Do radiator covers block heat?
By Tom Drake | 4th November 2024 | 3 min read
Radiator covers are designed with vents that allow the heat from a radiator to circulate around a room. Although the heat output of your radiator might drop by a small amount, you need to weigh this against the style and safety benefits of installing a cover.
All radiator covers feature different vents and materials. This variation can make it difficult to quantify the exact amount of heat lost when using a radiator cover. When choosing a radiator cover or building your own, make sure you select a style with adequate ventilation.
Maximising the heat output of radiators behind a cover
If you’re concerned about heat loss after installing a radiator cover, there are a few things you can do to maximise the heat output of your radiator.
Radiator foil
The heat that radiates from a radiator, particularly if the radiator sits on an external wall, often gets absorbed by the wall. Installing radiator foil behind your radiator reflects the heat that would be absorbed back into the room, which can improve the efficiency of your radiators.
Keep your radiators clear
Try to keep the space in front of your radiators clear where possible. Large furniture items such as sofas can absorb the heat from your radiator, preventing it from circulating around the room.
Keep your radiator cover clean
Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate in the vents of a radiator cover, which will restrict airflow. To ensure the maximum amount of warm air reaches your room through your radiator cover, it’s important to keep it clean.
Style
Dated radiators can have a big impact on the look and feel of a space. Radiator covers provide a quick and easy solution for transforming out-of-date radiators without the cost and complexity of replacing them.
If you want to create a traditional-style room but can’t replace the radiator, you can simply install a traditional radiator cover to complete the look. Similarly, a modern radiator cover can tie the look of a contemporary space together.
Quick & easy to install
Replacing radiators can be time consuming, particularly if you don’t have any prior experience. You might need to take up floors to access pipework and drain your system, which can leave you without heating.
Although times vary between the type of cover, in general, installing a radiator cover will be quicker and easier than completely replacing a radiator.
Safety
One of the main benefits of installing a cover over your radiator is safety. Radiators have very hot surfaces that can be dangerous if anyone comes into contact with them for extended periods. Radiator covers create a barrier in front of this hot surface to reduce the risk of contact.
Radiator covers are often installed in high-traffic areas, such as hallways, where there’s a higher risk of touching a hot radiator.
Paint your radiator
If you're not a fan of your radiator's appearance and can't replace it, think about painting it. Radiator paint is specially formulated for this purpose and comes in a wide range of colours. This option lets you completely transform the look of your radiator without the need for replacement.
Take a look at our guide to painting radiators to find out more.
Radiator shelf
If you want to enhance your radiator's appearance without completely covering it, consider adding a radiator shelf. This small addition can help integrate the radiator into the room’s décor, making it feel like a cohesive part of the overall design.
