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Motorised Valves: The Key to Efficient Heating & How to Spot Failures

What is a Motorised Valve?

A motorised valve controls the flow of heated water in your heating system by opening or closing based on an electrical signal. It consists of:

• Valve Body: The brass fitting connected to the plumbing.

• Actuator: The motor that sits atop the valve body, activating the mechanism when an electrical command is received.

These valves can regulate heating zones and hot water demand, making them indispensable for home energy efficiency. They typically come in two types:

• Two-port valves – Direct water through a single circuit.

• Three-port valves – Manage two circuits, often used in multi-zone heating systems.

How Do Motorised Valves Improve Heating Efficiency?

1. Flow Control: Regulates water flow to radiators, underfloor heating circuits, and hot water coils.

2. Zone Control: In systems with multiple heating zones, motorised valves allow independent flow control for each zone. This means you can heat specific areas of your home without heating others e.g. a three storey house might have 4 motorised valves, one per storey and one for the hot water demand.

3. Automation: Linked to thermostats and heat pump controllers, these valves ensure seamless heating adjustments for efficiency and comfort.

👉 Regular servicing of your heat pump is crucial to maintaining efficiency and preventing issues caused by faulty motorised valves or other heating system failures. Learn more about professional heat pump servicing here: Heat Pump Servicing.

Signs Your Motorised Valve Is Failing

Like any mechanical component, motorised valves wear down over time. Here’s how to spot trouble:

🔹 Inconsistent Temperature Control – Rooms heating unevenly or fluctuating temperatures.
🔹 Intermittent Flow Errors – Your heat pump controller may signal irregular water flow issues.
🔹 Unusual Noises – Clicking or buzzing noises can indicate a deteriorating actuator. 

 To see and hear a heat pump technician checking motorised valves, watch this video:
📺 Watch Here

If left unchecked, a failing motorised valve can disrupt other components in your heating system.

What Happens When a Motorised Valve Fails?

Motorised valves contain an auxiliary contact switch, which activates other parts of the heating system. When this switch deteriorates:

• The thermostat activates the valve, but the heat pump doesn’t receive the run signal.

• The indicator light comes on, yet the heating system remains inactive.

This can result in frustrating heating disruptions, requiring immediate attention.

Common Motorised Valve Failures

🚨 Faulty Actuator – The motor wears out, causing intermittent heating issues.
🔧 Seized Valve – The brass valve becomes immobile and needs replacement.
💧 Leaking Valve – Water leakage can damage your heating system and needs urgent repair.
🔄 Manual Override Issues – Difficulty moving the override lever signals a mechanical failure.
⚡ Auxiliary Contact Failure – A faulty switch prevents heating components from functioning correctly.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Heating System Running Smoothly

Motorised valves may be small, but their role is vital to maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. By recognizing the signs of failure early, you can avoid costly repairs and ensure consistent heating performance.

Learn more about maintaining your heating system here:
👉 Banshee Boilers – Get Clued In

Want expert help with a faulty motorised valve? Book a service now:
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