Do Radiator Covers Save Heat or Waste It, and Are They Safe?

While some doubt the efficacy of radiator covers, they are a great option for those looking to increase space and safety and add style to their homes.
Written by Liliana Pina
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
Good radiator covers can actually save heat, so you don't need to worry that they will waste it. They also provide a layer of safety and can even be decorative.
Most of your daydreams about your
new home
probably don’t revolve around your radiator, but as an essential component to any household, it's an appliance worthy of both praise and consideration.
If you're looking to increase space, safety, and style in your household, perhaps you should consider purchasing radiator covers to diversify the scenery and provide your own unique touch to your new place. They can even lessen
fire risk
in your home.
Though highly contested and often overlooked, this seemingly small decision can have a profound impact on your home and its heating. Read on to learn if radiator covers save heat, if radiator covers are safe, and more.
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Benefits of radiator covers

Safety: If not appropriately placed within your home, radiators can pose a dangerous fire hazard and a significant risk to both pets and children. Radiator covers reduce the likelihood of fires and physical burns because they act as a layer of protection between the radiator and everything it may touch. Radiator covers are also useful at preventing the appliance’s heat and moisture from damaging your furniture and the walls in your home.
Space: Many homeowners are on the hunt to save space, and selecting a sleek radiator cover is a perfect way to do so. With the added barrier of protection, you can place your radiator and furniture closer together without risking any issues or injuries. There are countless options to choose from, so be sure to take the time to find one that best suits your home.
Style: Did someone say redecoration—without the exorbitant cost? If you're looking for simple ways to spruce up your household, radiator covers can add a fresh pop of color or new detail to any space while simultaneously keeping it warm and cozy for you and your family to enjoy.

Radiator covers save heat–not waste it

Despite their many benefits, many people still doubt the efficacy of radiator covers in preserving and disseminating heat in your home. While adding an additional protective layer reduces the heat of a radiator on contact, the radiator’s processing power and heat output remain the same; if convection heating is used, the heat will continue to be dispersed evenly throughout the home.
In fact, HomeAdvisor even
suggests
that a radiator with a cover and secure reflective backing can distribute heat better than one that is uncovered. Though the specific circumstances that may impact your heating vary, radiator covers certainly have the capacity to preserve heat and actually help you save on your monthly utility bill as a result.
Warning: Radiator covers can save you heat, but only if you get a good one. Cheap or poorly designed radiator covers will almost certainly waste heat. Make sure you choose the right radiator cover if you don't want to waste heat.

Where to buy a radiator cover

If you're interested in purchasing a radiator cover, you must measure the dimensions of your radiator, determine your ideal price point, select a style, and start looking for the next addition to your lovely home.
You can find great options at furniture and home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, and at online retailers like Wayfair and Amazon.
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FAQs

Are radiator covers good?

Generally, yes–radiator covers are a good choice for your home. They won't waste any heat, but they will provide a layer of safety. They are much more visually appealing than the radiator itself.

Do radiator covers get hot?

Radiator covers can get warm, but they will be significantly cooler than the surface of the radiator itself.
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