Planning radiator TRV locations when you don't have enough for all your radiators
Hello, I installed a basic Tado system a while ago and really like it. So, I decided to add a few wireless Rad controllers. I Have 13 Rads, so I decided to buy a starter 4-pack to see how it goes. The instructions told me not to install any in the same room as the room thermostat, so I put 2 upstairs and two downstairs, at the furthest corners of the house. My system is under 10 years and has modern TRV valves. The problem I'm finding is I can't balance the system and the boiler runs almost constantly, which it didn't beforehand. Has anyone got any advise they might be able to give me? Thanks.
Answers
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If you dont want a plumber involved, this is the only temporary measure
- First step is to ensure that all the radiators are balanced for equal mechanical flow. There are good videos on youtube to cover this. It will take two whole goes to get it right but it does make a huge difference.
- Second step is not to use Smart Tado heads on the radiatoes near the wall thermostats, and furthermore turn down the return valve on the radiators closest to the wall thermostats. In this way they warm more slowly and only after the others have hit their required level.
These two steps should stop the contradiction where the wall thermostat forces a restriction on flow to the other rooms.
In one of the charity's properties we have 17 radiators on the central heating loop. What we did was remove the zone valve, install an automatic bypass valve, and fit smart TRV heads everywhere. We did that in phases, replacing four heads every four months and in the last step installed the automatic bypass valve carefully calibrated. It worked and it worked very well. We have saved lots of money on the heating bill and the rooms feel quiet, balanced.
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