A heating specialist has revealed how an ordinary crisp packet could boost your radiator’s efficiency. The guidance arrives as Britons brace themselves for months of chillier conditions as the summer comes to an end.
Homes nationwide are preparing for the winter months, and will no doubt be worried about the cost when they switch on their heating. Luckily, an energy guru has revealed a clever trick to help keep your home warm – and you may already have the item you need in your bin.
Boiler Cover UK’s heating guru, Mark McShane, has revealed how a standard crisp packet could unlock the secret to boosting your radiator’s performance, potentially delivering both a warmer home and lower heating costs, reports the Daily Record.
The method begins with cleaning an empty crisp packet before securing it with double-sided tape. Position the packet behind the radiator, making certain the reflective side faces outward.
Mark explained: “By placing a reflective material, such as an empty crisp packet, behind your radiators, you can bounce the heat back into your room instead of letting it escape through the walls. It’s an easy, cost-effective way to make the most of your heating.”
The heating specialist has revealed some other clever strategies to maintain your property’s warmth without inflating the heating costs.
He recommends allowing the remaining heat from your oven to circulate throughout the kitchen after cooking, rather than keeping it in the closed oven. He’s also an advocate of utilising bubble wrap as an affordable insulating method for windows and suggests donning additional clothing layers indoors to remain cosy without needing to increase thermostat settings.
Addressing UK householders, Mark advised postponing turning on your central heating until at least late October.
He explained: “Turning on your heating at the end of October is a good strategy, as it allows you to prepare for the colder weather ahead while also avoiding the risk of frozen pipes. Maintaining a minimum thermostat setting of 10C can protect your pipes from freezing, which can lead to costly repairs.”
Furthermore, he encouraged homeowners to ensure their domestic heating systems receive proper maintenance.
Noting that upgrading the thermostat could assist in reducing wasteful energy usage, he emphasised the importance of draught-proofing to preserve warmth within properties throughout winter.
By implementing these strategies during autumn, families may discover they spend less on heating when winter arrives, with Mark emphasising that lowering the thermostat by just 1C could potentially cut heating costs by up to 10%.