TRVs - An Eco-Friendly Cheap and Effective Domestic Device
One of the indirect yet positive results of the Kyoto Protocol signed in 1997 is the Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) that have now become an important player in the nation's effort to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as well as help cut domestic heating bills.
Although it was not well published, starting 2002 all central heating radiators installed must be fitted with a TRV, following the amendment to the Building Regulations.
The 'Conservation of Fuel and Power in Dwellings' amendment to the Building Regulations calls for installation of TRVs on all newly installed domestic radiators.
The market for TRVs has naturally grown quickly, from 3.
7 million units sold in 1995 to 7.
5 million sold in 2003.
With the high profile of global warming in the news, the UK government has set a stretching target for reducing carbon emissions.
Along with the Kyoto protocol, the government intends to lead the way within the developed world in terms of reducing the UK's impact on the environment.
The protocol signed by the UK in 1997 sets a target of reducing the baseline emissions of six key greenhouse gases by 12.
5% compared to 1990 levels.
The UK government has gone further and set a more challenging target of 20% compared to the 1990 baseline, with a long term goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050.
Government agencies call on central heating installers to only install systems that are environmentally friendly.
Around 25 per cent of the UK's emissions of CO2 comes from domestic energy (more than half a billion tonnes of carbon dioxide).
Of this volume, around 75% result from domestic heating (space heating and water heating).
TRVs help reduce wasted heat by allowing the user to set the desired temperature in each room separately.
This way the user doesn't need to heat unused rooms just to get the right temperature in rooms that are used.
TRV manufacturers have made the kits not only technically effective but also visually pleasing.
Most new units now have polished stainless steel finish which looks nice and is easy to clean.
Recent models have a liquid fill interior which offers high performance compared to the previous wax-filled thermostatic radiator valve models.
The liquid provides higher sensitivity for fast reaction to temperature changes.
This capacity ensures that heating requirements are adjusted quickly and effectively to meet changes in the heating circumstances.
Although it is required by law, installing a TRV is also beneficial financially.
Professionals in the industry estimate that a typical household can reduce their heating bills by up to 17 per cent when installing a TRV.
This is an important side benefit that has to be added to the nicer ambient temperature around the house that the TRVs maintain as well as a lower impact on the environment.
Another industry that has grown under the TRV umbrella has been the towel warmer.
Closely linked to the TRV technology, towel rails have grown to be a 33 million industry last year, with an estimated volume for this year of around 1 million units.
Although it was not well published, starting 2002 all central heating radiators installed must be fitted with a TRV, following the amendment to the Building Regulations.
The 'Conservation of Fuel and Power in Dwellings' amendment to the Building Regulations calls for installation of TRVs on all newly installed domestic radiators.
The market for TRVs has naturally grown quickly, from 3.
7 million units sold in 1995 to 7.
5 million sold in 2003.
With the high profile of global warming in the news, the UK government has set a stretching target for reducing carbon emissions.
Along with the Kyoto protocol, the government intends to lead the way within the developed world in terms of reducing the UK's impact on the environment.
The protocol signed by the UK in 1997 sets a target of reducing the baseline emissions of six key greenhouse gases by 12.
5% compared to 1990 levels.
The UK government has gone further and set a more challenging target of 20% compared to the 1990 baseline, with a long term goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050.
Government agencies call on central heating installers to only install systems that are environmentally friendly.
Around 25 per cent of the UK's emissions of CO2 comes from domestic energy (more than half a billion tonnes of carbon dioxide).
Of this volume, around 75% result from domestic heating (space heating and water heating).
TRVs help reduce wasted heat by allowing the user to set the desired temperature in each room separately.
This way the user doesn't need to heat unused rooms just to get the right temperature in rooms that are used.
TRV manufacturers have made the kits not only technically effective but also visually pleasing.
Most new units now have polished stainless steel finish which looks nice and is easy to clean.
Recent models have a liquid fill interior which offers high performance compared to the previous wax-filled thermostatic radiator valve models.
The liquid provides higher sensitivity for fast reaction to temperature changes.
This capacity ensures that heating requirements are adjusted quickly and effectively to meet changes in the heating circumstances.
Although it is required by law, installing a TRV is also beneficial financially.
Professionals in the industry estimate that a typical household can reduce their heating bills by up to 17 per cent when installing a TRV.
This is an important side benefit that has to be added to the nicer ambient temperature around the house that the TRVs maintain as well as a lower impact on the environment.
Another industry that has grown under the TRV umbrella has been the towel warmer.
Closely linked to the TRV technology, towel rails have grown to be a 33 million industry last year, with an estimated volume for this year of around 1 million units.
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