Change the heating thermostat & set it correctly

Setting and changing the heating thermostat only requires a few simple steps if you know how to proceed. The measures can also help save heating energy and heat rooms more efficiently. Regular checks should therefore be carried out to avoid wasting energy and money. If problems arise, they can usually be resolved in a few simple steps.

Thermostat - how it works

The heating thermostat is a handle that is used to adjust the temperature. The handle operates a rotary control and the heating valve, which in turn controls how much heated water gets into the heater.

Several problems can arise if the valve or controller is defective:

The radiator is no longer warm

If the controller is moved and the radiator still remains cold, it is usually due to a stuck valve. In this case, the thermostatic head does not necessarily have to be changed, and lubrication of the valve with suitable means can already be sufficient to restore the function.

Radiator does not get warm enough

If the thermostatic head is set to the highest level and the radiator still remains cold or lukewarm, it is more than annoying. In addition to missing

Comfort from the cold can also pose health problems, as cold walls and inadequate heating increase the risk of mold growth.

Radiator is getting too warm

If the radiator becomes very warm or even hot even at low levels, energy is wasted unnecessarily. This not only puts a strain on the budget, but also on the environment. A heating valve that opens too quickly is usually responsible here. Applying a lubricant such as WD-40 can also help in these cases. In addition, however, the setting must also be changed in order to achieve the desired adjustment.

Replacing the thermostat - instructions

If the temperature output no longer matches the set level, removing the thermostat is the first step in solving the problem. To do this, proceed as follows:

1. The nut is gripped and fixed with a pipe wrench or a suitable wrench or nut wrench.
2. Loosen the handle counterclockwise and turn it loosely.
3. The valve is located under the handle. From the outside, this can only be seen as a rod, which should normally be relatively easy to push in. However, dirt, dust and foreign objects can adhere to it. Rust can also form. It is therefore important that all dirt and foreign bodies are removed first. It is usually sufficient to wipe the valve with a soft, lint-free cloth. Applying a lubricant can also help loosen and remove more solid contaminants.
4. If the thermostatic head can still be turned and moved without any problems, it is not necessary to change it. In this case, cleaning and reattaching are sufficient.
5. If the functionality is still given, the handle can simply be reattached and screwed tight. The nut is turned clockwise.
6. Finally, it must be tested whether the cleaning and the lubricant restored full control and functionality. The valve pin should also be easy to push in.

Tip: If the controller is set to the highest level, the heating thermostat can be removed and reattached particularly easily. Therefore, when unscrewing or replacing, make sure that the radiator is in this setting.

Fit a new thermostatic head

Fitting or replacing a new heating thermostat is just as easy as removing or lubricating an old thermostat. The following step by step guide shows how it works:

1. Set the regulator to the highest level to make it easier to remove.
2. Unscrew the nut counterclockwise with a pair of pliers.
3. Clean the area under the thermostatic head and spray or wipe with lubricant.
4. Put on the new thermostat and assemble by tightening the nut. It is important to ensure that the button is placed in the highest degree of adjustment.

Tip: In addition to the rotary controls with printed heating levels, hardware and electronics stores also have versions with a digital one

Temperature display. These can make operation easier. Wireless thermostats also represent a more convenient control option.

Change wireless thermostat

If a wireless thermostat is to be changed, this may require a little more effort. The change itself does not differ from the procedure described. However, it may also be necessary to replace the temperature sensor and the control element.

If a wireless thermostat is installed for the first time, these elements must also be installed. The effort for this is higher, but the operation is much more comfortable. Thanks to modern designs, it is even possible to control the heating via an app and the WLAN in the house or apartment. In this way, the heating can be turned off when you are absent or regulated downwards and then turned up again before you arrive home. This saves energy and costs and it is still warm in the apartment.

Thermostatic valve adjustment

During assembly it can happen that an incorrect setting level is displayed if the valve head is not placed correctly. Not only does this display the wrong numbers, it can also cause problems regulating the temperature. It is therefore important to pay close attention to the setting of the regulator when attaching it.

It is therefore easiest to set the control to either the lowest or the highest level when it is removed. If, despite this procedure, the heating does not heat properly, the control dial stalls or closes Can be turned "softly" - so no resistance can be felt - the pin of the valve should be checked again will. It is also possible that this has to be replaced or that the problem is found elsewhere. In these cases, a professional repair must be carried out.