Do Radiator Covers Block Heat? Are They Worth It or Not?

Are you planning to buy a cover for your radiator, and like a lot of customers, you also have this same question in mind which is: Do radiator covers block heat?

Then you are in the right place. This article will answer your question. In addition, we will discuss how radiator covers improve your home and other aspects that might help you determine whether you need a radiator cover or not.

Let’s Begin!!

What is a Radiator Cover?

Radiator covers conceal your radiator while adding a touch of aesthetics to your home. They are simply panels attached to the front of your radiator to improve its appearance and redirect heat to keep your home warm and cosy.

How Do Radiator Cover work?

For that, you need to know how a radiator works first. The radiators are connected to your central heating systems via pipes through which hot water flows into your radiators and through convection, it spreads heat around your rooms. After the air is heated between the fins of your radiator, it rises to your ceiling and circulates in the room.

Now coming to Radiator covers, they are a great way to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They cover up your radiator and trap heat in your room to prevent it from escaping through the windows. Apart from covering up your radiator and keeping the heat inside your rooms, they provide extra space and safety for your family.

Do Radiator Covers Block Heat?

Some People believe that Radiator covers do stop the heat. But there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Most experts agree that radiator covers do not block heat.

So why do people continue to use them? Well, some people find that radiator covers help to improve the look of their home. Others believe that the cover helps to protect small children and pets from encountering the hot surface of the radiator.

Suppose you’re looking for a way to reduce your energy bill by buying a radiator cover. In that case, you’re better off investing in insulation for your home or radiator reflectors, which can help to reflect heat into the room. Radiator covers may give your home a cosier feel, but they’re not going to block the heat that much.

Does a Radiator Cover reduce heat and affects its efficiency?

Depending upon the quality and design of your radiator cover, some radiator covers might affect the efficiency of your radiators. They can cause heat loss if they are made up of materials that are of poor quality and are not fitted properly.

They will also influence your TRV (Thermostatic Radiator Valve Head). When the Radiator cover encases the Thermostatic Radiator Valve, it may show a temperature rating that is not accurate and may result in unnecessary energy wastage costing you money on your bills. So always ensure that the covers you buy are of great quality.

Different Types of Radiators Covers

There is a variety of covers available on the market. Some are made to cover the entire radiator, while others only cover the front. The type of cover you should buy will depend on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the most popular types of radiators covers:

• Full coverage radiator covers: 

These covers completely encase the radiator, providing maximum protection from heat. They are often made of heavy-duty materials like metal or glass and can be quite expensive.

• Partial coverage radiator covers:

These covers only cover the front of the radiator, leaving the back exposed. They are usually less expensive than full-coverage radiator covers but provide less protection from heat.

• Decorative radiator covers:

These covers are designed to add a decorative touch to your room while also protecting your radiator from heat. They come in a variety of styles and can be made from materials such as wood, glass, or metal.

Are radiator covers a good idea?

Our opinion is buying a radiator cover can prove to be a good idea. If you buy covers that are properly designed and allow enough space for warm air to pass through, then radiator covers can improve the efficiency of your radiators and boost convection. This can save you money on your heating bills and make your home more comfortable.

Other uses for a Radiator Cover.

Radiator covers are also used for other purposes, which are as follows:

• Protect your unsightly radiator from damage.
• Protects your children and pets from potential burning.
• Adds a touch of aesthetics to your home.
• Provides extra space.

Conclusion

I hope after reading this article, you know what to expect from radiator covers. While radiator covers may not block heat entirely, they can still help to redirect it and make your home more comfortable. If you’re looking for a way to reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort, consider investing in a radiator cover. You’ll be glad you did when you see the savings on your next energy bill!

FAQ’s

Q1: Can you put stuff on top of the radiator cover?

Yes, you can put stuff on the top of the radiator. If your radiator cover is made up of wood or glass, then nothing is more ideal than that. You can put books, flower vases, and photo frames. But if it is made up of metal then you might need to avoid items that can catch heat which includes houseplants, fishbowls, and metal objects.

Q2: Do metal radiator covers get hot?

Metal covers are cheaper compared to wooden covers and glass-made covers. Depending upon its condition, they do get hot if your Radiator gets too hot. So, if your Radiator is old or gets hot quickly, avoid metal covers or avoid putting objects on it that might conduct heat quickly.

Q3: How much space do you need around a radiator cover?

The ideal space that you require around a radiator cover should be of the following measurements:

• 5cm in width
• 3cm in height
• 3cm in depth