The 'simple and effective' foil trick that could cut heating bills by 20%

As energy bills remain high across the UK, households are being urged to try a simple trick that could save hundreds of pounds a year. With colder weather on the way, many families are looking for low-cost ways to keep their homes warm without switching on the heating all day. And experts say one easy change could stop heat from being wasted and help cut bills by up to 20%.

The technique is completely safe, takes just minutes to install, and uses items many people already have in their kitchen drawers. It works by stopping heat from escaping through the walls, especially in older homes with poor insulation. Instead of letting warmth disappear through brickwork, this trick reflects it straight back into the room, making radiators work more efficiently.

The advice comes from Oliver Osmore, a heating specialist and Managing Director at Maintracts Services, a London-based company with 50 years of experience in the industry.

"Radiators emit heat in all directions, but when they're placed against external walls, significant warmth is lost through the brickwork," Mr Osmore explained.

"By placing foil behind the radiator, heat that would normally escape gets bounced back into your living space. This helps rooms stay warmer for longer, without needing to turn the thermostat up."

The trick is most effective when used with older-style radiators on outside-facing walls.

Standard kitchen foil can do the job, though purpose-made reflective panels will last longer and offer slightly better results.

"For maximum benefit, make sure the foil extends the full height and width of the radiator, and secure it properly to avoid air gaps," he added.

Heat naturally flows from warmer areas to cooler ones, meaning that external walls are a key source of energy loss in many homes.

It's estimated that up to 40% of radiator heat can disappear this way.

Reflective foil creates a barrier that helps keep more warmth indoors, and the results are backed by science.

Tests from the University of Sheffield, published by the UK Green Building Council, found that reflective panels behind radiators can reduce heat loss through walls by up to 60%.

In the study, they cut the transfer of heat from the radiator to the wall by more than three quarters.

Mr Osmore said the foil trick is especially helpful in older properties with solid brick walls, where heat loss is harder to control.

"While the foil trick helps considerably, it works most effectively alongside proper insulation, draught-proofing, and regular boiler maintenance," he added. "Small changes add up, and together they can dramatically reduce energy consumption."

According to Mr Osmore, this simple DIY job could knock 20% off your annual heating bill.

"The materials cost very little, installation takes minutes, and you start saving money right away. Few home improvements offer such an immediate return on investment," he said.