People only just discovering the real reason radiators are beneath windows

3 hours ago 3

sad woman sitting by the window next to the radiator

Radiators are commonly found beneath windows (Image: Getty)

In most British homes, radiators will commonly be found beneath the windows, which may initially seem a little counter intuitive.

However, there is good reason that these heat sources are placed under where warmth is more likely to leak out.

In the Victorian age, many homes did not have double glazing like they do now, so the majority of heat would disappear out the window.

This led to many heaters being built beneath them to keep the heat in. Nowadays, the reason radiators are still beneath draughty spots is because of thermodynamics.

Hot air rises, and cold air falls - as many of us learn in school. Therefore, as the hot air rises from the radiator, the cold air that is coming in through the window pushes against the warm air, circulating it around the room much more efficiently.

Woman trying to warm with blanket and next to radiator

Radiators are better placed out of the way (Image: Getty)

While having radiators placed under the window is the most efficient way to heat a home, it's also one of the best places to put it in terms of how you want your home furnished.

The space under the window is rarely used for furniture - people want to be able to stand in front of the window and look out of it.

By putting heaters here, not only are they tucked out of the way, but they become less noticeable under a window than it would in the middle of a wall.

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A woman's hand switches the temperature on the radiator

Radiators are more effective without something blocking them (Image: Getty)

Although our homes are now far less draughty than Victorian-era houses - thanks to double or triple glazing in most British homes - placing radiators beneath windows remains an effective way to ensure even heating and easier room furnishing.

If you’re looking at installing new radiators, it’s recommended you place them somewhere they will not be blocked by furniture.

If you place a sofa in front of a radiator, it will absorb all the heat and stop it circulating the room so it’s best to place them where they will be unobstructed.

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