How to Set Up Smart Radiator Valves: Complete UK Guide

Smart radiator valves (TRVs) are one of the best investments for UK homes. They let you control each room’s temperature independently, saving money by not heating rooms you’re not using. Here’s how to set them up.

What Are Smart Radiator Valves?

Smart TRVs replace the manual twist valves on your radiators. Instead of a simple on/off, they:

Control temperature room by room
Follow schedules you set
Adjust based on occupancy
Connect to your smart thermostat

Best Smart TRVs for UK Homes

tado° Smart Radiator Thermostat

Price: Around £60 each

Best for: Those already using tado° thermostat

Excellent geofencing, open window detection, and seamless app integration.

Drayton Wiser Radiator Thermostat

Price: Around £45 each

Best for: Budget-conscious multi-room control

Great value, reliable, and works brilliantly with the Wiser system.

Hive Radiator Valve

Price: Around £55 each

Best for: Hive ecosystem users

Simple setup if you already have Hive heating.

Before You Start: Check Compatibility

Valve Connection Size

Most UK radiators use M30 x 1.5mm connections. All major smart TRV brands include adapters for common valve types.

Existing System

Smart TRVs work best with a smart thermostat from the same brand. They can work standalone, but you’ll lose some features.

Installation Steps

1. Remove Old Valve

Turn off your heating
Unscrew the old TRV head (usually just twists off)
Keep the valve body attached to the radiator

2. Check the Adapter

Look at your valve body
Match it to the adapters included with your smart TRV
Fit the correct adapter if needed

3. Attach Smart TRV

Screw the smart TRV onto the valve body
Hand-tight is usually enough
Make sure it’s level and not at an angle

4. Add to App

Open your smart heating app
Add new device
Follow on-screen instructions
Assign to a room

5. Calibrate

Most smart TRVs run a calibration cycle automatically. The valve will open and close a few times to learn its range.

Pro Tips

Don’t Put One Everywhere

You don’t need smart TRVs on every radiator. Focus on:

Bedrooms (different temperature at night)
Spare rooms (don’t heat when empty)
Home office (heat only during work hours)

Leave One Room Without

Keep at least one radiator on your main thermostat’s circuit without a TRV. This prevents the boiler short-cycling.

Battery Life

Smart TRVs typically last 1-2 years on batteries. Use quality AAs and keep spares handy.

Expected Savings

Most households save 10-20% on heating bills with smart TRVs. If you’re currently heating the whole house when you only use a few rooms, savings could be higher.

Troubleshooting

TRV not responding: Check batteries and WiFi/hub connection
Room not heating: Run calibration again, check valve isn’t stuck
Boiler not firing: Make sure main thermostat is calling for heat

Smart TRVs are a weekend project that pays dividends for years. Start with 2-3 rooms and expand from there.