What height should a radiator be below a window?

Author: Florine Medhurst  |  Last update: Saturday, November 1, 2025

If a radiator is to be installed under a window, the height of the radiator depends on the distance between the windowsill and the floor. The lower edge of the radiator should be placed at least 10 cm above the floor and the upper one at least 10 cm below the sill.

How close can a radiator be to a windowsill?

We recommend that 100mm above and below should be left clear so heat from the radiator can be effectively distributed. A windowsill or shelf the same depth as the radiator can reduce outputs by 4% and enclosing a radiator can reduce outputs by 15%.

Is it OK to put a radiator under the window?

Radiators should be positioned under the window - placing opposite a window will result in colder air from the window being drawn across the room. If placing it under a window is not possible, the next bext place is on the wall that is at 90 degrees to the window.

What height should a radiator be mounted?

Radiators should typically be mounted so that the foot of the radiator is positioned a minimum of 150mm from the floor – though anywere from around 100mm x 150mm should suffice if your space allows.

Does the height of a radiator matter?

Radiator height and width

Wall space is another important consideration when deciding on the right size radiator for your room. For example, if there is limited horizontal space in the room then a very popular solution is to choose a vertical radiator.

How to Balance Your Radiators | Save Money and Increase Heat

How high should a radiator be below window?

If a radiator is to be installed under a window, the height of the radiator depends on the distance between the windowsill and the floor. The lower edge of the radiator should be placed at least 10 cm above the floor and the upper one at least 10 cm below the sill.

What is the standard height of a radiator?

Central Heating Radiators

Heights range from 300mm to 900mm while widths range between 300mm and 1960mm - ideal for almost any space!

Where is the best radiator positioning?

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.

Is it better to have radiators on high or low?

Put simply, a lower flow temperature = more efficiency = lower heating costs. Do radiator covers block heat? Check our guide and more energy-saving tips.

Are taller radiators better?

The height of vertical radiators means they are less likely to be obstructed, in which case you're looking at pretty much the same heat output.

How do you style a window with a radiator underneath?

Floor-length curtains work best with radiators under the windows, but closing them means they'll block the heat generated by the radiator. Generally, pairing up floor-length curtains with other window coverings can do the trick.

Do radiators under windows cause condensation?

Yes, placing a radiator directly under a window can cause condensation to form on the glass, due to the temperature difference between the warm radiator and the cold window surface. As the radiator heats the air, it rises and comes into contact with the cooler window, causing the air to cool down rapidly.

Where does the radiator go in Dusty Trip?

Put the radiator just ahead of the engine. (The Radiator is located at the table.)

Should radiators be below windows?

The traditional place to position your radiator is the coldest part of the room. Whether that's beneath your window or against the wall. This is due to conduction, with incoming cold air causing more effective heat conduction and pushing the hot air from your radiator into the middle of the room.

What is the minimum height of radiator from floor?

Recommended height from the floor to the base of the radiator is 150mm minimum. This allows adequate airflow when the radiator is placed on the bracket.

How much clearance do you need around a radiator?

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.

Does turning radiators off in unused rooms save money?

Yes, turning off radiators in unused rooms can result in energy savings and lower heating bills. However, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as dampness and freezing pipes, to make an informed decision.

What temperature should a house be at night?

Ideally you should heat your home to a temperature of at least 18 °C. This is particularly important if you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease. Having room temperatures slightly over 18 °C could be good for your health.

Is it cheaper to keep your house at a constant temperature?

Keeping your home at a constant temperature generally means that your HVAC system will run constantly to meet it. This means that your furnace or air conditioner may run when you're asleep, at work, or out of the house. This wastes more energy than the minimal amount that you might save by having it constantly run.

What is the minimum gap between radiator and wall?

A radiator should be positioned 2cm or more away from a wall.

Should curtains cover radiators?

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.

Can I put a sofa in front of a radiator?

Is It Okay To Put A Sofa In Front Of A Radiator? It is not recommended to place a sofa directly in front of a radiator.

Are tall radiators better?

Vertical radiators are just as good at heating your home

When weighing up the BTU output you need for your room, you should use our BTU Calculator to help, and when doing so you'll find that many vertical and horizontal radiators offer around the same heat output as one another.

What is the minimum clearance between radiator and fan?

Recommended Minimum Clearances

The forward edge of the fan blades should be at least 1 in. from the radiator. The tips of the blades should clear the edge of the shroud by at least 1 in. The backside of the fan blades should clear any other obstruction by at least ½ in.

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