Placing tin foil behind radiators can reflect heat back into rooms, helping households cut energy costs as winter approaches and bills rise. The simple £1 hack is among tips shared by money experts at Moneyboat and Stephen Day, a Heating Engineer from iHeat.
How the Tin Foil Trick Works
Stephen advises placing tin foil behind radiators, particularly if they are not giving off as much warmth as expected. He explained: "This will help to reflect some of the heat back towards your room and is cheaper than reflector foil, just make sure to use sturdy double-sided tape to keep it adhered to the wall."
For those in a pinch, cut-up old crisp packets can be used instead, provided they are thoroughly washed first. Tin foil is available on the high street for as little as £1, meaning a small outlay could save a considerable sum by keeping thermostats from creeping up.
Draught-Proofing Your Home
Stephen also stressed the importance of ensuring homes are free from draughts, as these can lower temperatures and push bills higher when central heating is turned up. He advised: "Cracks and openings around doors, windows, and baseboards can easily let heat escape, but these can be easily remedied for a few pounds."
For windows, silicone-based sealant can repair gaps in seals around frames, while cracks in walls or baseboards can be filled with plaster or wood-based filler that is lightly sanded once dry.
Sealing Keyholes and Letterboxes
Draught-proofing keyholes and letterboxes can also help keep cold air out. "Small openings like keyholes and letterboxes can let in a surprising amount of cold air, particularly when the wind picks up, so look at covering them with insulating tape or use a letterbox brush," Stephen explained.
These items can be purchased for less than £5 at most hardware stores and can make a remarkable difference, especially if a front door opens directly into a living room. In a pinch, a piece of cardboard cut to the dimensions of a letterbox or keyhole, secured with heavy-duty tape, can form a DIY flap to block smaller draughts.
