TRVs and balancing a system

BiliousGreen

Trying to make the most of the knowledge on here as there seem to be quite a few that know their stuff!

Quite a few posts have made reference to TRVs and balancing systems / radiators etc. Is there a laymans guide to what this is and what it really means. There seems to be a million variables and I wondered if this is something a lay person could try and do or if it needs a professional due to the variables involved

[Deleted User]

Two different things.  Both a lay person can deal with.

Balancing the system is all about making sure the right amount of flow goes through each radiator - rather than all the hot water being 'used' in the radiators closest to the boiler.  You do this by using the 'lockshield valve', which is the one at the opposite end of the radiator from the TRV.  https://heatable.co.uk/boiler-advice/how-to-balance-radiators

TRVs just temporarily shut off flow to an individual radiator based on room temperature.  A bit like a thermostat just for that one radiator.  https://www.homeserve.com/uk/living/heating/how-do-thermostatic-radiator-valves-work/

Astria

It all depends on what you are comfortable with - is a part of your property cold or too warm, do you have to increase the thermostat to unreasonable temperatures to keep your main living areas at a suitable temperature?

Personally I don't have any TRVs and instead have it set so that all rooms get the appropriate amount of heating considering the expected amount of heat loss from that room. This means that downstairs is kept at 17c and upstairs at 15c from a single thermostat downstairs in the lounge.

Billxx

Have a look at this - explains it very well. https://youtu.be/pol8IlkfAZA