Where to place radiators

sneaky

I have just had a extension done and the room is around 50 feet in an rectangle shape with the patio door on one side. I am stuck where the radiators should go. I was thinking of having 1.2m long radiators each side of the room and hide them behind the sofas. Is this wise? Do I also need two for a room this size? I have taken the chimney out so dont have a fire place.

sazziecee

Having them behind the sofa, prevents them from giving out heat into the room.

In my house they are all opposite the window, meaning I usually have to put my sofa's in front of them.

My living room was always cold though so we have changed to chairs either side and it is much warmer now.

I believe the best place for radiators is UNDER the windows though, but I can't quite remember why that is

Pretani

Definately put one beside the patio door. As for the others, it might be a good idea to put it as far away from the kitchen oven/cooker, if you're kitchen is joined. It can get damn hot in kitchen/dining rooms when the heat is on. On second thoughts, one big radiator might be enough if the room is 50 ft in perimeter

ic

The size of the radiator(s) required is dependent upon how warm you like it, the volume of the room, number of windows, types of windows, insulation level of walls and ceiling, direction walls face, etc. There's plenty of calculators on the web that will take all this into account for you: http://www.theradiatorcompany.co.uk/heatoutput/.

Radiators are normally placed under windows so that they heat the cold air rolling off them in winter. I've found that houses that have them located opposite the windows are harder to keep warm, and it can be cold if you're sat near the window.

maple41

Have a look at vertical radiators. We put 2 in a kitchen extension best thing we did. Takes up little wall space - you can't use the space right in front of radiators for best heat output anyway, and when it's cold outside and you have just come indoors they are great to stand against and warm the whole of your body. Check prices, was going to order from B&Q but local builders merchant agreed to match the price and free delivery.

Incisor

sazziecee wrote: »

... I believe the best place for radiators is UNDER the windows though, but I can't quite remember why that is

Wot ic says. Plus, if the rad is away from the window, the hot air rises from the rad, makes its way to the window at head height, is cooled by the window and makes its way back to the rad at floor level. Warm head, cold feet == feels cold.

maninthestreet

Putting a radiator opposite a window will cause cold air to be drawn across the room from the window to the radiator, causing cold draughts.