@adamk what I like about these valves is that once set, your rads for rooms are set and shouldn’t get “unbalanced”.

For those interested, in these valves, if you decide to go ahead, DM or email me, editor@renewableheatinghub.co.uk and I’ll send you a code for a 10% discount.

Posted by: @adamk

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Watched the latest homeowners qa and they mentioned some easy to balance lock shield valves. It’s something I need to look at in the winter as not had the HP that long. Or if they are not an option is there a reasonably accurate, or one I can calibrate, temp meter I can use to balance them.

If you don't need your trvs (and you shouldnt)  you can repurpose them as lsvs by removing the heads and replacing with  decorators caps.  Trvs generally have better 'valve authority' than old lsvs, ie the response to turning them occurs over a wider range of positions.  Old lsvs (and many new ones) are basically shut off valves so difficult to set precisely.  There is a heat geek video on valve authority. 

This doesn't have the easy set, calibrated, advantage of the frvs but may be easier than using your lsvs and avoids replumbing.

In addition its worth noting that some trv bodies have an adjustable flow rate restriction built in, eg Drayton ones, which you need a tool to set.  Again thus doesn't have the calibrated self maintaining functionality of the frvs, but may be useful in some cases.

That said I managed to balance my rads on the lsvs even though the adjustment on some of them was only in the last half turn.

@jamespa I found the same about the last half turn being the only effective part of the mechanism. Some chap called Toodles wrote an article for RHH and he found the same too!😉 Regards, Toodles.

Posted by: @toodles

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Some chap called Toodles wrote an article for RHH and he found the same too!

I know.

Sadly many dont read articles, I keep referring people to the ABC guide that cathoderay wrote!  I must add yours to my list of referrals.

Posted by: @toodles

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@jamespa I found the same about the last half turn being the only effective part of the mechanism. Some chap called Toodles wrote an article for RHH and he found the same too!😉 Regards, Toodles.

It is deffo a me thing as it was your guide I was trying to follow lol! 2/10 go see the headmaster and try harder!!!!

@jamespa Thank you!😊 Toodles.

@grantmethestrength Sorry! I must try harder then! Toodles.

Posted by: @toodles

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@grantmethestrength Sorry! I must try harder then! Toodles.

I have a quick question for installers and homeowners on this fine forum. 

We're giving our FRV (Flow Regulating Valve) an upgrade, and I would value your opinion and input.

If you've not come across them yet then they help you to balance radiators quickly and accurately, giving you the same control you get with an underfloor manifold, but on a lockshield. Which means better comfort room to room, and lower running costs.

What's changing?

🦊 The cap now also acts as the lock (no red visible part)

🦊 The cap sits lower and locks in tighter for extra protection

🦊 We plan to supply two caps as standard. One will be white.

My question is - what colour or finish do you think the second cap should be?

Many thanks 🙏

 q

Posted by: @sune

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My question is - what colour or finish do you think the second cap should be?

 

How about white or any RAL colour at extra charge?  Just kidding!

TRV heads are available in black, white, chrome, possibly anthracite.  That probably covers most options.  For some reason Drayton decorator caps (at least the ones I have) are in pale blue, but I cant see anyone wants that colour.  The LSV caps I have are white.

I would personally suggest that nobody will complain about white, but if its practical to offer options then do so.

PS I wish I had these, but my system is now 'done' and its not going to get replumbed now!

PPS - I dont approve of waste and thus forum is all about sustainability.  Is there a way to avoid supplying two caps with every valve, its yet more single use plastic!

PPPS - could they be made in a way that they can also be used as a cap for the LSV the other end (for symmetry), if you have done the cost effective thing and NOT fitted a TRV.  Just to make it symmetrical.

Posted by: @jamespa

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PPS - I dont approve of waste and thus forum is all about sustainability.  Is there a way to avoid supplying two caps with every valve, its yet more single use plastic!

I think that’s an excellent point James… way too much plastic out there.

@sune, does it really need the plastic cap? Is it exclusively for protection purposes?

As far as the colour is concerned, white will probably be the most ‘neutral’ for most homes. We’d go white.

@jamespa That is a great point about waste - and I think you're right. I think perhaps we need to think of carrying alternative caps as an extra on the shelf instead of in the box. We have a loflow insert now for low output rads, but that then means wasting the standard insert - so we're having them assembled as a loflow, pre-assembled set to combat that - which is dealing with the same issue you mention, so i should have been thinking along those lines already, so my thanks for telling me! 

@editor good question - and yes they are needed as they provide physical protection for the gauge once set. They're pretty robust, but not enough to leave exposed in a boisterous household. In a calm household, inhabitated by people obsessed by heating, then perhaps visibly seeing the flow to each rad would add a point of interest!?