Placing foil behind radiators can reflect heat back into rooms and reduce heat loss by up to 50%, according to retailer B&Q, with a budget option available from Aldi for £1.09.
Radiators emit heat in all directions, meaning a large portion is absorbed directly by the wall. On external walls, much of that heat never reaches the inside of the home because the cold surface absorbs it instantly.
How the Foil Trick Works
In an Instagram post, Which? said: "Maximise your heat. Putting foil behind radiators allows the heat to be reflected back into the room. This is particularly effective on external walls."
Purpose-made radiator reflector foil costs around £8 and is padded with an adhesive backing, making it easy to install. B&Q sells rolls of Diall Radiator Reflector with 10 metres of reflective surface for just under £16.
Budget Alternative from Aldi
The store claims the foil "reflects heat back into the room" and "cuts down heat loss to up to 50%" to create a more comfortable environment. The roll can be cut to suit all radiator shapes and sizes.
For those on a tighter budget, kitchen tin foil works just as well because it has the same reflective properties. Aldi's Everyday Essentials Wrapping Foil offers 20 metres for £1.09 in stores, roughly 5p per metre.
Which? mentioned this in its video, claiming the "low-cost alternative" is easy to install. Users simply measure the distance between radiator brackets and cut the foil to size. The only difference from a purpose-made kit is that adhesive, such as double-sided sticky tape, needs to be bought separately if not already available.
