Aldi will launch a £1.99 Radiator Reflective Film this Sunday, October 18, as part of its Home Heating Essentials Special Buy range. The product is designed to trap heat at home and make rooms feel warmer, following earlier praise from finance expert Martin Lewis.
Martin Lewis on reflective panels
During an episode of The Martin Lewis Podcast on BBC Sounds a few years ago, Mr Lewis told listeners about reflective panels behind radiators. He said: "A tip for you: reflective panels behind radiators."
He continued: "Sheets of reflective material can be placed behind radiators. Crucially, this is on external wall radiators so the heat doesn't escape. If you don't want to pay for those, then tin foil can work, although it doesn't work quite as well."
What's in the Special Buy range
Alongside the Radiator Reflective Film, Aldi shoppers can also buy a window strip, door sweep, and double draft excluder. The product description reads: "Keep your home warmer and more comfortable with simple, easy-to-fit solutions designed to help reduce draughts, dust and heat loss. Ideal for windows, doors and radiators, these energy-saving essentials help improve insulation and keep the cold out."
Similar heat-reflective radiator foil screens are available at retailers including B&Q, Screwfix, and Dunelm, but Aldi's version is among the most affordable options.
How reflective panels work
On the Money Saving Expert (MSE) website founded by Martin Lewis, his team said: "Reflective panels behind radiators could help cut energy use. These are sheets of reflective material that you place between the back of the radiator and the wall so heat doesn't escape through the external wall."
Octopus Energy also explains: "Insert radiator reflector panels behind radiators (most effective on radiators on external walls) to reflect heat back into the room, instead of letting the heat out through an external wall."
Reflective radiator panels work by reflecting radiant infrared heat back into a room rather than letting it pass through the wall. The shiny metallic surface can bounce up to 95% of that heat back into the living space. Many modern panels combine this with a thin layer of foam or textured air-pocket backing to reduce heat loss due to conduction.
MSE also suggests other budget-friendly items to lower energy bills, such as USB gloves, heated insoles, USB hand warmers, electric gilets, microwaveable wheat bags, 1.5-litre hot water bottles, reusable hand warmers, electric heat pads, electric footwarmers, and single electric blankets.
