numbers on radiator thermostats

jimbrett9

Hi

First and foremost, thank god I have found this site i've only just registered but have saved myself a fortune in less than a month. I am very interested in knocking down my fuel bills and have so far installed new loft insulation, rediator reflectors and draught proofing. Anyway i have a near new combi boiler and a gas fire but i am finding it hard to understand the best way to control the radiators using the thermostats on them. Why do they come with numbers 1 - 5 and not the desired temperature on them. What does each number mean in terms of temperature? Would it be o.k. to have a room thermostat alongside radiator thermostats or do they end up fighting against each other?
Hope someone can help me, cheers

Jim

Robert5988

Mine are all Honeywell VT117.

according to the instruction leaflet:

0 = oFF

* = frost setting 8C

1 = 16C

2 = 18C

3 = 20C

4 = 22C

5 = 24 C

Fully open = 26C

However does it matter what the markings are? just set it to the point where the temperature is comfortable for you.

The whole point of individual Thermostats on each radiator is that you can set each room to the temperature you desire. Thus you can have your living room at 22C, one bedroom at 16C and another at, say, 20C. You cannot do this with room thermostats.

jimbrett9

cheers very much, i never had any instructions but i would imagine its universal from one make to another. I just need to check with the makers of the combi bioler (vokera) what temps there markings relate to. Though as long as were not having to put cold water in the bath then the water temp should be fine. Cheers again.

Jim

Rover

The numbers on your regulating valves are very relative I'm affraid. Instructions refer to a particular system at optimum conditions.

In effect, it's trail and error. And depends on your system 'power' and things like furring in your rads, flow rates, etc.

However, it's not rocket science, adjust your rads so you don't boil upstairs !
Bedrooms that aren't used, turn to a low setting and keep the door shut.

A good tip for bleeding air from difficult rads, is to shut off all other rads except the one you're bleeding, switch on your heating and bleed. If that doesn't get your rad hot to the very top - you've got problems !

cloud_dog

Does it matter what the numbers relate to - really?

I'd go with Jimbrett's suggestion and just find a comfortable setting. Your hardly likely to say I wont turn the heater up if you are cold, irrespective of the number its on. Start with 3 and if that's too hot, turn it down, and if its too cold turn it up (obvious I know - but the simplest things are often the best).

cloud_dog