Radiator under the window or not under the window? That is the question and here we explain why it depends.
Aside from deciding whether to opt for vertical or horizontal radiators and what style/design to choose, it’s important to consider the right location for your radiators too.
Some households have radiators fitted beneath windows, but why?
And is it a good idea? And does it even matter?
Let’s take a look...
Radiator Under Windows - Key Points:
If you have single-glazing/or older-style windows it may be a good option to have your radiators installed under your window(s).
If you live in a modern home with double glazing, you can choose an alternative location without any major drawbacks.
However, make sure the radiators are not obstructed by furniture and do not place anything above them that may be susceptible to damage from the heat.
Make sure curtains are not obstructing your radiators when they are turned on and do not tuck them behind them either.
Why Do Some Properties Have Radiators Installed Under Windows?
Plenty of older properties will have radiators installed beneath windows.
The use of this common installation spot dates back to Victorian times.
In the late 19th century, the few households with central heating generally placed their heating system beneath a window since they were only single-glazed in those days.
This meant that, at the time, the coldest sections of a room were at the window.
While double- and triple-glazing have been introduced since then, as well as more advanced heating systems, many households continued to install radiators beneath windows out of tradition.
There are, of course, many advantages to this type of installation which helped keep the tradition going, including the fact that the cold air coming through the single-glazed windows can help circulate the warm air from the radiators.
In the latter 20th century onward (and more so in the 21st century), plenty of properties began to have radiators installed elsewhere.
Therefore, whether or not your home already has radiators installed under windows will likely depend on the age of the property.
Advantages of Installing Radiators Beneath Windows
Whether you are considering having radiators added beneath your windows or want to know if you should keep existing radiators there, there are various pros and cons to think about.
Of course, whether or not it will be a good idea in your case will depend on how relevant these pros and cons are.
As mentioned, there aren't as many benefits to having your radiators located under your windows if you have double or triple glazing.
Let’s first explore the reasons in favour of such an installation.
Heating Benefits
While radiators under windows made a lot of sense at the turn of the 20th century, they can still offer heating advantages today, especially for those with single glazing that still allows a lot of cold air into the room.
Having a radiator added beneath a window allows the hot air rising from it to interact with the cold air coming through the window.
The result: more warm air will be pushed into the room.
Practicality
There are also some practical reasons to install a radiator under a window.
For one, the space beneath a window tends to go unused.
This makes it a handy spot to fit a radiator.
Having a radiator installed here will also free up space elsewhere.
You may, for example, wish to have a bookcase installed in another location that you initially considered for installing a radiator.
Aesthetic
The visual appeal of having a radiator fitted beneath a window is another reason that this setup has lasted for many generations.
For some, a radiator beneath a window can be a bit more seamless than fitting one against a bare wall.
While it is true that you could place furniture in front of a horizontal wall-mounted radiator, this can pose safety concerns.
Therefore, it may or may not be suitable and you’ll want at least some space between the furniture and the radiator.
What’s more, even if it is safe, obstructing a radiator with furniture will limit its capacity to heat the room one way or another.
Disadvantages of Installing Radiators Beneath Windows
While there are clearly many positives to fitting radiators beneath a window, there are also a host of downsides.
May be Unsafe
Installing radiators beneath windows won’t always be feasible or even possible.
You’ll want to verify that a radiator setup under a window wouldn’t be too close to any electrical wires.
This is because the heat produced by a radiator could cause them to heat up and even lead to a fire.
If you’re unsure, consult with a qualified heating engineer for advice.
Issues with Curtains
If you have long curtains installed at a given window, this could complicate a radiator installation.
After all, you won’t be able to pull the curtains over when the radiator is on.
This is because it could pose a safety hazard (the curtains could catch on fire) and it will prevent the radiator’s heat from circulating through the room properly.
Also, once the radiator has finished heating the room, you’ll want to ensure you don’t pull the curtains over too soon either.
When it will be safe to pull the curtains over would depend on how hot the radiator gets, how fast it cools down and the type of fabric featured in the curtains.
Even if you take action to open and close the curtains, you’d need to be sure the heating won’t turn on spontaneously (e.g., due to your heating schedule), catching you off guard.
One potential solution is either to have no curtains added (and upgrade your windows to double- or triple-glazing if required).
On the other hand, you might want to think about having the curtains shortened by a professional.
Value for money
Lastly, it’s worth considering if it’s financially sensible to have a radiator fitted beneath a window.
This would primarily involve comparing the likely running cost of a radiator installed under a window vs. another suitable installation spot.
However, you’d also want to take the installation costs into account.
Are Radiators Under Windows a Good Idea?
In order to determine what the right choice is for you, it’s important to weigh up the points raised in the previous sections.
But to summarise:
If you have single glazing and live in an old-style property, having your radiators under your windows likely remains a good choice.
If you have modern double-glazed windows you can be more flexible on the location of your radiators.
If in any doubt, consult with a professional Gas Safe Engineer.
