Radiators, for all intents purpose, are quite an old/antiquated method for heating up a room. It’s a technology that has been used in homes for over a century now, and while it is still proven as the easiest way to heat a room, it can look a little outdated if your valves are past their prime.
For anyone out there who looks at their radiator installation and can tell it has seen better days, how can you bring new life to something as mundane as a radiator and some pipes? You can start by looking at the hidden gem keeping everything in working order; the humble radiator valve.
You’ll be surprised just how different having a modern radiator valve installed can look, especially if you have mismatched valves (i.e. valves which are not the same color as your radiator) for the longest time now. Here are some reasons why you might want to think about getting modern valves for your home.
Modern valves come in a variety of finishes
I don’t know if you’re anything like me, but I cannot stand those basic white radiator valves which discolor quicker than a banana ripening in your fruit bowl. White valves on radiators can be like white socks when you’re wearing black trousers, i.e. it just doesn’t look right unless you’re incredibly trendy.
Radiator valves are quick for plumbers to replace, don’t cost an arm and a leg, and come in a range of finishes and styles. I am a big fan of modern style radiator valves (take a look at some here) which come in a wide variety of finishes. If you want to bring your radiators into the 21st century, get anthracite, black nickel, or pewter valves over silver or copper; the latter being more trendy back in the early ’00s than they are now.
Modern valves come with a greater degree of control
Do you have a room at home where the temperature just doesn’t ever feel quite right? I’m talking about kitchens where the radiator isn’t warm enough, and bedrooms where you can’t understand why the radiator is cranked up to the max every evening? (I hate trying to get to sleep when the bedroom feels like an oven).
If these sound all too familiar for you, it’s time to start shopping for modern thermostatic radiator valves. Again, just like finishes, you don’t have to opt for those thermostatic valves with the big ugly white cap on top. You can choose more discrete valves that can look the part and not like someone left an oversized pen lid on the side of the radiator.
Oh, and if you’re tech-savvy, read up on smart radiator valves that work via your home’s Wi-Fi network. I love the idea of being able to sit in the living room in the evening and using an app on your phone to get the bedroom radiator turned on for you to come up to a toasty bedroom.
Modern valves can work for you
Thanks for reading this article about modern valves. I hope it helps you find a valve which you’ll be happy with and hopefully help improve how you heat rooms in the process.