Radiators are ideal heating systems in modern homes.
Correct positioning of radiators is vital to achieving the desired heating temperatures.
The distances between objects and items from the radiator should always be considered to make sure that it works with efficiency.
If you are considering positioning a radiator under a light switch, this guide is for you.
So, Can You Put A Radiator Under A Light Switch?
It is possible to place your radiator under the switch provided your comfort and productivity in the room are not compromised. Radiators can be set some centimeters away from the switch and you are good to go.
In this guide, we take you through how you can best do that and other radiator placement ideas you need to know.
How Far A Radiator Should Be Placed From A Light Switch?
When it comes to the placement of a radiator, it is important to consider putting it in areas where heat is much needed and where it can get access to some flow of air.
Concerning the location of the radiator from the light switch, a radiator must not be positioned too close to it. Otherwise, it is never a problem having it under a light switch.
Just be precise enough to put it some distance away from the switch so that you won’t experience issues when switching it on and off especially in darkness.
Where to Position a Radiator
Whether you are doing installations for the very first time or replacing the existing ones, you should be aware of some simple rules that apply to the placement of a radiator.
Traditionally, and even in modern homes, radiators were placed under the windows since these were the coldest parts of rooms.
With modern double-glassed houses, however, radiators can now be placed virtually everywhere.
Efficiency is key.
One other important consideration is the size of the room and the space available.
Why Does A Radiator Location Matter?
A radiator position is important as it dictates its efficiency.
The most ideal place for a radiator is the coldest part of your room.
Generally, radiators can be placed at an interval of 4m in a room.
This guarantees optimum heating of the rooms.
If the coldest part of the room is the one with switches around, it is important to keep them at a proper distance to ensure that you do not encounter any issues during the replacement of radiators.
Take Note of Your Radiator Pipes
In most old homes, radiator pipes were placed under the windows.
This is because radiators were placed there.
But even though insulation has been substantially improved in modern homes these days, many people find it expensive and difficult to change the position of radiator pipes.
If your radiator is located under a light switch, for instance, it might tamper with electrical connectivity on your walls.
But you should not be forced to maintain the old placement of your radiators if you are not okay with it.
When deciding the best position for your radiators, even if it is under light switches, new homes are designed to allow for these changes.
It can even help you to free up some space and make your room look more appealing and organized.
What You Should Avoid Doing For A Radiator Location
Whether it is under a light switch or whatever the placement, there are things you should avoid putting in your radiator location.
These steps will help you achieve optimum efficiency.
We have highlighted these items down here.
1. Putting Furniture In Front Of The Radiator
Space is a premium in modern homes. In as much as we are careful to create this space, it is not a good idea to put furniture like couches in front of the radiator.
A radiator is installed to create a heating effect and anything blocking the flow of heat greatly.
This interferes with the functioning and efficiency of this crucial heating system.
Furniture in from of the radiator also absorbs heat which may force you to turn up your heating for optimum room temperatures.
Needless to mention, this equally comes with extra electricity costs and a lot of wastage.
If the radiator is positioned under a light switch, it may become very difficult to put it on as furniture will block you.
2. Full-Length Curtains
Curtains are a great investment at home.
If you decide to put a radiator under a window, long curtains block warm heat from the radiator.
This compromises the efficiency of the radiator.
Curtains, like other obstacles in the way of a radiator, absorb heat rendering the radiator very inefficient.
The situation is often aggravated if you have heavy curtains in place.
3. Exterior Walls
The efficiency of the radiator is largely affected when it is placed in the exterior wall.
An exterior wall forces the radiator to overwork to counter the cold from the outside.
You can avoid this problem by having the radiator placed in the interior wall.
While ensuring that optimum heat circulation is attained, the insulation of the interior wall helps to achieve better heating.
4. Next To The Door
If you have a smaller room and you plan to place a radiator in it, you might be forced to put it behind the door.
Convection is the main way through which a radiator distributes heat throughout the room.
As such, the placement of a radiator behind the door may not be a problem.
It is just like placing them under windows.
The area that the door in question is connected to, however, matters a lot.
Most doors often lead to the hallway. These areas are often very cold.
This means that heat from the radiator will stream away through the colder area.
This greatly affects the functioning of the radiator in warming the room.
How to Choose a Style for Placement of the Radiator That Suits the Space
For the kitchen, vertical radiators are an ideal choice.
Slimline ones are ideal for this particular placement.
The wall space of the kitchen is often largely consumed by workspaces, worktops, and drawers.
It is also a very good idea to choose radiators that match with and add decoration to your kitchen.
The same applies to other rooms in your home.
Traditional, column radiators are, thus, a good pick for your kitchen.
Can A Convector Radiator Give Better Heating?
A convector radiator could be better if your rooms are full and there is limited space.
A convector radiator can allow you to put furniture in front of it.
Still, you will achieve optimum heating.
The trick is that a convector radiator emits heat from its top.
Other radiators radiate heat through the pane which will be potentially blocked by any obstacles like furniture.
Could Electrical Wall Radiators Work Better?
Electrical wall radiators are ideal since it is not necessary to have the central heating on to keep them working.
They are even more flexible just in case you decide to move them to a new position.
Besides, they come with new and attractive designs.
These will even improve the outlook of your room. You simply need to note the room where temperatures are fluctuating.
How Far Can You Place A Radiator From The Sockets?
Often, electrical lines to the sockets and the switches are in the same line on the wall.
If you have identified the best placement for your radiator to be near any of these, you should be mindful of the proximity to them. Sockets will be linked to extension wires.
Therefore, they might hand over t
he radiator and cause a messy situation.
Keep the radiator some meter away from the socket and light switches.
Final Words
The right placement of radiators in rooms does not only enhance its efficiency in heating the room.
It also ensures proper organization, enhanced productivity, and appeal in the room.
An ideal guide to where and how a radiator should be positioned in the room is, therefore, necessary to get the job well done.
An expert in the job can also come in to help in case you encounter problems fixing and installing your radiators.