As the UK continues to shiver through a chilly start to the year, a budget-friendly gadget from Screwfix is being hailed by shoppers for its ability to rapidly warm up homes. The Essentials Radiator Heat Reflector Foil, priced at just £5.69, is claimed to help rooms hit a cosy 20 degrees Celsius in as little as 20 to 25 minutes.
How a Simple Foil is Cutting Energy Bills
With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis making households wary of high energy bills, many are seeking affordable ways to boost heating efficiency. The Screwfix product, a 470mm x 4m roll of metallised polyester and polyethylene foam, is designed to be cut to size and stuck behind radiators. The retailer states it is easy to apply and can reduce heat loss by up to 50% by reflecting warmth back into the room instead of letting it be absorbed by an outside wall.
Shopper Reviews: 'Noticed the Difference Straight Away'
The product has earned an impressive average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Screwfix's website, with 86% of buyers saying they would recommend it. One detailed review highlighted the dramatic results: "My bedroom is hitting the 20 degree target in 20-25 minutes and keeping the heat in exceptionally well."
Another customer, living in a large, uninsulated Edwardian house, reported: "We turn the heating off once smart meter gets to about £3 and once we put this on we got an extra 75 minutes out of the heating." Other reviews praised its ease of use and immediate impact on room temperature.
A Note of Caution and How The Tech Works
Not all feedback was positive. A small number of customers criticised the product's durability, calling it "very flimsy" and reporting that the foam backing peeled away. However, the overwhelming majority of testimonials are glowing.
Radiator reflectors work on a simple principle. When placed on the wall behind a radiator, the foil backing reflects radiant heat (infrared) back into the room. This prevents warmth from being wasted on heating an outside wall, making the space feel hotter faster and improving the overall efficiency of your heating system, particularly in older or poorly insulated properties.
For those battling the cold and rising energy costs, this £5 gadget represents a potentially significant and low-cost intervention. Its popularity underscores a broader trend of homeowners seeking practical, DIY solutions to stay warm without incurring hefty bills.
