Homes urged use £1 tin foil and crisp packets to stay warm this winter | Personal Finance | Finance
A simple £1 trick involving your radiators could help keep your energy bills in check without letting the chill seep in – or you could even just use a crisp packet.
Despite this month’s Ofgem price cap increase, you don’t have to let your home freeze over this winter, or so at least energy experts say.
Some are pointing out some straightforward adjustments and lesser-known strategies to maximise the efficiency of your energy usage without draining your wallet. The Underfloor Heating Store‘s experts have shared three budget-friendly hacks that can help keep your home warm.
Perhaps the most economical hack this winter is the £1 tin foil tip. While there are dedicated products available for this hack, all you need is some reflective material like tin foil, or even an inside-out crisp packet could work.
Many people are keen to try anything. The average household energy bill increased by £149 in October, rising by 10% from £1,568 for a typical household in England, Scotland and Wales to £1,717.
The bosses at the firm 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.”
Rustic decor might be all the rage, but it could be chilling your home and burning through your heating budget without you even realising. However, the company has also revealed a simple £5 fix that can keep the warmth in and the cold out.
They shared: “One way to help retain heat within your floors is to use floor sealant to fill any cracks and gaps. Floor sealant can be purchased for around £5 and works as a draught proofer for rooms and can be used on original flooring, laminate or tiles. You can also buy sealant for other interior features, too, such as door frames and skirting boards to increase heat retention within the home.”
And if you’re keen to save energy without spending a penny, the firm suggests the key could lie in your curtain habits. They specifically advise opening them when the sun rises and shutting them once it’s gone down.
The firm explained: “Allowing natural light and sunlight into your home will aid in keeping your house warmer throughout the day, whilst closing them in the evening will help to retain the heat when the nights draw cooler.
“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 window drafts from entering the room.”
