BOILERS, HOT WATER & RADIATORS


The heating industry’s turning point: PTRVs as the new standard


Neil Stead, national specification manager at Inta, highlights how pressure independent thermostatic radiator valves (PTRVs) can be the key to meeting modern heating challenges


T


he heating industry is at a turning point. With the UK government ramping up efforts to reduce carbon footprints and residents and businesses alike becoming more conscious of energy costs, the demand for efficient, sustainable heating solutions is at an all-time high. Installers are on the frontline of this shift, tasked with delivering systems that are not only energy- efficient but also compliant with tightening regulations and cost-effective for customers. They know that, while PTRVs might seem like a small component, they play a pivotal role in improving heating efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and achieving sustainability goals.


Small but mighty


PTRVs offer precise temperature and flow control for individual radiators, allowing homeowners and building managers to heat spaces only as needed. Their pressure-independent design ensures optimal performance regardless of system pressure fluctuations, preventing overheating and eliminating energy waste, benefiting both the end-user and the environment. For commercial applications, PTRVs provide scalable, high-performance solutions. Whether it’s maintaining lower temperatures in unused guest rooms or controlling heating in intermittently used conference spaces, PTRVs adapt seamlessly to varied demands. According to the Energy Saving Trust, using


thermostatic controls as part of a heating system can save up to £130 annually and reduce carbon emissions by 310kg per household. For commercial installations, these savings multiply, making PTRVs an essential investment.


Keeping up with the latest regulations


PTRVs are a crucial part of the larger puzzle in decarbonising the heating industry. As the UK continues its transition to low- carbon heating solutions, such as heat pumps and hydrogen boilers, PTRVs serve as a complementary technology.


By ensuring individual radiators operate efficiently, PTRVs enhance the overall performance of modern heating systems, supporting decarbonisation efforts and helping properties meet future sustainability standards. This positions PTRVs as vital components in a future-proofed heating strategy, ensuring installers can meet evolving customer demands while staying ahead of industry trends. By ensuring individual radiators operate efficiently, PTRVs enhance the overall performance of modern heating systems, supporting decarbonisation efforts and helping properties meet future sustainability standards. This positions PTRVs as vital components in a future-proofed heating strategy, ensuring installers can meet evolving customer demands while staying ahead of industry trends. Compliance with standards like Minimum


Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) and updates to Building Regulations is a growing concern for installers. PTRVs not only improve efficiency but also ensure systems meet regulatory requirements. Their ability to contribute to lower energy consumption and carbon output positions them as essential components for modern heating systems. CIBSE CP1 2020 provides guidance on the use


of Pressure Independent Radiator Valves (PI-TRVs or PTRVs). It states: BP3.4h: Use pre-settable pressure-independent


thermostatic radiator valves (PI-TRVs), where suitable. These will maintain the required flow rates through the radiators regardless of the pressure differences available, which may vary as flow in other radiators changes. The benefit of these is likely to be more significant on circuits with a larger number of radiators. As of the 15th of June 2022, the Building Regulations mandate that when a boiler is replaced in an existing dwelling, thermostatic room controls must be installed in every room. This requirement is typically satisfied by fitting a room thermostat in one room and PTRVs on all other radiators, except in rooms where a room thermostat is present.


The challenge and the solution


Despite their many benefits, PTRVs can present challenges during installation. Retrofitting PTRVs in older systems can be particularly tricky. Dealing with older pipework and ensuring compatibility with existing components often requires additional preparation. Similarly, common complaints such as “my


PTRV isn’t working properly” often stem from issues like incorrect placement or lack of system balancing. TRVs with telescopic sliding tails are particularly useful for retrofitting, simplifying installation as much as possible. Installers can address some of these challenges with careful planning. For example, ensuring PTRVs are not exposed to direct sunlight, draughts, or other heat sources can improve their performance. Taking time to balance the system by adjusting lockshield valves helps ensure consistent heating throughout the property, reducing callbacks and complaints. Importantly, the quality of PTRVs is also paramount to an efficient system, and only a select few manufacturers, including Inta, provide these advanced valves, ensuring reliable performance and durability.


Increased focus on commercial applications


While residential benefits are well-documented, PTRVs offer significant advantages for commercial installations. In large-scale properties such as hotels, office buildings, or student accommodations, PTRVs help reduce operational costs by tailoring heating to specific rooms or zones. For instance, unused meeting rooms can be maintained at lower


10 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER FEBRUARY 2025


temperatures, while high-traffic areas can be prioritised for heating. This scalability and adaptability make PTRVs an invaluable tool for managing energy use in commercial settings, where efficiency and cost savings are critical. High secondary return temperatures are often misattributed to HIUs (Heat Interface Units) when the real issue lies in poorly commissioned or unbalanced heating systems. The Inta PTRV tackles this challenge head-on by integrating thermostatic control with dynamic balancing, ensuring pre-set flow rates are maintained. Its built-in differential pressure regulator stabilises flow under varying conditions, enhancing efficiency and minimising energy waste. By addressing radiator imbalances effectively, Inta PTRVs deliver optimised performance and reliable heating solutions.


Highlighting environmental impact


PTRVs are more than a tool for better heating – they’re a step toward a more sustainable future. By enabling precise control over individual radiators, they contribute to significant reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions. In doing so, PTRVs support the UK’s broader environmental objectives, helping properties meet carbon reduction targets while enhancing occupant comfort. For eco- conscious customers, these devices offer a tangible way to align their heating systems with sustainability goals. Many building owners are unaware of how to use PTRVs effectively, which can undermine their energy-saving potential. Installers can address this by educating customers on best practices, such as setting lower temperatures in unused rooms, adjusting settings based on weather conditions, and avoiding obstructing PTRVs with furniture or curtains. Providing simple, user- friendly guides or demonstrating key functions can empower building owners to maximise the value of their heating systems.


The bigger picture


PTRVs may be small, but their impact on energy efficiency and sustainability is immense. By incorporating PTRVs into heating systems, installers can deliver solutions that save energy, reduce costs, and align with the UK’s environmental objectives. PTRVs are more than just a tool for better heating; they’re a step toward a greener future. For installers, they represent an opportunity to make a real difference while staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.


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