Thermostatic Radiator Valves or a Single Room Thermostat
A room thermostat controls the boiler based on one reference room; thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) control heat output at each individual radiator.
A room thermostat controls the boiler based on one reference room; thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) control heat output at each individual radiator. Most homes need both, but the balance between them matters.
The case for relying mainly on a room thermostat
Simple, small properties with fairly uniform heat loss can be well served by one thermostat controlling the whole system without much room-to-room variation needed.
The case for fitting TRVs throughout
Larger homes, rooms with different uses (bedrooms cooler, living rooms warmer), or houses with uneven heat loss benefit from independent control at each radiator.
Which wins when
TRVs and a room thermostat aren't really competing — the thermostat should sit in a room without a TRV (or with it left fully open) so the two don't fight each other for control.
Get your heating controls set up properly
Tell us your current control setup and which rooms run hot or cold and we'll rebalance it properly.
Questions we get asked
Can I have TRVs on every radiator including the hallway thermostat room?
The room with the main thermostat should generally have a TRV left open or none fitted, so the thermostat gets an accurate read of the house.
Do TRVs save running costs?
They allow rooms to be heated to different levels rather than one blanket temperature, though actual savings depend on how they're set and used.
Can smart TRVs replace a room thermostat entirely?
Some smart systems can, by using room-by-room sensors instead of one reference point, but that's a system design decision rather than a simple swap.