It is safe to hang curtains over radiators. The main reason for this is that hot water radiators are not capable of reaching the temperature to create a fire hazard. It is more dangerous to leave other heat sources such as candles with open flames on the window near the curtains.
If by chance your curtains do cover your radiator at all it is recommended that you tuck them behind the radiator and not block it. This advice applies to a whole range of radiators. This could be a single panel, double panel, horizontal, vertical or column model, it doesn't matter.
Curtains. Curtains should be long enough to cover your window, but not long enough that they hang over your radiators. While it's very unlikely that a curtain will catch alight from being heated up to a high temperature, do you really want to take the risk.
Curtains can touch radiators if made of non-flammable materials. Opt for fire-resistant fabrics like wool or polyester for added safety.
Comments Section Water/radiator pipes can not get hot enough to start combustion. Steam forms at boiling pt around 212 degrees, typical wood ignition temp is 480 degrees. Not hot enough to be a fire hazard, but can hurt if you touch them. If you have pets or kids a radiator cover might be a good idea.
Just like a radiator cover or large piece of furniture, curtains over radiators do block heat from entering the room efficiently. The reason for this can be explained by how radiators actually heat the room. The process is called convection.
The Quick Answer. Yes, radiator covers are safe, when installed correctly and used sensibly. However, you should make sure to follow any manufacturer's guidelines when installing a radiator cover, to ensure it meets safety requirements, and to prevent any unnecessary accidents.
Fit a deep sill or shelf over the radiator, and position your curtains so that they touch the shelf. By touching the shelf your curtains will minimise draught from your windows, and the shelf will act to push the radiator heat out into your room, rather than into the void between the curtains and window.
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.
Electric baseboard heaters
You should never allow draperies/curtains to touch the heater.
Since curtains are usually made of flammable textiles or fabrics and synthetic fibres, they are prone to fire hazards, and curtain fires are commonly caused by overheating appliances such as high-power lamps, iron, and etc.
It's recommended to maintain a gap of at least one foot (12 inches) between your furniture and radiators. However, for extra protection, you can also use insulated or reflective barriers as heat protectors to safeguard your furniture from the adverse impact of radiator heat.
No. Electric radiators should not be used for towel drying. Covering your radiators with towels, clothes or items of any other kind will reduce the radiators' performance and may cause a fire hazard.
On external walls, tests have shown that it reduces heat leaking through the wall outside, stopping waste. On internal walls, it will have the same effect where the temperature of the space on the other side of the wall is low (such as in a hallway or a neighbouring home in a terrace).
Curtains and Drapes
During summer days, you should close draperies on windows receiving direct sunlight to prevent heat gain. Studies demonstrate that medium-colored draperies with white-plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33%.
Correctly fitted curtains should not cover the top of the radiator, but should stop just below the window ledge. Of course, badly fitting, leaky windows won't help.
It is not a good idea to tuck curtains behind radiators when the heating is switched on. The typically thick fabric that is used in the makeup of curtains will cause panel blockages at the back and sides.
Areas with lots of traffic may benefit from having the fabric further away from the floor. We recommend ending the curtains 15cm below the windowsill. However, if you have a radiator in the way, finishing just 1 cm above the radiator is wise so as not to obstruct the heat.
Having fabric covering the radiator when the radiator is in use is not a good idea. Leave it exposed.
Close curtains and blinds
If you're on a budget consider only thermal lining the rooms with direct sun. White or light coloured curtains and blinds are better at reflecting heat and light away from your home. If you have thick, dark curtains, closing them will only trap heat in the room.
While unlikely, there is a small risk that a curtain placed in front of a radiator could catch fire. Although your radiator is there for heat, usually this is a bridge too far for people. This is more likely to occur if your curtain consists of flammable material and you have an electric radiator.
Chairs, sofas, couches, and other furniture will interfere with the circulation of heat generated from the unit. Items touching the radiator can also overheat and cause damage to the item or injuries and fire hazards for the people in the home.
This can vary greatly from one material to another. If you want the best heat conduction, a metal radiator frame is a good option for you. This is because metal takes over the radiator's heat, causing the metal itself to heat up and radiate this again.