How much clearance does a radiator need to work effectively?

dn852k4

We currently have one of the couches in front of the radiator in the living room, and have noticed this room takes the longest to heat up and is also the quickest to cool down.

What gap should I leave between the radiator and couch?

KimYeovil

Yards.

Really.

KimYeovil

Although some of the heat from the radiator will go straight up and circulate round the room a significant amount will spill out horizontally straight into the back of the couch. Most of that will be wasted as although it will eventually reradiate back out of the couch through the room the last item in the room you need warmed is the couch - remember your body will more than adequately warm the part of the couch you are sitting on even without the heating on. It's the air in the room you want warmed to feel comfortable. If you have the heating on twelve or sixteen hours a day it won't make too much difference but if you just switch it on for a few hours it is a waste.

Time to rearrange the furniture.