Placing a simple kitchen item behind radiators can help reflect heat back into a room and reduce reliance on the thermostat, according to a heating engineer. The advice comes as winter price caps have risen and energy costs remain a concern for many households.
Foil as a Cheap Reflector
Stephen Day, a Heating Engineer from iHeat, working with financial experts at Moneyboat, recommends positioning tin foil behind radiators, particularly where homeowners struggle to feel the full benefit from them. He explained: "This will help to reflect some of the heat back towards your room and is cheaper than reflector foil, just make sure to use sturdy double-sided tape to keep it adhered to the wall."
For those on a tight budget, Day also suggested an alternative: "If you're in a real pinch, you can also use cut-up old crisp packets - just make sure to give them a thorough wash before using." Tin foil is available on the high street for as little as £1, meaning a modest outlay could result in substantial savings by eliminating the need to turn up the thermostat.
Draught-Proofing Your Home
Day also stressed the importance of ensuring the home is free from draughts, as these lower the temperature and can drive up bills when central heating is increased. He advises: "Cracks and openings around doors, windows, and baseboards can easily let heat escape, but these can be easily remedied for a few pounds."
For windows, he recommends using silicone-based sealant to repair gaps in the seals around frames, while for cracks in walls or baseboards, plaster or wood-based filler that can be lightly sanded once dry is best.
Small Openings, Big Impact
Insulating keyholes and letterboxes can further help stop cold air from penetrating the home. "Small openings like keyholes and letterboxes can let in a surprising amount of cold air, particularly when the wind picks up, so look at covering them with insulating tape or use a letterbox brush," Stephen explains.
These fixes are available for under £5 at most hardware stores and can prove remarkably effective, particularly if the front door opens directly into the living room. As a last resort, Day suggested: "In a pinch, you could also use a piece of cardboard cut to the dimensions of your letterbox or keyhole and some heavy-duty tape to form a DIY flap that can block out smaller draughts."
