A gadget priced at £41.99 claims to help households cut gas costs by up to 22% by improving the efficiency of existing radiators, following the Ofgem price cap rise of 4% on October 1.
The SpeedComfort Radiator Fan is designed to distribute heat more evenly around a room, pushing warm air into the space rather than allowing it to collect around the radiator. According to the manufacturer, the energy-efficient fan can increase heat output and double a radiator's heating capacity, potentially allowing households to turn the thermostat down by 1-2 degrees while staying just as comfortable.
Currently reduced from £49.95 to £41.99 for a 'mono set', designed for radiators up to 70cm wide, the gadget sits on top of a radiator and uses fans to push warm air out into the room. It automatically starts when the radiator reaches 33°C and switches off when the temperature drops to 25°C.
How the gadget works
The fan has a built-in temperature sensor, so there is no need to remember to switch it on and off. Installation is designed to be straightforward, with a magnetic system that means it can be fitted without tools, reports the Daily Record.
Despite using fans to circulate warm air, the SpeedComfort is designed to run quietly, producing just 20dB(A) – around the same noise level as rustling leaves. The manufacturer claims it could help households save up to 22% on gas costs by distributing heat more efficiently and allowing them to turn down the thermostat while maintaining a similar level of warmth.
Actual savings will depend on factors including the size of the home, heating system, thermostat settings and how much energy is used, so the 22% figure should not be treated as a guaranteed saving.
Shopper reviews and alternatives
With the October price cap now in effect, even small changes to heating habits could be worth considering. The SpeedComfort also uses relatively little electricity, and its 12V adapter is designed not to consume power when the fan is switched off.
The VALIANT 4-Blade Heat Powered Log Burner & Stove Fan is another device that helps to maximise heating power at home. The £39.95 gadget sits on top of a wood-burning stove and uses the heat generated to power its blades, helping circulate warm air around the room and reduce cold spots.
An air circulator is another option that moves air around the room, helping distribute warm air that has already been produced by central heating. A little more expensive, the MeacoFan Sefte® 10" Pedestal Air Circulator is currently available to buy for £219 on Amazon.
Shoppers who have already purchased the SpeedComfort Radiator Fan Mono Set have given it a 4.1 out of five-star rating, with many praising the difference it makes to the warmth of their rooms.
What buyers say
One delighted buyer said: "I was sceptical that it would work, but it really does. Ours is an old house, pre-1907, and has always been a pain to heat up. The big problem was that the heat just didn't travel far from the radiator. The radiator was piping hot, but still the room felt cold." They added: "With the fans clipped to the bottom of the double radiator, the heat has evened out nicely. The whole room feels warmer. It will definitely save on bills as the thermostat for the rads is now benefiting from the dispersed heat in the room, so the boiler isn't kicking in anywhere near as often."
Another shopper called the fans "excellent", explaining: "These fans are excellent! They are fitted to the bottom of a radiator and push the heat out of the top. They are simple to fit together and are plug-and-play. This is my second set, and they work extremely well and quickly. They operate only when the radiator has reached 30°C, and they push the heat around the rooms very quickly."
A third reviewer said: "Great fans, really throw out heat as soon as the radiator starts to get hot. Now the room feels hotter. Fans are reasonably quiet, something you can get used to after a while. I have installed these in three rooms. I would really recommend this."
Another buyer praised the improvement in warmth and comfort, saying: "This has made such an improvement to the warmth and general comfort of the room, heats up quicker and tackles the cold spots. They are expensive for what they are, but cost nothing to run, and are a quick, simple solution that works. Noise is minimal, as slight fan noise, but no louder than the central heating anyway."
However, not everyone was convinced, with one shopper saying: "Like how they are hidden under the radiator but not noticed a big difference in the amount of heat in the room."
