Foil panels behind radiators to stop heat loss

TrulyMadly

Hi there,

Has anyone first hand experience of putting foil behind radiators (those on outside walls of the house) - inside house . Oh you know what I mean!
Is it worth doing? Does it really make a difference to the warmth given out?

Thank you

rachbc

i always thought it was a bit silly but according to the energy saving trust it makes a difference. We have some old fashion cast iron rads so would see the foil it might do it on the others

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

I put some of those foil panels with the vents on them behind my radiators last year.
It may just be me but I do think they helped bounce the heat back into the room.

WeegieWumman

The foil saves you wasting energy. It deflects the heat back into the room rather than being absorbed into the exterior wall immediately behind the radiator.

Twiceblessed

Thanks for inspiring me to go round my house putting tinfoil behind my radiators. Done everywhere except my daughter's rooms, will no doubt be asked "mum what ARE you doing" when i attempt it tommorow

luxor4t

I have foil/foam sheets behind my radiators (were on offer at DIY supplier) but I've not really noticed a difference either way. Worth a try though.

Ballymackeonan

The commercial panels are designed to channel the heat up and out into the room rather than through the walls, and they perform best behind radiators on outside walls in older houses that haven't got cavity wall insulation. In that case, they work really well.

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

Ballymackeonan wrote: »

The commercial panels are designed to channel the heat up and out into the room rather than through the walls, and they perform best behind radiators on outside walls in older houses that haven't got cavity wall insulation. In that case, they work really well.

They're the ones I've got,I also live in a very old house with no cavity walls.
I think they do work.
I spent £145 for the ones I bought (15 radiators) so I think they'll take a while to pay for themselves but guess they will eventually.

the_cat

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_8&products_id=110599

I've just bought some of this. Easily enough for 5 large radiators, simple to fit, doesn't show or have to be fitted to the wall and could be taken to a new house too if moving..........

Can't tell whether it works yet though as heatwave occured just as it arrived:D:D

Avocado

Have heard of these and have heard of tinfoil being used to.

Are the commercial panels any better than the good old kitchen staple?

I am feeling stingy!

abankerbutnotafatcat

On the preparing for winter site people recommend all types of foil products for the purpose - the panels sold to put on car windscreens to keep the sun out are popular and can apparently be bought from pound shops.