Would you put in new central heating radiators by the window?

[Willow33]

We have been advised that this is where they should go but I think the heat will go straight out of the window. There is double glazing in place but it is v old (house we are moving into).
Any suggestions please?

This is the usual way to heat a room as it takes advantage of the way convection currents work.

It does seem counter intuitive but it helps to push the air round the room.

i was always told they should go on an internal wall... ive no idea if this is correct or not. in all the houses i have had and friends etc. have had i dont know of anyone who has radiators under their windows.

More heat will go straight out of the window. However the window area will be warmer.

Energy waste or comfort. Your choice.

We have a few under windows - I never know whether to draw the curtains or not! I wouldn't do it if I had the choice - internal, partition walls so any lost into the wall is heating the other room.

We have a nice warm landing into the cellar - thanks to the living room rad. Shame no one goes in there!

Yes, they should go under the window to take advantage of the downward push of cold air from the window which helps to circulate the hot air around the room. I've always found rooms where radiators are on internal walls feel colder and are harder to heat.

If they go under windows make sure you get your curtain lengths right. Ideally the curtain should stop just below the windowsill and well above the radiator.

Having the curtain over the radiator pretty much guarantees the warm air will go out the window.

We chose to put them under windows because in a lot of ways it is 'dead' space. Otherwise we'd have lost the best part of one wall to put furniture against. Plus I think they are more noticeable on otherwise empty walls.

I wouldnt site them under windows again,which is what we had in our last house. The rooms where I have felt warmest is where they are behind the armchair/sofa where you sit - which makes more sense to me. You dont often sit close to a window on a cold winter night, do you. You snuggle on the settee.