TRVs

[John Brown]

With the Hawaiian branch of the family here for 3 weeks this Christmas and New year, who insist they're dying of hypothermia if their room isn't kept at a constant 24C, I have resolved to fit TRVs come summertime. They all mainly seem to be supplied as pairs, i.e. TRV and lockshield. Can anyone tell me why I should change a working lockshield?
Also, if using TRVs, do.I still need to to the whole balancing thing?

I realise this is a woodworking forum, but I know there's a load of expertise in all fields. And I've seen some snarky answers on the plumbing forums.

 

[Rorschach]

If your current lockshields are fine, don't change them however if they are a bit grubby or sticky then change them since you have to drain the system down to do the TRV anyway.
Yes you will still need to balance the system but you need to open up all the TRV's before you do this otherwise your results will be skewed.
Also remember you need to leave one rad with no TRV, ideally in the same room as the thermostat.

 

[John Brown]

Ok. Thanks. The room thermostat is roaming, as it happens, but I will be sure to leave one rad with a conventional valve.
John

 

[Rorschach]

If it's mobile then you don't need to leave a rad without a TRV but just remember that your TRV and your thermomstat could be competing. If you want to keep your guests warm then you might have to set your thermostat to a much higher number to ensure the system keeps pumping water around.

 

[John Brown]

The joy of a roaming stat is that I can give it my my cold family. The downside is that the rest of us sweat..