As the weather begins to get cooler you might start to worry about your energy expenditure – luckily, this cheap and easy radiator hack can help you keep costs down
As temperatures plummet, you’re probably looking for a way to save on heating – luckily this ultra-cheap hack can help.
Summer has finally faded and, with evenings getting chillier, Brits are once again thinking about the dreaded winter energy bill. Even more pressing, Ofgem’s new price cap takes effect from October 1, which will increase the average dual-fuel bill by around 2 per cent – from £1,720 to about £1,755 a year.
While a thirty-five quid rise doesn’t sound bank-breaking, the real sting comes from the fact that households are still charged for every unit of energy they use. In other words, the more you burn, the more you pay. That’s why energy expert Matt Oberle, from Utility Rates, is urging households to make small, practical changes that could add up to big savings.
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Matt explained: “People assume the only way to cut heating costs is through big, expensive upgrades like double glazing or underfloor insulation. But honestly, you don’t need to spend a fortune.”
He continued: “Radiator reflecting foil is one of the cheapest hacks out there, and it works by bouncing heat back into your rooms instead of letting it seep into the walls. Combine that with turning your thermostat down by just one degree, and you’re looking at savings of up to ten per cent on your bill.”
Radiator foil can be picked up for relatively low prices either online or at your local homeware store. For example, you can order a roll of radiator reflecting foil from Screwfix.com for just £7.51.
According to Matt, households often underestimate the amount of warmth that simply escapes through draughts and gaps. To avoid this, he advises closing trickle vents, buying a few draught excluders, or even using a can of spray foam to block gaps in floorboards.
He also pointed out that unused chimneys are notorious for letting heat escape. To avoid this, he suggests installing an inflatable chimney draught excluder, which can plug the gap instantly. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can also have it professionally capped.
Matt also stresses that radiators themselves need some maintenance if they’re going to run efficiently. He recommended: “Those thermostatic radiator valves on the side aren’t just for decoration. They let you control the temperature of each room individually, which means you don’t waste money heating your spare bedroom or keeping your whole house at tropical levels.
“Bedrooms only need to be around 18 degrees, while your living room should feel comfortable at about 21,” he continued.
He also maintains that bleeding your radiators regularly is “another must.” This is because trapped air makes them less effective.
He added: “Every one-degree reduction in thermostat temperature translates to roughly a ten percent saving. That means if your annual bill is £1,755, you could be looking at almost £180 saved just by dropping the thermostat slightly and using radiator foil.”