QA

Quick Answer: Should Radiators Be On External Walls

If you simply have no choice, or you do choose to place your radiator on an exterior wall, be sure to insulate it well. Placing a sheet of foil-faced, expanded polystyrene lining behind the radiator will ensure that heat is reflected back into the room, instead of being lost through the outside wall.

Where is the best place to put radiators?

The best place for a radiator is in the coldest part of the room. This used to be under windows. However, in more modern double-glazed homes, there may not be a cold area, so you can put radiators where they won’t affect the use of walls. A general rule is to have one radiator for every 4m or so in a room.

Which wall should a radiator go on?

The traditional place to position your radiator is the coldest part of the room. Whether that’s beneath your window or against the wall. This is due to conduction, with incoming cold air causing more effective heat conduction and pushing the hot air from your radiator into the middle of the room.

Why are radiators always under windows?

Windows are traditionally the worst insulated surfaces in a building shell. In the twentieth century, to combat that cold feeling and keep the room comfortably warm, radiators were always placed under a window. The rising heat of the radiator forms a kind of hot air curtain that shields you from the cold air.

Should you keep all radiators on?

According to experts at the Energy Saving Trust, the idea it’s cheaper to leave the heating on low all day is a myth. The Energy Saving Trust says if you’re keeping the heating on all day you’re losing energy all day, so it’s better to heat your home only when you need it.5 days ago.

What radiators give off the most heat?

Aluminium radiators provide the highest potential BTU output possible. That doesn’t mean that every aluminium radiator has a higher heat output than every steel radiator, for example. But aluminium radiators have the greatest heat output potential of any type.

Is it OK to put a sofa in front of a radiator?

It’s not a good idea to place a sofa, or any other large furniture, in front of a radiator. A sofa would block heat from travelling freely around the room, and could suffer potential long-term damage from a close level of heat exposure.

Do radiators need to be under Windows?

While you no longer need to fit your radiator under the window, there is some logic in doing so. Historically, radiators were fitted in the coldest part of the room – the exterior wall – where cold air would enter and drop to the floor.

How far should a radiator be from the wall?

A radiator should be positioned 2cm or more away from a wall. Our wall-mounted designer radiators come supplied complete with wall fixings, which will ensure your radiators are set at least 2cm from the wall once installed.

Are horizontal radiators better than vertical?

Vertical radiators are a fantastic option for smaller rooms, where a bulky horizontal radiator simply takes up too much wall space. Contrary to popular belief, vertical radiators have an equal BTU heat output to horizontal radiators, despite many people thinking all the heat is lost out of the top of them.

Do window radiators stop condensation?

The hot air rising off a radiator will have less tendency to deposit moisture onto the window (the glass surface will be somewhat warmer). As Programmer mentions, by putting the radiator in front of the area most prone to heat loss and ingress of cold air, you are effectively screening off the room from cold air.

Can you turn off radiators in unused rooms?

As long as you close the doors so the cold air doesn’t seep into the rest of the house, you will save money by turning off the radiators in unused rooms. By doing so, you’ll prevent the water in the system running through that particular radiator.

How do I stop my radiators from going behind the curtains?

One way to avoid too much heat loss is to have a window sill that projects well over the radiator and curtains that stop on top of the sill. With this arrangement, the heat is directed out into the room instead of behind the curtain and out through the window.

Can you turn off the water and keep the central heating on?

If you are leaving the house empty for more than a few days, it should be safe to leave your heating on, however, even if you do turn off the water. It can be useful to have your central heating ticking over on a low temperature while you’re not there.

What is the most economical electric heating system?

Electric radiators and infrared panels are the most efficient form of electric heating because both use radiant heat to maintain room temperatures.

Is it cheaper to leave hot water on constant?

It is a myth that leaving your hot water on all of the time will save you money. Unless you need a constant supply of warm water, your boiler will be constantly heating when there is no real need. It is cheaper and more energy-efficient to switch your boiler on, only when you need the hot water.

Are old radiators less efficient than new ones?

Modern radiators are no more efficient than old ones. The heat output depends on the temperature drop across the whole radiator and the cross sectional area of heat exchanger. Thus radiators with fins output heat more quickly than those without, but require a greater flow of hot water losing temperature to do so.

Which brand of radiators is the best?

The Best Radiator Brands On The Market Lux Heat. Lux Heat brings power and performance under one roof. Aeon. Aeon is a luxury radiator brand renowned for its eclectic range of designs, so you’re bound to find something that suits your style from their collection. Beaumont. Zehnder Radiators. DQ Heating. Eskimo. Paladin. Reina.

How often should you replace radiators?

If you’re asking “how often should radiators be replaced?”, there’s no easy answer but a general guideline is anywhere between fifteen and twenty years. If your radiators are nearing this age range, it’s worth being conscious of how they’re performing.