UK households have been told it may be a good idea to put kitchen foil on radiators from October. It may benefit you in more ways than you think, and it’s easy to do
As we approach that period when many fancy snuggling up indoors during chilly evenings, one straightforward method could result in making your house toastier whilst spending less cash. Guidance has recently been provided by Which?, indicating that placing a basic domestic product behind your radiator might boost the warmth throughout your property.
Should you be seeking methods to heat up effortlessly whilst saving pennies simultaneously, this tip could be worth attempting. It’s noteworthy that Martin Lewis backs this approach too, meaning it comes recommended by various money saving experts.
The technique is fairly straightforward to test if you fancy giving it a whirl. There are additional radiator modifications you can implement to reduce spending this winter as well.
In a video posted on TikTok, the explanation was given: “Putting foil behind radiators allows the heat to be reflected back into the room. This is particularly effective on external walls.
“You can pick up radiator reflector foil for around £8.00. It’s padded and usually has an adhesive backing, so it’s really easy to install, but kitchen foil also works as a low cost alternative.”
Within the footage, it was demonstrated that you simply need to measure the gap between your radiator’s brackets, then trim the foil accordingly. If you’re utilising standard foil, double-sided adhesive tape can secure it in position.
The footage has attracted hundreds of views since being posted, with viewers rushing to share their thoughts. They confessed to exploring various approaches to cut their energy costs.
One person said: “Just did this at the weekend. Will be interesting to see come the end of winter if it’s helped make a difference.”
Another added: “Sad that we have got to this point.” A third replied: “Can’t afford to put my radiators on, let alone buy that stuff.”
However, whilst you might be amazed by this clever trick, it’s actually been doing the rounds for quite some time. The tip was shared by someone who genuinely understands energy conservation several years back.
It was in 2022 when Martin Lewis initially alerted viewers to this budget-friendly heating method on his programme, the Martin Lewis Money Show Live. He disclosed that placing foil behind your radiator could bounce precious heat back into your living space.
Whilst thrifty shoppers can purchase specialised radiator foil, Martin noted that ordinary kitchen foil works just as effectively, and costs considerably less. However, not everyone’s persuaded by the science behind it, with some arguing there’s insufficient proof to back up the concept.
Despite this, numerous people have championed the method online. Previously, one person said: “It works well. Done it since the 80s. Also, put thick aluminium foil on the ceiling.
“The room becomes even warmer as you don’t lose heat to the flat upstairs.” Meanwhile, another chimed in with: “People have been doing this for donkeys years.”
Martin has previously shared another handy tip, which is placing cling film over single glazed windows can trap air and reduce heat loss. This clever trick might even help to reduce those annoying condensation streaks that form when warm air hits cold glass surfaces.