Why is a radiator always installed under a window?
Why should you avoid mounting a radiator on an interior wall?
How do you solve the installation of a radiator in front of a glass surface?
Why are two smaller radiators a better solution than one larger one?
When constructing a new building, the design typically includes where heating elements will be placed, their power, and type. Similarly, if you are installing a central heating system in your home, professionals will determine the best location for radiators to ensure optimal heating, while keeping the piping layout simple and not disrupting the space’s aesthetics if the pipes are not hidden.
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If you’ve opted for electric heating using electric radiators, you’ll likely need to decide where to place them yourself. Assuming you’ve already calculated the required power of the radiators, we will focus only on their positioning.
Why are radiators always installed under windows?
You may have noticed that the general rule is to place radiators under windows, and there’s a reason for this, which is not just practical. In the past, radiators were larger, so it made sense to position them under windows because that part of the wall couldn’t be used for other purposes, such as placing furniture like a wardrobe.
Today, radiators, especially electric ones, are much more elegantly designed and take up less space, so placing them on a wall might seem like a logical solution. However, when it comes to heat distribution, the best option is still to place the radiator under the window.
The window is the coldest part of the room. No matter how well-insulated it is, a cold air front still descends from the glass. If the radiator is placed beneath the window, it will “cut through” that cold air, ensuring a more even temperature distribution in the room.
The worst solution is to place the radiator on the opposite wall from the window. In that case, the airflow will be the least favorable. Cold air will descend from the window onto the floor, while warm air from the radiator will rise on the other side of the room. This creates circular air movement where cold air moves along the floor, leading to an uncomfortable microclimate, making your feet feel cold even when the room is warm.
Therefore, if possible, the radiator should always be placed under the window. If this isn’t feasible, you should aim to install the radiator on an exterior, rather than an interior, wall. The reason is clear—exterior walls, like windows, are cooler than interior walls, contributing to better air circulation and a more comfortable microclimate.
What is floor-mounted radiator installation, and how is it done?
It’s important to note that there are many ways to solve certain issues. For example, if you have a large glass wall facing a terrace, wall-mounted radiators may not be possible in that spot. However, to “cut through” the cold air front moving through the room from that large glass surface, it’s possible to install a radiator in front of the glass.
In this case, a floor installation is done using special floor brackets attached to the radiator. By installing floor brackets, the radiator becomes a mobile heating element, which can be convenient.
One expert tip is to opt for two smaller heating elements rather than one larger one, if possible. This is especially true for larger rooms. If there are enough positions for installing heating elements, it’s better to install two smaller radiators rather than one large one of the same power. This allows for better temperature distribution, provided that all the previously mentioned rules are followed.
Photo: Beha