Brits are steeling themselves for a challenging winter as energy costs continue to escalate, following the recent announcement of an updated energy price cap earlier this week. Ofgem has decided on a new annual energy bill limit of £1,738 for the typical household using both gas and electricity – it’s up 1.2% from the previous cap ruling from October 1 to December 31, 2024 (£1,717).
While this may be disconcerting, there are some measures you can take to mitigate the financial impact. Surprisingly, one such step involves purchasing an unexpected product from B&Q. Vendors claim that utilising this item could slash home heating loss by ‘up to 50%’, potentially allowing you to cut down on your long-term energy use.
The aluminium ‘Diall Radiator reflector’ foil, is available for £14.97. The 5m2 reflective sheet is designed to be cut to the perfect fit behind your heaters, as reported by the Mirror.
It acts by reflecting heat back into the room, minimising heat escape through walls that are inadequately insulated. “Cut the product to size (using scissors or cutter), taking account for the incisions for the radiator brackets.” B&Q sellers explain.
“Apply adhesive on the polystyrene side. Slip the product behind the radiator and press on carefully.”
Bear in mind, the product is only resistant to temperatures up to 60C, but it boasts a consumer approval rating of 4.2/5 stars and comes with a Green star claim to boot. Nonetheless, if the Diall Radiator reflector foil doesn’t quite convince you, there’s a plethora of alternatives waiting online.
Screwfix is dishing out a steal on their insulating foil, pricing a 195mm x 500mm roll at just £9.99, while The Range’s version is up for grabs at £23.99. Meanwhile, Dunelm has electric blankets available for £17.
These snuggly sheets are crafted with a luxuriously thick, ‘soft to touch’ material and are kitted out with a 35W output. And for those safety-minded out there, they have also been designed with an auto-off function to give peace of mind at all hours.
Sellers boast: “The blanket is efficiently designed to allow consistent warmth as you sleep…For a quick and easy clean, simply detach the temperature controller and pop the blanket into the washing machine.”