HEATING & HOT WATER


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PTRVs – the small component with a big role to play


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


making PTRVs an essential investment.


Keeping up with the latest regulations


T


PTRVs are a crucial part of the larger puzzle in decarbonising the heating industry. As the UK continues its


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,


16 April 2025


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,


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