As a bitter chill grips the nation, households are facing the dual challenge of staying warm and managing soaring energy costs. However, a simple and inexpensive DIY trick, popularised on social media, promises to tackle both problems head-on.
The Five-Minute Fix for Heat Loss
DIY enthusiast Jasmine, who shares tips on TikTok under the username @_ohabode, has demonstrated a straightforward method to prevent heat from being wasted. Her solution involves placing multi-purpose foil insulation behind radiators, particularly those fixed to uninsulated exterior walls.
Jasmine explains that in the UK, roughly a third of a home's heat is lost directly through its walls, with this figure being even higher in older properties. This means a significant portion of heating expenditure is wasted before a room even feels comfortably warm.
How to Implement the Energy-Saving Hack
The process requires minimal tools and expertise. You only need a roll of reflective foil insulation, a pair of scissors, and optionally, some adhesive pads. The foil, which costs around £10 per roll, is cut to fit the space between the radiator's wall brackets.
For the best seal, if the radiator can be easily detached, it should be removed from the wall to apply the foil directly onto the surface. The material should also be trimmed around pipework. For longer radiators, Jasmine advises cutting a slot in the foil to hook it over the central bracket, negating the need for sticky pads.
Crucially, she warns not to stick the foil down completely, ensuring airflow to prevent damp and mould, and only to apply it to dry walls. Proper home ventilation should always be maintained.
Instant Warmth and Substantial Savings
The reflective foil works by preventing heat from being absorbed into the wall and instead radiating it back into the room. This means spaces heat up more quickly and retain warmth for longer.
While the savings depend on the size of your home and the number of radiators, Jasmine claims this hack can potentially slash up to £900 a year from energy bills. Even in smaller properties, users are likely to notice an immediate difference in room temperature and a reduction in heating costs.
Multi-purpose foil insulation is readily available from major UK retailers including B&Q, Screwfix, and Amazon. As temperatures continue to plummet, this five-minute modification offers a practical and accessible way for Britons to combat the cold without fearing their next energy statement.
