When you close your curtains on a night

richardc1983

if you have radiators that are under the window make sure that you tuck the curtains behind them or move the curtains up onto the window sill to make sure the heat is directed into the room and not into the window area.

Has made a huge difference in my parents house and they are heatnig the room rather than the window area.

Its going to be very cold tonight -9 in places!

Magentasue

Mine were closed by 4.30pm today - no radiators under windows.

richardc1983

Excellent stuff. I have just bled all the radiators at my parents too. Upstairs ones were full of air and cold.

Sagz_2

Hmmmm some don't agree, have a look at post 5 in this thread:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1267675&highlight=curtains+norfolk

richardc1983

Load of rubbish... its been proven for ages, the room is colder if you have curtains over the front of the rads as radiators radiate heat into the room if theres something over them you wont feel this heat. Also if you dont tuck them right behind the radiator then the heat is going straight up into the window area and is unable to get back into the room and will cool on the glass. Its a law of pysics the cold glass will absorb the heat quicker than it can get back into the room!

richardc1983

I guess as well you will see for yourself if it makes a difference! if your room gets warmer tucking them behind then its working if it gets colder which it wont then dont bother!!!

knowledgepower1

I dont know why some people believe in law of physics over common sense.

richardc1983

I have just done it myself, I have worked in building air conditioning and heating systems and this is one of things that is factored into a building. I know about heat losses and what stops heat output from radiators.

If you have got full length curtains floor to ceiling it is not practical to put them on the window sill really is it!!

So common sense says you tuck them behind!

What is your point knowledgepower1?

richardc1983

With single panel radiators, the older style ones why you wouldnt tuck behind as the heat travels up the back of the radiator panel.

But double radiators have 2 panels the air goes up in between them so it makes sense to tuck behind if you cant place on the window sills!

the_devil_made_me_do_it

I decided to invest in thermal roller blinds which are fitted into the recess of the window & I have noticed a major difference. Would defo recommend.

mumoftwins

I tuck my curtains in behind the radiator in my lounge and it makes such a difference! The room is so much warmer :j