Home heating efficiency: Why furniture should not block radiators

Placing furniture, such as sofas, chests of drawers, or beds, directly in front of radiators can significantly reduce heating efficiency and increase energy costs. While it may seem like a space-saving solution in smaller apartments, blocking radiators disrupts the natural air circulation necessary to warm a room.

Radiators function by heating the air, which then rises, while cooler air descends to be reheated. When a large piece of furniture or long curtains obstruct this process, heat becomes trapped in the small space between the radiator and the object. This can lead to a situation where the radiator feels warm, but the rest of the room remains cold, often causing residents to mistakenly increase heating settings.