Home Bargains is selling a 10-metre roll of kitchen foil for 79p, and experts say it can be used to help reduce the amount of heat entering your home. Placing foil over sun-facing windows reflects a large proportion of solar radiation before it passes through the glass, helping rooms stay cooler.
According to the discount retailer, the Buffalo Kitchen Foil is suitable for a range of everyday household uses and measures 10 metres in length. At 79p per roll, it offers a low-cost option for anyone looking to try the popular heatwave hack.
Research cited by the UK Centre for Sustainable Energy says preventing sunlight from entering through windows is one of the most effective ways to reduce indoor temperatures during hot weather. It recommends using external shading where possible, but says reflective materials can also help reduce solar heat gain.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, closing curtains, blinds or other window coverings on sun-facing windows during the day can help stop heat building up indoors. The organisation says blocking solar radiation before it heats internal rooms is far more effective than trying to cool them afterwards.
The foil trick works by reflecting a significant amount of the sun’s energy away from the window instead of allowing it to pass through the glass. While foil applied to the outside of a window is generally more effective, many households also place it on the inside as a temporary measure during periods of extreme heat.
It comes after parts of the UK experienced temperatures approaching 38C, prompting the Met Office to issue rare red heat warnings. Forecasters say homes can retain heat long after the sun has gone down, making hot weather particularly uncomfortable overnight.
The NHS recommends keeping windows and curtains closed in rooms exposed to direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day before opening windows again once the outside air becomes cooler. It says these simple steps can help reduce the risk of overheating during prolonged spells of hot weather.