Why should you not cover radiators?

Author: Verla Wilderman  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Anything that blocks a radiator's airflow reduces its efficiency. Some radiator covers can actually trap heat and affect your thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) reading – confusing your entire central heating system.

Is it bad to cover a radiator?

So a radiator cover very much can block heat by interrupting the flow of heat around a room. This loss of heat doesn't just hurt your toes, but your wallet too. When you use a radiator cover, you end up spending money on heating that you can't even feel.

Is it a fire hazard to cover a radiator?

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.

Why should radiators be under windows?

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.

Why shouldn't you put clothes on radiators?

Increased indoor humidity from drying clothes on radiators often leads to condensation on windows and walls. This damp environment is a perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew, which can damage your home and pose serious health risks.

Are Radiator Covers a Good Idea?

Is it safe to put a blanket on a radiator?

Covering a radiator is safe to do only if you use heat-resistant fabrics. Steam radiators can warm up to 215 degrees Fahrenheit, which is not hot enough to ignite most materials. However, some synthetic fabrics, such as fleece, can melt if placed on a piping hot radiator for several hours.

Can I put a towel over my radiator?

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. If you want to use your bathroom heating to dry towels, you may want to consider purchasing an electric towel rail instead.

Why do people cover radiators?

Radiators can get hot; it's pretty much their only job. If you have children in the house, it may be a good idea to invest in radiator covers for safety reasons. With sensitive skin, it's very easy to end up burning yourself on a radiator, especially on bare skin.

Is it okay to cover a radiator with curtains?

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.

Can clothes on a radiator catch fire?

Proximity to Heat Source

If the clothes come into direct contact with the heating element, the risk of fire becomes even higher. Potential Consequences: Fires can quickly spread, leading to property damage, smoke inhalation, and potential loss of life.

What type of radiator cover is best?

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.

Where should you not put a radiator?

Keep it away from furniture

Wherever you choose to put it, try not to position your radiator behind large items of furniture, such as the sofa or cabinets.

Can radiator cover cause fire hazard?

Fire hazards.

Poorly designed radiator covers made of flammable materials like plastic or wood can cause fires.

What can I use instead of a radiator cover?

One of the simplest solutions for covering radiators is to get a table of equal height and put it right on top of the radiator. If it's right near the main entry door, it's a perfect spot for a bowl for your keys or a vase of fresh-cut flowers.

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 car radiators filled with water?

Radiator fluid (also called coolant or antifreeze) is a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol (plus various corrosion inhibitors and other additives, depending on the brand). These coolant ingredients have several important functions: Preventing corrosion.

How to make a bedroom more humid?

Try opening windows even during winter to let air circulate and moisture escape. You can also use humidifiers and keep houseplants, which not only add to the humidity level but also work as air purifiers. Don't forget to open the bathroom door after showering to let the steam out and add moisture to the air.

Why do people put water next to heaters?

Explanation: When heater is being used it makes the air very dry , which make breathing not comfortable when a bowl containing water is kept inside the room , the water of the bowl evaporates and water vapour make the air moist means air contains humidity which make comfortable for breathing.

What are the disadvantages of radiator covers?

Energy Efficiency

Radiators need to be able to 'breathe' in order to do their job properly, so radiator covers which block too much of the warmth are essentially simply wasting energy.

Why do radiators sit under windows?

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.

Is it okay to cover a radiator?

A well-built radiator cover with sufficient ventilation shouldn't pose any danger. However, you should ensure any radiator cover you buy is made from a fire-safe material. While you may only be looking for a cheap and quick fix, choosing a cheap radiator cover could affect its safety and efficiency.

What not to do with radiators?

The placement of your radiators can affect both safety and efficiency. Avoid placing radiators behind furniture or curtains. If you're considering repositioning your radiators or installing new ones, you might want to explore our range of top-quality single radiators in the UK for safe and efficient options.

Why shouldn't you dry clothes on radiators?

Drying clothes on radiators can increase indoor humidity levels significantly. Excess moisture in the air creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth, which can negatively impact indoor air quality. Individuals with respiratory issues or allergies may experience worsened symptoms in such conditions.

What should you not put around a 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.

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