You may have noticed that in most British homes, radiators are placed directly beneath windows, which may seem like a counterintuitive choice – but there’s actually a good reason for it.
In the majority of UK homes, it’s common to find radiators positioned beneath windows. This might seem a bit odd at first, but there’s a solid reason behind this placement.
During the Victorian era, most houses didn’t have double glazing like we do today, so heat would typically escape through the windows. As a result, heaters were installed under them to retain warmth.
Today, radiators are still located under draughty areas due to thermodynamics. As we all know, hot air rises and cold air falls.
So, as the warm air ascends from the radiator, the cool air entering through the window pushes against it, circulating it around the room more effectively. Not only is placing radiators under windows the most efficient way to heat a home, but it’s also one of the best spots in terms of home furnishing.
The area under a window is seldom used for furniture as people like to stand there and gaze out. By situating heaters here, they’re not only out of sight but also less noticeable than if they were in the middle of a wall, reports the Express.
Despite our homes being far less draughty than those in the Victorian times – thanks to double or triple glazing in most UK homes – positioning radiators under windows remains an effective method for ensuring even heating and easier room furnishing.
When considering the installation of new radiators, it’s advised to position them in areas where they won’t be obstructed by furniture. Placing a sofa in front of a radiator will result in the heat being absorbed, preventing it from circulating around the room.
Therefore, it’s best to locate them in unobstructed areas.