Households facing higher energy costs this month after the Ofgem price cap rose by 4% on October 1 are looking for simple ways to keep homes warm without sending bills soaring. The SpeedComfort radiator fan claims it can help households make the most of existing radiators while potentially cutting gas costs by up to 22%.
How the SpeedComfort works
Designed to improve the way heat is distributed around a room, the fan helps warm air circulate more quickly rather than allowing heat to gather around the radiator. According to the manufacturer, the energy-efficient fan can increase heat output and double the heating capacity of a radiator, meaning households may be able to achieve the same level of comfort while setting their thermostat 1-2 degrees lower. Prices start from £49.95 for a 'mono set' suitable for radiators up to 70cm.
The SpeedComfort sits on top of a radiator and uses fans to push warm air out into the room, helping distribute heat more evenly. The fan automatically starts when the radiator reaches 33°C and switches off again when the temperature drops to 25°C. It has a built-in temperature sensor, so there is no need to remember to switch it on and off. Installation is designed to be straightforward, with a magnetic system, meaning it can be fitted without tools.
Energy savings and quiet operation
Despite using fans to circulate the warm air, it is designed to operate quietly, producing just 20dB(A) – roughly comparable to the sound of rustling leaves. The manufacturer claims the SpeedComfort can save up to 22% on gas costs by improving heat distribution and allowing households to lower their thermostat while maintaining a similar level of comfort. Actual savings will depend on factors including the size of the home, heating system, thermostat settings and how much energy is used, so the 22% figure shouldn't be treated as a guaranteed saving.
With the October price cap now in effect, even small changes to heating habits could be worth considering. The SpeedComfort also uses relatively little electricity, and its 12V adapter is designed not to consume power when the fan is switched off.
Shopper reviews and alternatives
Shoppers who have already bought the SpeedComfort Radiator Fan Mono Set have given it a 4.1 out of five-star rating. One buyer said: "This has made such an improvement to the warmth and general comfort of the room, heats up quicker and tackles the cold spots. They are expensive for what they are, but cost nothing to run, and are a quick, simple solution that works. Noise is minimal, as slight fan noise, but no louder than the central heating anyway."
Another added: "These fans are excellent! They are fitted to the bottom of a radiator and push the heat out of the top. They are simple to fit together and are plug-and-play. This is my second set, and they work extremely well and quickly. They operate only when the radiator has reached 30°C, and they push the heat around the rooms very quickly."
A third said: "Great fans, really throw out heat as soon as the radiator starts to get hot. Now the room feels hotter, Fans are reasonably quiet something you can get used to after a while. I have installed these in three rooms. I would really recommend this." Some buyers were less impressed, however, with one noting: "Like how they are hidden under the radiator but not noticed a big difference in the amount of heat in the room."
Another delighted buyer explained: "I was sceptical that it would work, but it really does. Ours is an old house, pre-1907, and has always been a pain to heat up. The big problem was that the heat just didn't travel far from the radiator. The radiator was piping hot but still the room felt cold. With the fans clipped to the bottom of the double radiator the heat has evened out nicely. The whole room feels warmer. It will definitely save on bills as the thermostat for the rads is now benefiting from the dispersed heat in the room, so the boiler isn't kicking in anywhere near as often."
