Do radiator covers cut down the heat?

Hootie19

Question as title, really.

Our radiators look their age (10 years) and although I've tried to paint them (using proper radiator paint, not emulsion), they really don't look good. We've just totally refurbished our lounge/dining area and now the radiators are sticking out like sore thumbs.

I'm assuming it would be cheaper to get radiator covers rather than replace the radiators, but I have it in my head that covering the heat source is bound to reduce the heat given out by the radiators.

Am I right, or should we just bite the bullet and replace the radiators?

victor2

Most covers have a lattice style front and openings at the bottom and top (often with a shelf) for circulation. So I doubt that they would cut down the heat, more likely to give better distribution of it into the room. 10 years is not old for a radiator, you might get more heat out of putting radiators with fins on them, or double radiators if your boiler is up to the extra load, but a cover won't cost as much and can improve the appearance regardless of the radiator under it.

rockin_plumber

When sizing radiators they should be about a 3rd bigger when casing them in, so yes you do lose some heat when you fit covers over them.

bluecelticgirl

I was reluctant to get covers as was worried about them reducing heat also. Has not been a problem at all and they look fantastic - so glad I got them.

elsien

I've had radiator covers put on, and they do look a lot nicer. It doesn't seem to have made any noticeable difference to the heat of the room. However I had to pay to have radiator covers made as I couldn't find any ready made ones big enough for the radiators that I have, and my DIY skills aren't up to homemade. So if it's purely a money thing, in my case it would probably have been cheaper to get new radiators, but I'm glad I didn't.

olias

TBH, new radiators will cost no more than covers would, they are quite cheap, especially plain normal ones. Just get them replaced.

Olias

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

We have them on all our radiators and they don't seem to stop the heat getting out.

Mankysteve

Basic rads are dirt cheap and it not a big job to replace.

soupdragon10

I've covers on most of my radiators and haven't noticed any difference in the heating. I believe there are small fans you can fit to help circulate the heat out if you are really concerned.

AdrianW2

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg18725112.900-design-flaw.html

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