radiators in selected rooms as part of a manual only system.  

Melexia Plumbing and Heating will work with you to ensure upgrades will meet your expectations and budget