Unless your system pressure is also getting very high (3bar) when hot then the PV is probably ok. The pv is designed to accomodate the increase in pressure so it should go up from say 2bar cold to 2.5bar hot. If it starts at 1.5bar cold and goes up to 3bar hot then the pv is not working and needs re charging or replacing. Don't forget there is a presure relief valve in the system and the seal on this can fail causing a gradual leak and so loss of pressure. Good luck
Richard, January 2009