RADFLEK: Reflective radiator back

Martyn1981

Screwdriva said:

Where is that stated in the report? Is there any mention of insulated walls?  

My apologies, I should have also posted this link, which distills a BRE report. As you can see, comparing the last column to the cavity wall columns immediately next to it highlights a reducing level of effectiveness. That said, even with modern, post 1990 cavity insulation, Radflek does work. 
http://transitionbath.org/technical-analysis-of-radfleks-radiator-reflectors/

By my admittedly conservative calculations, even with a cavity insulated property with 7 radiators, paying 3p per kWh of gas, savings are £5 a year. That's a 5 year ROI on a product stated to last 60 years. 

This seems like a no brainer for anyone with radiators, unless I'm missing something?

Hiya, you may already know this, or have checked the EST site already, but having received an e-mail from my energy provider with a list of ways to save money, I saw they mentioned radiator reflectors, and linked to the EST site, item 3.

As per your comments, they stress that the benefits are really for radiators fitted to uninsulated external walls, but suggest a saving of ~£19pa. Clearly the better choice is item 4 - ensure your walls are insulated - but that's not necessarily possible for everyone.

No idea if the EST is right, wrong, or crazy, but thought you'd be interested.

Item 3 - Fit radiator reflector panels

Screwdriva

Martyn1981 said:

Hiya, you may already know this, or have checked the EST site already, but having received an e-mail from my energy provider with a list of ways to save money, I saw they mentioned radiator reflectors, and linked to the EST site, item 3.

As per your comments, they stress that the benefits are really for radiators fitted to uninsulated external walls, but suggest a saving of ~£19pa. Clearly the better choice is item 4 - ensure your walls are insulated - but that's not necessarily possible for everyone.

No idea if the EST is right, wrong, or crazy, but thought you'd be interested.

Cheers Martyn! This is exactly what the test I shared claims, so I don't believe EST is crazy. Solid walls or pre-1980's insulation benefit substantially from reflectors to the point where it can pay for itself in a year. Bear in mind this was before gas prices hit the cap and before taxes were switched from electricity to gas. Not to mention, we're talking well over 15 million low/ no insulation homes here!

Sadly, there's no convincing the skeptics.