fitting TRVs

Seronera

Just a few points to think about. Contract TRVs start at roughly £8 each and the pricier Drayton/Danfos/Honeywell ones can go up to about £15 each..nearly double. I do use contract ones in my work unless requested otherwise as they seem to work OK (Well I have them on my own radiators as a test system) and it keeps the cost down. Here in the North I charge £30 per radiator all in, unless its a complete rotter of a job like on old microbore when I put it up to £35. I don't think that for a Down South price £50 a go is ridiculous as everything is pricier there.

At that price they should include replacement of system inhibitor though.

Doing TRVs is one of those jobs that is either a complete doddle or can be a nightmare on somewhat mangled microbore pipes.

I would agree they are a useful addition to a system. They can help reduce heating costs, but comfort is the main reason for them. I have two unused rooms with them set at "1" or a bit higher just to air the room and stop damp and such like. Then when my family come home to visit we just turn em up and hey presto.

tired_dad

IMHO 19 deg is freezing. We are running between 20 and 20.5.

TRV's on all rads minus hallway + programmable thermostat in hallway is the way to go. That's what I was told. Paid about £600 for 18 rads + inhibitor

jonesjw

Seronera wrote: »

At that price they should include replacement of system inhibitor though.

Wouldn't that be required for any installation, whatever the price?

Replacing the valves requires the existing water to be drained out, therefore the new water would need corrosion inhibitor to prevent the system rusting.
You need a reliable tradesperson who will genuinely pour in some inhibitor, rather than a cowboy who will merely bill you for inhibitor but not fit it.

Seronera

jonesjw wrote: »

Wouldn't that be required for any installation, whatever the price?

Replacing the valves requires the existing water to be drained out, therefore the new water would need corrosion inhibitor to prevent the system rusting.
You need a reliable tradesperson who will genuinely pour in some inhibitor, rather than a cowboy who will merely bill you for inhibitor but not fit it.

One might hope it was the case that inhibitor would be included, but if its not mentioned in the quotation you have received, do not assume it will happen automatically.

As you say, most responsible engineers will do it, but there are responsible engineers who genuinely believe inhibitors do nothing anyway. Whatever their own feelings on the matter they should discuss it with you and give you the option.

For what its worth I have always used inhibitor and in the commercial plumbing company I worked for we would get a warning if it was found we had not put inhibitor in a system after draining down for any reason. The company felt strongly that it helped prevent breakdowns in pumps and valve work as well as being a corrosion protector.