Why Are Central-heating Radiators Invariably Placed Under Windows. Surely The Heat Will Escape Through The Glass?
Why are central-heating radiators invariably placed under windows. Surely the heat will escape through the glass?
IT IS TRUE that heat is lost through the glass, but this location is used because it creates greater comfort, by counteracting the cold down draught, which is especially prevalent with single-glazed windows. The second reason for locating radiators under windows is that it allows greater flexibility when arranging furniture, which one does not normally place beneath windows. 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. (Obviously, heat loss could be further reduced with double-glazing, especially if it is of the Low-E variety and with argon gas instead of air in the cavity.)Keith Bothwell, architect and ecological consultant, Canterbury, Kent (kba@gn.Apc.Org)
My radiator is by the door which is opposite the window - it's soooo annoying because its impossible to seat near the window - too cold!Alice, Cardiff Wales
I think having a radiator under the window is a silly place to put it. The idea that it frees up space on other walls was once a valid point in the days when you could only get one type of radiator. The market is now flooded with all sorts of funky designs, shapes and sizes. I have got a bay window in my bedroom with a curved radiator underneath which the curtains get tucked behind when they are closed, this looks so untidy. I have just bought two narrow vertical radiators to go either side of the window, this will now enable me to have nice thermal lined curtains to the floor which wont have to be tucked into anything, and will keep the draught/cold air from the room and also let the radiator do its job of radiating heat into my bedroom. I think to be honest it is personal preference rather than a science were you have them.
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