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- Radiator covers do block heat if you are not following the best practices.
- The type of Radiator cover you choose also determines the heat output.
- Ensure your radiator cover has gaps and slots for heat to circulate properly.
- Heat convection should be optimized to meet practical heating needs.
If you put a layer of solid material like wood or metal it will block the airflow, and so will the heat be blocked. The radiator cover acts as a barrier and reduces the boiler’s energy efficiency.
However, if you use a well-designed radiator cover with gaps and slots for ventilation, it will not block too much heat. In this article, you will learn how to ensure the radiator cover will not block the heat.
What are the Radiator Covers? How to Choose the Right One?
Radiator covers are the structures/cabinets installed over radiators to protect from burns on hot surfaces and improve their design. As we know, radiator covers block the heat if they are not designed strategically.
Honestly speaking, radiators are not a really attractive component of the central heating system. Many homeowners install radiator covers for aesthetics and get some extra surface for decor.
But if you do not put some effort into choosing the most suitable cover, you will end up blocking the heat created through heat conduction.
What are the Types of Radiator Covers?
Radiator covers are of different types based on materials, styles, and functionality. Here are the main and commonly used styles for the covers:
- Topper Cover: this cover sits on the top of the radiator for the safety of kids and pets.
- Cabinet: This covers all three sides of the radiators, leaving the bottom open for cold air to go inside the radiator.
- Panel Radiator Cover: these covers are the most aesthetic ones, they leave space for hot air to escape while adding to the looks and surface of the living space.
Below are the radiator covers based on the material used to make them:
- Wooden Covers: These covers usually look good and can match the existing decor of the house. However, it transfers the heat less efficiently as compared to metal.
- Metal: this can as a good heat conductor and serve the aesthetics as well. However, as a downside, it can get extremely hot, causing burns.
- MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard): made of engineered wood is widely used in the UK. It offers a good appearance, can be painted, and is a cost-effective option.
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Best Practices to Choose the Right Radiator Cover
To choose the best radiator cover among unlimited choices, you need to prioritise safety and energy saving over aesthetics. Once a cover is safe to use and doesn’t block the heat, you can look for designs and appearance.
1. Measure Your Radiator
First thing first, you need to have an accurate measurement to ensure you choose the right size. While measuring, add an extra 5cm in width and 3cm in height and depth for ventilation space.
2. Choose the Right Material
As per your budget and decor, you need to narrow down your radiator cover choice. Matel can be more durable while wood gives a more aesthetic look to your space. Whatever material you choose, ensure it compliments your house decor and is safe to use.
3. Cover with Sufficient Openings
As we know, radiator covers can block the heat from circulating through the house. However, with sufficient openings, the cover could boost natural convection and improve efficiency. Material like metal ensures that the cover should at least heat a room around efficiently.
4. Check for Safety Features
If you have kids and pets at home, you should prioritise safety, such as looking for covers with rounded edges and safe materials that don’t burn.
5. Consider Functionality and Accessibility for Maintenance
While choosing the radiator cover, make sure you can access it easily for bleeding the radiators and cleaning them. Also, ensure the material is low maintenance, e.g. wood is required to be polished frequently, while metal rarely requires dusting.
Overall, the gap between the radiator and its cover determines the radiator’s efficiency. So, you need to choose wisely, considering the above-discussed best practices.
Benefits of Designer Radiator Covers
Apart from hiding the ugly radiators, designer covers also provide several benefits. We are going to discuss a few of them in this section.
- Improves Safety: leaving the radiators without a cover might not be safe for children and pets.
- Gives Your Space an Aesthetic Look: Radiator covers are usually installed to match the decor and improve the aesthetics of the space. If you are looking to ensure your house doesn’t have a corner you do not like.
- Extra Surface for Decor: If your room has limited storage space for books or decorative items, radiator covers can provide you with that decorative space.
- Does Not Affect Heat Circulation if You Leave Enough Space: Many experts believe that if you leave enough ventilation space (e.g., 5cm on top and 3cm in height and depth), radiator covers do not reduce efficiency or block heating.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, the radiator cover should be at least 40mm wider, 30mm taller, and 20mm deeper than the radiator. This type of radiator cabinet will prevent heat loss and won’t affect the BTU output.
On the other hand, a cover with no adequate space absorbs some of the heat and stops it from circulating through the room.
In this guide, we have made sure you know everything before you buy a radiator cover. If your radiator cover matches the description of the perfect cover, you should check if your curtains block heat.
However, you should know metal radiator cover (made of galvanised metal or steel) is more efficient as heat travels through the conducting metal more efficiently. For better heating efficiency, you may also want to learn how to balance radiators.
FAQs
According to the Liverpool John Moores University study:
- Wooden radiator covers: Reduce heat output by approximately 40%
- Metal radiator covers: Reduce heat output by 10-20%
- Heat loss varies based on cover design, material, and ventilation gaps
For accurate fitting, measure:
- Width: Add 4-6cm to the total radiator width
- Height: Add 8-10cm above radiator height
- Depth: Add 3-5cm to the radiator depth from wall
- Pipe Clearance: Allow 10-12cm below the radiator
Yes, with proper precautions:
- Maintain a minimum 3cm gap between the radiator and cover
- Ensure 10cm+ clearance at the top for heat flow
- Use fire-resistant materials (metal or treated wood)
- Install with proper ventilation slots
- Keep flammable items away from cover
Based on thermal efficiency studies:
- Metal mesh covers: 85-90% heat efficiency
- Aluminum covers: 80-85% heat efficiency
- MDF with ventilation: 60-65% heat efficiency
- Solid wood: 55-60% heat efficiency
Key features for maximum efficiency:
- Large ventilation slots (top and bottom)
- Reflective backing material
- Angled top slats for directed heat flow
- Minimal contact points with the radiator
