Vertical
To limit the loss of heat ensures that you choose the size that allows free air flow around the radiator, in all directions. Standard covers are 88cm high, double check that this is the right height for you, otherwise contact us to get a bespoke quotation.
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.
When it comes to installing your vertical radiator, the general rule is that it should be mounted 150mm above the skirting in the room. Your floorboards can have an influence over this, however, as it can determine where it is fitted.
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.
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.
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.
It is perfectly safe to put things above a radiator. As long as you leave at least a 5cm gap above the top of the radiator to allow the heat to circulate properly. The more empty wall space you leave above the radiator the better.
Preventing heat damage
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.
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.
BestHeating would recommend leaving 50mm above, and 100mm below your radiators, to make sure they offer the most efficient and effective means to heat the room they occupy.
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.
To measure the height, you want to use a tape measure and note the length from the bottom of the radiator to the top of the radiator. It's very important to measure the radiator itself, ignoring the gap from the bottom of the radiator to the floor.
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.
Installing a Radiator Cover
It's a good idea to have enough space between your radiator and your cover so the heat can be distributed more evenly. The gap between the radiator and the cover should be at least 5cm in width, 3cm in height and 3cm in depth to ensure it won't affect the BTU output.
For your perfect Raidator Cabinet measure WIDTH (valve to valve) and add a minimum of 10cm; measure FULL HEIGHT from the floor to the top of the radiator, if it is 75cm or les our standard 88cm high Radiator Cabinets is suitable, do contact us if you are unsure of need a different height.
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.
There should be at least a 5 cm gap between your radiator and the cover to allow room for airflow and even heat circulation. A poorly ventilated cabinet will trap heat, both reducing your radiator's efficiency and increasing energy costs.
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.
Like with radiators, fitting shelves above storage heaters could help to push heat forwards into the centre of the room and away from the ceiling. It could also help to stop dust from discolouring the wall above the heater.
Best practices for mounting a radiator
The radiator is in a higher position in the loop than the pump. This ensures that the air is captured at the top of the loop and does not go into the pump. The side of the radiator where the tubes are connected should not be at the top of the loop.
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.
Radiator sizing rule of thumb
As a general rule of thumb, you'll need to work out how big your space is by multiplying the length, width and height of its walls. Once you know how big the room is, you should install one radiator for every 5m³ of space you need to heat.
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is assuming that a larger radiator is always better; this is simply not the case! An oversized radiator can lead to several problems, such as uneven heating, wasted energy, and difficulty in temperature control.