A £5 gadget from Screwfix is being hailed by shoppers for its ability to warm rooms to 20°C within half an hour, offering a cost-effective solution amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The Essentials Radiator Heat Reflector Foil, priced at £5.69, is designed to reduce heat loss by reflecting warmth back into the room.
The foil, measuring 470mm x 4m, is made from metallised polyester and polyethylene foam. According to Screwfix, it is easy to apply and can cut heat loss by up to 50%. Customers simply cut the foil to size and stick it to the back of a radiator.
One impressed buyer reported that their bedroom reached 20°C within 20-25 minutes after installation, noting that the heat was retained exceptionally well. Another customer, living in a large, uninsulated Edwardian house, said they noticed an immediate difference and gained an extra 75 minutes of heating before their smart meter reached £3.
The product has an average rating of 4.2 out of five stars, with 86% of shoppers recommending it. However, some negative reviews described the foil as flimsy and prone to tearing, with one buyer warning others not to waste their money.
Radiator reflectors work by bouncing heat from the back of the radiator back into the room, preventing it from being absorbed by outside walls. This can make rooms feel warmer more quickly and improve heating efficiency, particularly in uninsulated homes.
