How To Stop Radiator Heat Going Behind Curtains

how-to-stop-radiator-heat-going-behind-curtains

Are your curtains inadvertently sabotaging the warmth and energy efficiency of your room? While curtains can add style and privacy to your windows, they can also become a barrier that traps heat from radiators, leading to energy wastage and chilly rooms. However, fear not! In this guide, we’ll unveil simple yet effective tips and tricks to prevent radiator heat from sneaking behind your curtains.

With these strategies, you can maintain a cozy and energy-efficient space without compromising on the aesthetic appeal of your window treatments. Say goodbye to heat loss and hello to a comfortably warm room with these clever solutions!

How to stop radiator heat going behind curtains in a nutshell:

  • Use short curtains or other window treatments that won’t go past the radiator.
  • Tuck the curtains behind the radiator.
  • Double-glaze your glass window panels to prevent heat from escaping.
  • Put a reflective foil at the back of your radiator. This will help prevent heat loss.
  • Put a shelf or cover over the radiator. This will help direct the heat into the room.

How to stop radiator heat going behind curtains with short curtains

One of the easiest and most obvious ways to stop radiator heat going behind curtains is to use short curtains or other window treatments that won’t go past the radiator. Long curtains that cover the radiator can trap the hot air behind them and prevent it from circulating in the room. Short curtains that stop above or on top of the radiator can allow the hot air to flow freely and warm up the room. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Measure your window and your radiator. You will need new curtains that are shorter than your current ones and that don’t cover your radiator.
  2. Buy new curtains that match your measurements and your style preferences. You can also make your own by hemming existing ones or adding extra fabric panels.
  3. Hang your new curtains on the rod and adjust them as needed. The curtains should stop above or on top of the radiator and not block it.

white sofa with throw pillows on wall

How to stop radiator heat going behind curtains by tucking them behind

Another way to stop radiator heat going behind curtains is to tuck them behind the radiator. This can help create a gap between the curtain and the window, where the hot air can escape and warm up the room. This can also help create more defined pleats and folds for your curtains. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Remove your curtains from the rod and lay them on a flat surface.
  2. Find the spots where the curtains tend to go behind the radiator. These are usually near the ends or corners of the curtains, where there is less tension or support from the rod.
  3. Tuck the curtains behind the radiator, either by folding them or using clips or pins to secure them. Make sure they are not too tight or loose, but just enough to create a gap between them and the window.
  4. Hang your curtains back on the rod and adjust them as needed. The curtains should stay behind the radiator and not slide off.

How to stop radiator heat going behind curtains with double glazing

Another way to stop radiator heat going behind curtains is to double-glaze your glass window panels to prevent heat from escaping. Double glazing is a process of adding an extra layer of glass or plastic to your existing windows, creating an insulating barrier between them. This can help reduce heat loss, noise, and condensation on your windows. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Measure your window and decide what type of double glazing you want to use. You can choose between secondary glazing, which involves adding an extra frame with glass or plastic inside your existing window frame, or replacement glazing, which involves replacing your existing window frame with a new one with double glazing already installed.
  2. Buy or order your double glazing materials from a reputable supplier or installer. You can also hire a professional to do it for you if you are not confident in doing it yourself.
  3. Install your double glazing according to the instructions and guidelines provided by the supplier or installer. Make sure they are fitted securely and correctly, and that they don’t interfere with your curtain rod or track.
  4. Enjoy your new double glazed windows and their benefits.

a white radiator in a room

How to stop radiator heat going behind curtains with reflective foil

Another way to stop radiator heat going behind curtains is to put a reflective foil at the back of your radiator. This will help prevent heat loss by reflecting the hot air back into the room instead of letting it escape through the wall or window. Reflective foil is a thin sheet of metal or plastic that has a shiny surface that reflects heat and light. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Buy some reflective foil from a hardware store or online. You will need enough foil to cover the entire back of your radiator.
  2. Cut the foil to fit the size and shape of your radiator. You can use scissors or a utility knife to do this.
  3. Attach the foil to the back of your radiator using tape, glue, or nails. Make sure the shiny side is facing the radiator and that the foil is flat and smooth.
  4. Enjoy your new reflective foil and its benefits.

How to stop radiator heat going behind curtains with a shelf or cover

Another way to stop radiator heat going behind curtains is to put a shelf or cover over the radiator. This will help direct the heat into the room instead of behind the curtain and out through the window. A shelf or cover can also add some style and functionality to your radiator, as you can use it to display some items or store some things. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Buy or make a shelf or cover that fits your radiator and your style preferences. You can choose between a wooden shelf, a metal cover, a fabric cover, or a DIY cover made from cardboard, foam, or other materials.
  2. Install your shelf or cover over your radiator according to the instructions and guidelines provided by the supplier or maker. Make sure it is stable and secure, and that it doesn’t block the air vents or valves of your radiator.
  3. Enjoy your new shelf or cover and its benefits.

heater near bed and window

Conclusion

Curtains are a great way to add style, privacy, and insulation to your windows, but sometimes they can also cause heat loss, especially if you have a radiator under or near the window. When the radiator is on, the hot air rises and goes behind the curtains, where it escapes through the window or cools down quickly. This can make your room feel colder and waste energy and money. If you want to stop radiator heat going behind curtains, you can use some simple tips and tricks to keep the heat in the room.

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