Consumer experts at Which? have advised households to place radiator reflector foil behind radiators this autumn to help heat homes faster and reduce energy bills. The simple DIY addition is described as “quick, cheap and easy” and can be installed without any specialist skills.
How reflector foil works
Radiator reflector foil is a thin panel or sheet designed to stop heat escaping from the backs of radiators. It is typically made with foil or another reflective material, and sometimes padded with a thin layer of insulation. In a recent video, 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.”
These purpose-made reflectors are available at most DIY stores. Which? noted: “You can pick up radiator reflector foil for around £8. It’s padded and usually has an adhesive backing so it’s really easy to install.”
Potential savings and alternatives
According to the Energy Saving Trust, radiator reflectors can reduce your carbon footprint and save up to £18 and £20 on energy bills in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, respectively. Which? and experts at the Energy Saving Trust explained that using reflector foil on un-insulated external walls works most effectively.
If households do not have access to radiator reflector foil, Which? suggested using kitchen foil as a “low cost alternative”. This involves measuring the distance between the radiator brackets, cutting the foil to size, and sticking it on with double-sided tape.
Safety warning on regular foil
Experts have warned that using kitchen foil could increase the risk of fires inside the home. Scott Byrom, Energy Expert and Chief Executive at The Energy Shop, told Ideal Home: “Ordinary foil isn’t designed to sit behind a heat source. Over time, it can degrade or oxidise at higher temperatures, increasing the risk of smouldering or even fire. And without proper insulation backing, the heat-saving benefits are minimal at best.”
Andrew Topping, a firefighter with 26 years of experience, also warned of the dangers of placing tin foil behind radiators. He said: “Kitchen foil can oxidize and degrade over time and will lead to smouldering or burning at high temperatures if not replaced.” He added: “These hacks gain traction because they seem simple and cheap, but what social media doesn’t show is the danger behind them.”
