September 2011
DRAYTON ‘LIFETIME’ TRVS OFFER REDUCED MAINTENANCE COSTS AND EASE OF REPAIR
Social housing landlords can reduce their heating system maintenance costs, by specifying easy-to-repair ‘lifetime’ TRVs from heating controls manufacturer Drayton.
All Drayton TRVs have replaceable and adjustable components, which means that problems can be fixed without the additional labour costs associated with draining down a system and residents are also saved an unnecessary inconvenience.
Different elements of Drayton ‘lifetime’ TRVs can be easily repaired while the TRV remains connected to the radiator, including the TRV head which can be unscrewed and replaced without changing the entire valve and the valve’s upper gland seal which is easily removed and replaced with a pre-setting plastic tool.
The position of the TRV can also be changed from ground to wall-mounted with a remote sensor kit, if older or less able residents are finding it difficult to grip or turn the TRV. Plus, the TRV’s temperature range can be limited to prevent the reaching extreme high or low temperatures.
All internal TRV components are made of plastic, which is particularly useful in hard water areas where the high mineral content can cause metal parts to stick, making the TRV difficult to operate.
All of the TRVs within the Drayton range can also be pre-set for balancing a system when they are installed, meaning that each radiator can reach the appropriate temperature, with the flow rate set according to that radiator’s proximity to the boiler. Radiators nearer to the boiler will need less flow compared to those further away, which will commonly have the valve fully open. When measuring the temperature of the inlet and outlet valves, the target drop in temperature is 11˚C.
An advantage of balancing through the TRV rather than the lockshield comes when decoration requires a radiator to be removed. Commonly a decorator will close the valves at both ends to isolate the radiator before removing it. Upon replacing the radiator it is rare that the decorator will remember the amount of turns that the lockshield is open and the system will no longer be balanced. If you have balanced using the TRV valve, then simply fully opening both valves will mean that the system remains balanced.
David Kempster, Product Manager for Drayton Controls, said:
“There are very few TRVs on the market with replaceable components, non-stick internals and pre-setting functionality. Drayton ‘lifetime’ TRVs offer this full package, which adds up to longer lifecycles as well as reduced RMI time for these essential heating controls. Plus, the ability to adjust the TRVs position and range means that existing controls can be adjusted to suit the needs of individual residents.”
For further information on the full range of heating controls available from Drayton, please telephone Drayton Customer Services on 0845 130 5522 or visit www.draytoncontrols.co.uk.