The short answer is no; it's not recommended. Fridge freezers are designed to keep food cool, while radiators are meant to emit heat. Placing these two opposing elements next to each other can lead to several issues, including increased energy consumption, potential damage to the appliance, and compromised safety.
For optimal performance, it is generally recommended to keep a minimum distance of at least 30 cm (12 inches) between the fridge freezer and any heat source. This distance allows for adequate airflow around the appliance, helping it to dissipate heat more effectively and operate efficiently.
Do not install the refrigerator near an oven, radiator or other heat source because that may cause it to work harder to stay cool. The fridge must be near an electrical outlet. If your fridge has ice and water dispensers, it must also be near a water line.
Furniture materials such as leather, wood, and upholstery are at risk of heat damage if placed too close to radiators; maintaining a minimum gap of 12 inches or using heat protectors can prevent this.
Refrigeration products are more likely to experience performance issues next to extreme sources of heat. Cooking products will operate properly, but could pick up residual heat from extreme heat sources.
Don't place a fridge freezer near cookers, radiators, or in direct sunlight, as this will result in it having to work harder to maintain the required internal temperature. Don't allow children to play with, near, or inside a fridge freezer.
Pieces of furniture and other objects increase the risk of fire when they're placed too close to a baseboard heater. You should place all objects, including fabrics, cushions, or wooden items, 6 to 12 inches away from the heaters. These can easily catch fire when exposed to sustained heat.
For the most effective and efficient distribution of heat, BestHeating would recommend leaving a clearance of 50mm above, and 100mm below your radiators. By creating clearances of these sizes at either end of your radiators, you can guarantee the warmth emitted from them will be able to travel around the room freely.
The furniture would prevent heat from being distributed freely throughout the room, and could be damaged over time from the close exposure to heat. You should attempt to leave around 6 to 12 inches (15-30cm) between any furniture and your heating appliance to ensure free movement of air and better distribution of heat.
This is something most of us learn in school and it helps to explain why radiators are located underneath windows. 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.
Kitchen design experts suggest that the ideal space between a stove and refrigerator should be at least a foot, but ideally more like 3 to 4 feet. This gap helps to keep the heat from the stove from making the fridge work too hard. Having enough space between these appliances also means you'll have a safer kitchen.
You will probably need some type of heat shield and then an air gap. You might like to take a look at our aluminium sheet options. You could cover them with insulation tape to reflect even more of the heat. Timber is also a great insulator but would need to be clad with metal to prevent flames from burning it.
After Transporting Your Refrigerator
If it was on its side for more than a day, leave it standing upright for 24 hours before running the refrigerator. If laying on its side just briefly to service, clean or adjust, just a few minutes of stand time will be enough.
With so many different-sized radiators now available, there are likely to be several possible places where you could put your radiators. We recommend however that nothing is positioned above the radiator and that 100mm below should be left clear so heat from the radiator can be effectively distributed.
There should also be a space of 1-2 inches on the back of the fridge to allow proper air circulation. Newer refrigerator models have their coils at the back so leaving space is imperative to have proper ventilation. On each of the sides, there should be a space of 1/2-1 inch.
The best position for radiators is the coldest area of your chosen room. This will often be beneath a window or close to an entrance door.
Don't place radiators next to fridges and freezers
Siting a radiator next to a fridge or freezer is a big mistake, as your fridge gets rid of residual heat through the condenser at the back of the appliance.
Putting furniture against a running electric or steam radiator can create a significant fire hazard and is not recommended.
The main thing you want to avoid putting above your radiator is anything that will block the heat. For example, putting a large piece of furniture above or in front of the radiator would not be a good idea. It also is not safe to hang a TV directly above a radiator.
Placing a sofa in front of a radiator is not recommended as it can obstruct the heat distribution and reduce the efficiency of your heating system. To maintain a comfortable and well-heated living space, it's essential to leave a sufficient gap of at least 12 inches (30 cm) between the sofa and the radiator.
The radiator heater may not be set up immediately underneath wall sockets; we suggest a safe distance of 30 cm as a guideline value. Ensure that the radiator heater is not covered during operation, as that would cause a risk of fire.
The last measurement you should check is the distance from the face of the fan to the radiator. There should be at least 1 inch of clearance between the two. This is to accommodate normal engine and radiator movement, and also the flex that occurs in the fan blades at higher engine rpm.
Baseboard heaters require careful consideration to ensure they function efficiently and safely: Maintain Clearance: Keep furniture at least 6 inches away from baseboard heaters. This prevents the blockage of heat and reduces fire risk.
It's very unusual. Occasionally, burns or fire connected to an electric heater might be reported. Older baseboard heaters have gaps at the top of the heater where small toys can fall in and cause problems. Drapery or furniture placed too close to heaters can also be a problem.
Simple answer, you should not place anything in front of your heater as it is not safe; this includes any kind of furniture, drapes, paper, bedding, and people.