Can you save money by putting aluminum foil behind your radiator?
Saving money on heating is always a priority for homeowners, and installing aluminum foil behind radiators can be a great, inexpensive way to do this. Aluminum foil reflects heat back into the room, reducing the amount of energy used to keep it warm. It only takes a few minutes to apply, and it’s an incredibly inexpensive method compared to modifications like double glazing or new insulation. While it may not be enough to drastically reduce your energy bills, it can make a noticeable difference and reduce energy waste. Plus, once the film is in place, you won’t have to worry about cost or maintenance.
Should you put reflectors behind your radiators?
With radiators being used throughout the winter months, it is important to maximize their efficiency and ensure that our homes stay as warm as possible. One way to achieve this is to place reflectors behind the radiators. Reflectors allow heat to be directed into the room rather than escaping through the wall, greatly increasing the energy efficiency of a radiator. Although this may seem like a simple task in itself, you must exercise great care when placing the reflector; it must form an airtight seal with the wall and the radiator to prevent hot air from escaping through the gaps. By spending just a few moments installing reflectors, you can save time and money by dramatically improving your home’s heating efficiency.
You can simply stick the film on the wall behind your radiator, or wrap silver film around cardboard panels. Then slide the panel behind the radiator and presto, your job is done.
You can try using double-sided sticky pads to hold the panels in place and increase the temperature in your home. Make sure the shiny side of the foil is facing the room. Many DIY videos and online tips show you how to make insulation boards.
Is reflective insulation behind radiators effective?
This idea works best in older properties that don’t have cavity wall insulation. Experts say you can reduce heat loss by up to 30% that would otherwise be lost through your exterior wall.
This trick is only really effective on solid exterior walls that aren’t insulated, but it’s still worth a try.
Should I use foil or pre-made panels?
Some claim that homemade aluminum foil loses its effectiveness over time, as the material oxidizes, wrinkles easily and therefore becomes less reflective to heat radiation.
The downside is that you will have to replace the foils every few years as they lose their effectiveness. Although you have to put in a little more effort, the initial cost is lower.
However, whether you choose to do it yourself or buy specially designed adhesive reflective signs, it’s still a great short-term solution to heating up your room and lowering your gas or electric bill.
Inexpensive ways to heat your home this winter.
There are many other ways to save money by limiting your energy costs. For starters, you can move furniture away from your radiators, don’t hang clothes over your radiators, and install thermal curtains over your windows.
But if you’re considering giving it a try, be sure not to block your radiators or cover them with curtains if they’re under a window, or you risk undoing the work of your reflective sheets.
And if you’re trying to use kitchen foil, the general advice is that if the radiators don’t reach great temperatures, of course you have to be careful.
The easiest and most effective tactic for reducing your energy bills, however, is to compare prices and opt for a cheaper rate.
Why should you never cover your radiator?
Home heating comes with many choices and decisions, including whether or not to cover radiators. Although there are advantages to covering radiators in some cases, they should remain uncovered due to the danger to children, reduced efficiency of heat distribution and risk of compromising the quality of the heating. air in your home. Radiator covers can pose a hazard to young children on them due to their high surface temperature, which can easily cause burns if touched.
Also, while covering them up may seem to improve heat distribution, it may actually hurt performance. By obscuring the upper part of the radiator, there will be a reduction in the transfer by convection and by radiation. Finally, when covered, instead of venting the heat out of your home, it can increase humidity levels, leading to stuffy air quality and potential mold growth when moisture is trapped by the tissue that surrounds it. So don’t get embarrassed, Leave those radiators uncovered!
