I tried Martin Lewis’s simple 38p radiator hack – it reduced my energy bills
As temperatures start to drop, Brits are looking for ways to stay warm without racking up huge energy bills.
Luckily, one man has taken to TikTok to share a life-changing hack after picking it up from money-saving whiz Martin Lewis.
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In the videoSam Calver said: “I can’t believe I’ve only just found out about this central heating trick.”
According to the man, it felt like all he was doing was ‘turning up the heating’.
That is, until Sam stumbled upon the ‘radiator foil hack’ thanks to financial professional Martin Lewis – and it’s been a game-changer ever since.
Sam was enthusiastic about the winter tip and said: ”I bought myself a couple of radi-savers – actually quite cheap and you get about five meters of them.”
The trick is simple: once you’ve cut it to size, slide it along the back of your radiator and feel how it “reflects the heat from your radiator back into the room instead of seeping through your walls,” Sam explained out.
”It means you can leave your heating on less and save a lot of money in the long run.”
Since being posted on the platform, where Sam regularly shares content under the username @Samcalverrrthe clip has taken the internet by storm, earning it more than 73,000 views.
More than a dozen social media users flocked to comments to share their thoughts – and it wasn’t just Sam who was a fan of the hack.
One person said: ‘It works well. Been doing it since the 80’s. Also tape aluminum foil to the ceiling.
“The room becomes even warmer because you don’t lose any heat to the top floor.”
Someone else chimed in: “My grandma had one 30 years ago.”
Another viewer chuckled: ”I did the whole room – walls, roof – even the windows.
”I really know how the Christmas turkey feels when it sits in aluminum foil all day. Very warm, but very dark.”
Although shoppers can buy special radiator foil for as little as £8 at stores like Screwfix, it’s thought that a thrifty sheet of kitchen foil works just as well – and you can find it for just 38p at Waitrose.
According to Daily StarMartin Lewis was the one who revealed the radiator foil hack in 2022 on his show, Martin Lewis Money Show Live.
4 ways to keep your energy bill low
Laura Court-Jones, small business editor at Bionic shared her tips.
1. Turn your heating down one degree
You probably won’t even notice this small temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bill. By turning the thermostat down a step, you can quickly start saving. This one small action only takes a few seconds and could potentially reduce your heating costs by €171.70.
2. Turn off appliances and lights
It sounds simple, but completely turning off appliances and lights that aren’t in use can lower your energy bills, especially in winter. By switching off lights and appliances when they are not in use, you can save up to €20 per year on your energy bill
3. Install a smart meter
Smart meters are a great way to keep control of your energy consumption, especially as they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity are being used.
4. Consider changing energy supplier
No matter how satisfied you are with your current energy supplier, they may not give you the best deals, especially if you have let a fixed rate contract expire without taking out a new contract. If you haven’t looked at alternative rates lately, you might not know that there are better options out there.
The guru, 52, claimed that by putting some foil behind the radiators you could throw the wonderful atmosphere straight back into your living space.
The wallet-friendly heating trick was also recently praised by the experts at Which?, who said that by placing foil behind radiators you ensure heat is reflected back into the room.
“This is especially effective on exterior walls.
“You can buy radiator reflector film for around £8.
“It’s padded and usually has an adhesive backing, so it’s very easy to install.”
“But kitchen foil also works as a cheap alternative.
“It’s quick, cheap and easy – a perfect hack for anyone, even if you’re not a confident DIYer.”
