Clear space around radiator

PorkBlonde

Roughly how much clear space do you need to leave in front of a radiator for it to function at maximum efficiency?

The reason is that I'm currently looking to put a single bed in my 2 year olds room which measures 9' x 6 1/2'. The radiator is situated under the window. The bed would take up most of the width of the room at the end next to the radiator.

Basically the closer I can get the bed to that wall the better use I can make of the rest of the space. The room is one of the coldest in the house so I don't want to reduce the efficiency of the radiator though.

gas4you

Although the air in front of radiators does get somewhat warm from the heat they radiate, most of the heat given off is via convection, cool air at the bottom of the radiator rises as it is warmed, so an air current is formed with the hot air flowing (rising) past the radiator, hence modern radiators having metal fins attached to the backs to increase the hot surface area.

PorkBlonde

So it's not going to effect the efficiency then. Would having a lrage piece of furniture so close affect the air flow to the bottom of the radiator?

The bed wouldn't be right up against the radiator in, I'd anticipate a distance of 15 to 30cm.

themacster

I would be wary of your 2-year-old being able to easily touch the rad when in or on the bed, the rads can get very hot. You might like to consider a cover for the rad - you can get wire type ones that just hang over. We hang a towel over the one in our 3-year-olds room, but he's sensible enough now not to touch it.