As temperatures begin to dip across the UK, households are once again bracing for the high cost of staying warm. But financial guru Martin Lewis has shared a simple, budget-friendly trick that could take the edge off your energy bills this winter.
Martin Lewis’ Cheap Radiator Tip Could Cut Your Bills Fast
In a recent BBC podcast, the MoneySavingExpert founder urged Brits to rethink how they heat their homes, and it doesn’t involve turning up the thermostat.
“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,” Lewis advised.
The central idea is straightforward: focus on heating yourself, not the entire house. It’s a much more economical approach, especially with the cost of energy still weighing heavily on household budgets.
A key part of this strategy involves using reflective panels behind radiators, particularly those placed against external walls. These panels bounce heat back into the room instead of letting it seep through the walls and disappear outside.
Lewis explained that even something as basic as kitchen tin foil can help in a pinch, though it’s less effective than purpose-made panels.
Another practical pointer from Lewis: “If you’ve got radiators in rooms that you’re not using, go and turn them off before you turn the heating on so you’re not wasting cash overheating empty spaces.”
Turn Down, Save Up: Tiny Adjustments with Big Rewards
Simple changes to your home’s heating setup can lead to noticeable reductions in your bills. One of the most cost-effective methods involves adjusting your boiler’s flow rate. According to Lewis, this can shave over 9% off your gas bill without any noticeable impact on warmth.
Meanwhile, co-host Michelle added another gem: “I’ve turned my thermostat right down since using them, though. So something is working.”
She pointed out that just turning the thermostat down by a single degree could save you as much as £145 per year. For most households, that’s not just a small win, it’s a smart winter move.
Budget Radiator Insulation You Can Buy Today
If you’re considering trying Lewis’ tip yourself, there are plenty of affordable insulation products on the market:
- Amazon: Aluminium Bubble Foil Insulation roll – £11.99* for 8.4 metres (rated 4.6 stars from 358 reviews)
- Dunelm: SuperFOIL Rad Foam Reflective Radiator Insulation (0.6m x 3m) – £20* (4 stars from six reviews)
- B&Q: Radiator Reflective Foil Insulation – £12.95* for five metres
*The price mentioned above may vary at the time of purchasing. Check out the cart before payment.
These easy-to-install rolls could be the answer to retaining more warmth without pushing your energy bills sky-high.
With rising living expenses, it’s not just about staying warm; it’s about staying smart. This winter, a bit of foil behind your radiator could end up saving you a small fortune.
Martin Lewis’ simple radiator panel trick is a cost-effective way to keep your home warmer and your energy bills lower this winter.
With products starting from just £11.99, it’s an accessible option for most households. Throw in some boiler tweaks and thermostat control, and you’re looking at serious savings with minimal effort.
