eli5: Why are radiators in houses often situated under a window- surely this is the worst place and the easiest way to lose all the heat?

Question

eli5: Why are radiators in houses often situated under a window- surely this is the worst place and the easiest way to lose all the heat?

In: 2851

Answer 1

Many have pointed out that putting the under the window makes sense thermodynamically. Architecturally: radiators are often installed in niches. It doesn’t make sense to weaken the wall in more places than necessary. Since the window is a weak point of a wall anyway, you can get away with having thinner walls bellow it. Also, the windowsill will cover the radiator and you thus lose less wall space for shelfs and such.