With the UK grappling with the biting cold, householders are turning to savvy methods to preserve precious warmth without breaking the bank. Insiders from The Underfloor Heating Store have given their top tip for a cost-effective winter warmer: use kitchen tin foil behind radiators.
They said: “Covering the back of your radiators with tin foil is a cheap way to help retain heat in your home. The foil acts as a reflector and reflects heat back into the room to prevent it escaping through any external walls.
“To do this, simply cut the foil a bit smaller than the full size of your radiator and use tape to secure it onto the back of the radiator. Alternatively, you can wrap cardboard in foil and place this behind the radiator for a sturdier fit.”
This tidy trick won’t pinch pennies too hard; kitchen foil can be found for just £1 at local supermarkets or stores like Home Bargains and B&M. Considering a small amount goes a long way for each radiator, one roll should suffice for the season, reports the Express.
But it’s not just about walls. Addressing another chilly challenge—draughty floors—the specialists said: “Original flooring has been a popular trend this year with many homeowners opting to use the original floorboards within their room for a rustic finish.
“Nevertheless, it can lack insulation and increase air flow, making the room feel colder. However, one way to help retain heat within your floors is to use floor sealant to fill any cracks and gaps.”
Tin foil costs as little as £1
Floor sealant costs around £5 and doubles as a draught excluder for various types of flooring, from age-old planks to modern laminate or tiles. You can also consider purchasing it for other indoor features such as door frames and skirting boards to enhance heat retention within your house.
Another savvy tip, which won’t cost you a dime, involves making sure curtains are left open during daylight hours and promptly closed at dusk, explained the specialists: “Allowing natural light into your home will aid in keeping your house warmer throughout the day, whilst closing them in the evening will help retail the heat when the nights draw cooler.”
They added: “Furthermore, curtains in heavy fabrics such as suede, velvet and cotton are great for trapping heat whilst floor-length curtains help with added insulation and keep drafts from entering the room.”