Putting a radiator under the window helps to avoid cold draughts at foot level which would cause discomfort and would also help to make the temperature more equal at all levels in the room, again avoiding discomfort.
The placement of radiators under windows is based on the principle of convection. Cold air sinks to the floor and warm air rises, so by placing the radiator under the window, the warm air from the radiator will rise and circulate throughout the room, warming the space more evenly.
A well-known way to position heaters is under windows. If you do not have the space for panel heaters, you can also choose wall strip panel heaters, which are lower and longer versions. By placing heaters under the windows, you heat up cold air descending from the window glass, and avoid cold draughts along the floor.
The registers are placed below the windows to ensure the path of the warm air crosses the places most likely to be the coldest, evening out temperature distributions.
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.
This is because cold air can leak through and create unpleasant drafts. The heat from a baseboard heater under a window will rise and help to offset that cool air, the more cold air that comes in, the harder a heater has to work.
They took a lot of manpower to build, and it was difficult to create a balance of heat throughout the home. And you couldn't zone it like you can't hot water. Then hot water became more popular because it gives us more control over the temperature and allows you to heat your home more evenly.
Trickle vents are required by Building Regulations when replacing windows that already have trickle vents fitted. For new window frames that are replacing old windows without vents, it must be demonstrated that ventilation will not be made worse by the installation of the new energy-efficient window.
One of the most important things to be aware of when deciding on vent placement in your new home is that typically, air ducts placed near or within the ceiling are the most effective option in terms of energy efficiency.
However, after much research and analysis, the consensus nowadays is that crawl space vents should be closed. While it may seem reasonable to keep them open for ventilation, it's quite the opposite. Open vents can lead to various issues, including moisture buildup and insect infestations.
The CPSC calls it the “3-foot rule,” and it's pretty simple: Avoid placing a space heater within 3 feet of anything flammable. Some manuals list curtains, papers, furniture, pillows, and bedding as objects to stay away from.
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.
About 30% of a home's heating energy is lost through windows. In cooling seasons, about 76% of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat.
If you have single-glazing/or older-style windows it may be a good option to have your radiators installed under your window(s). If you live in a modern home with double glazing, you can choose an alternative location without any major drawbacks.
“Generally, when it is really hot outside it is a good idea to keep windows closed during the daytime, as you don't want the hot external air to come into the house warming it up. However, after the sun goes down, the outside air will start to cool down,” Browning explains.
Since the heater warms the air surrounding it, all the hot air will move upwards from that height itself and we will not feel the hot air. Therefore the heaters are placed near the floor such that the hot air rises from the bottom itself and warms the entire room uniformly.
Placing the heat vents beneath the windows is actually best for efficiency and proper airflow. Essentially, you want to target your warm air where the home is cold. If you'd placed heat vents in your ceiling, for example, then this part of the home would get hot, neglecting to heat up the sides of the home as much.
They are usually located in central, larger rooms to more efficiently pull air from the home and into the system. Return air vents are often located on a wall, rather than the floor or ceiling.
However, most HVAC contractors use a rule of thumb to determine the number of air vents needed. For example, for a standard residential HVAC unit, you'll generally need one supply vent and one return vent for every 100 to 150 square feet of living space.
Whether it's legal for windows in a rental property to not open depends on various factors, including local building codes, the intended use of the room, the fire code, and specific safety requirements.
If your windows are well insulated with double glazing or triple glazing, they will be able to retain enough heat to keep the house warm, even with trickle vents still open. If your house is losing heat from its windows, it's recommended to replace your glazing and invest in good draught-proofing.
Furnaces. The majority of North American households depend on a central furnace to provide heat.
The average lifespan of modern radiators is between 10 and 15 years. Older radiators become less efficient, and even if they are still working perfectly after 15 years, they are more likely to develop problems, for example, internal corrosion.
Traditional Boiler and Radiator Systems
Older homes and apartment buildings in North America often are heated with these systems. The classic radiator—a cast-iron upright unit usually positioned near windows—is often called a steam radiator, although this term is sometimes inaccurate.