Consumer champion Martin Lewis has issued a crucial piece of advice to households across the UK, urging them to adopt a simple and remarkably cheap method to combat soaring winter heating costs.
The £5.69 Solution for Warmer Homes
The founder of Money Saving Expert is highlighting a highly effective way to prevent valuable warmth from being lost through the fabric of your home. His recommendation is to install reflective panels directly behind radiators that are fixed to external walls.
This clever intervention works by bouncing heat that would otherwise be absorbed into the wall back into the room. This means your living space gets warmer faster and stays cosy for longer, reducing the need to constantly crank up the thermostat.
For those looking to buy a purpose-made product, a four-metre roll of specialist radiator heat reflector foil can be purchased from retailers such as Screwfix for just £5.69. This presents a cost-effective alternative to more extensive professional insulation measures.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives and Further Savings
Understanding that every penny counts, Martin Lewis also pointed out a makeshift solution for those on an extremely tight budget. Standard kitchen tin foil can be used behind radiators as a basic reflective barrier. While it may not perform quite as well as the dedicated material, it can still make a noticeable difference in reducing heat loss.
Beyond this specific hack, the money-saving guru reiterated other essential strategies for efficient heating. He strongly advises households to turn off radiators in rooms that are not in use, ensuring you are not wasting money heating empty spaces.
Another technical tip involves adjusting the flow rate on a combi boiler, which Lewis states can slash gas consumption by over nine per cent without a perceptible drop in comfort for residents.
Appliances to Avoid This Winter
Finally, Lewis issued a stark warning about one particular household appliance, labelling the tumble dryer a "demon appliance" due to its exorbitant running costs. He suggests that during the colder months, opting for a dehumidifier or a traditional clothes airer is a far more economical method for drying laundry.
By combining these practical steps—from the simple radiator reflector to smarter appliance use—UK families can take meaningful control of their energy usage and protect their wallets during the expensive winter season.
