Plumber explains real meaning behind radiator numbers - and they can save you money

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Households are being recommended to take a good look at their radiators in order to save money on energy bills this winter.Energy experts have stressed the importance of getting to grips with the appliances and the thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) that can be usually be found on the side.This key part of the radiator, which has a wheel of numbers on the inside, helps to control the flow of hot water into your radiator, heating up the room in the process.Knowing how to use them correctly could potentially save households on their energy bills as they continue to skyrocket for many people.

To help people understand what the numbers mean and how to use the TRV to slash bills, the Sun spoke to Nathan Martin-Nicholls, a plumber at INHOUSE Plumbing and Heating.

According to the expert, most people assume that the digits on the TRV are some kind of temperature gauge. However, this is not the case. "The numbers actually relate to the temperature in the room, not the temperature of the radiator," according to Nathan.The TRV works by taking into account the room's temperature and then adjusting the flow of hot water from the boiler accordingly.

When the room begins to heat up, less water will be allowed into the radiator to keep the room at a constant temperature. The opposite is true when the temperature of the room starts to drop, as more hot water will flow in instead, increasing the heat.