TRVs vs Smart Radiator Covers: Which Device Results in Higher Savings and Better Long Term Benefits?
Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) and smart radiator covers (often referred to as thermostatic radiator enclosures) are both products that are recommended for indoor temperature regulation through radiators. While they serve the same function, the level of control and savings delivered by these products can be vastly different.
Individual Control
When it comes to the ability to control individual radiators, both TRVs and smart radiator covers hit this mark. The key difference is that with smart radiator covers, residents can “set it and forget it”. This is made possible by the built in temperature sensors that activate a small, internal fan that blows out hot air if the room falls below the tenant’s desired room temperature.
Cost Savings
Both TRVs and smart radiator covers can save on heating costs because both devices are designed to regulate heat flow through radiators, but because smart radiator covers are installed to cover a certain percentage of a building’s radiators, they can be leveraged to systematically reduce heating fuel usage. This is achievable because the installation of smart radiator covers improves the steam and hot water distribution throughout a building. Conversely, TRVs cannot communicate as a broader network, and so heating cost savings can only be approached one radiator at a time.
Energy Efficiency
The New York State Technical Resource Manual states that smart radiator covers are able to reduce heating costs 400% more than TRVs do. This is because of the active management of the radiator’s heat output based on real-time room temperatures, made possible by the smart radiator cover’s built in temperature sensors. The real difference comes from the fact that smart radiator covers are able to improve steam or hot water distribution across a building, whereas TRVs have a more atomized approach. The expected energy efficiency for smart radiator cover installation in a building can be calculated using the New York State Technical Resource Manual here.
Integration
Smart radiator covers are integrated with the boiler controller ensuring that boiler operation is optimized to respond to the real time temperature readings, provided by the built in temperature sensors, of the building. Smart radiator covers are compatible with boiler timers, allowing buildings to stack their savings. TRVs are limited in this capacity because they cannot interact directly with the boiler, and also cannot be paired with other energy saving and retrofitting technologies.
Installation
Both TRVs and smart radiator covers are relatively simple devices to install, although TRVs require a licensed plumber for installation. Smart radiator covers are installed over (or within) existing radiators and do not require any specialized knowledge to install.
Cost
Smart radiator covers are more expensive than TRVs, however, the extra costs are offset by incentives and tax rebates, which cover, on average, two-thirds of the cost. TRVs have been phased out of utility incentive programs and do not receive tax credits. At companies like Kelvin, smart radiator covers are also available for purchase through a monthly subscription, removing the barrier of a lump sum purchase. When factoring in the lifespan and maintenance cost of a TRV, smart radiator covers end up being a similar, or even cheaper, option to TRVs.
Durability
Smart radiator covers have an expected lifespan of 15 years, according to the New York State Technical Resource Manual. The metal cabinet is made of steel, and inside, there is a small fan that can be easily replaced if necessary. Contrastingly, TRVs have an average lifetime rating of 5 years, and will require yearly maintenance by a plumber.
Stackability
Smart radiator covers are not only compatible with boiler timers to reduce fuel usage, but are also the first step towards heating and cooling electrification. An orchestratable smart radiator cover and heat pump stack is Kelvin’s approach to optimized fuel switching, allowing buildings to switch between traditional heating and electric heating, depending on which option is financially smarter. This allows buildings to reduce their carbon footprint, save on heating fuel usage, and stay compliant with local carbon emissions legislations. Kelvin will also enroll buildings to Con Edison’s demand response program, allowing buildings to generate a new stream of income in the process. TRVs are able to work in this arrangement as well, but are less efficient, less durable, and less dynamic because of their lack of sensors and inability to communicate at a system level.
Summary
In the end, it’s clear that while TRVs and smart radiator covers have the same function, the effectiveness, durability, and stackability of the smart radiator cover makes it a far more appealing option. While TRVs are alluring with their lower costs, they may result in headache in the end.
To learn more about smart radiator covers, contact Kelvin for a complimentary energy savings analysis.