Radiator foil

fourxxxx

marcia_ said:

 I never did understand why radiators are placed under windows where it is cold 

It's because if you put radiators on inside walls, you wouldn't have a wall to put furniture up against, eg, window either end of lounge, radiator on 1 wall, fireplace on another.... that's 4 walls used!

Baldytyke88

Slinky said:

I just covered some cardboard on one side with kitchen foil and lodged it on the radiators on our external walls. 

I recall seeing a programme on TV in the1970s where they used a thermal imaging camera which showed how much the walls were heating up the walls, and the difference some foil down the back meant. It stuck in my mind even though we didn't even have central heating.

I am thinking about just cutting a piece of plywood and putting that behind the radiator, perhaps just taping the foil to it first.

MACKEM99

Bigphil1474 said:

I bought some from Amazon, it came with tape to stick it to the wall and also rested on the radiator brackets. We put it in our attic and i reckon it made a good 4 to 5C difference up there. This is what we bought:-

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00GUDVUXW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Can't say it's better or worse than any other kind, but it worked for us.

I obtained this but the foil keeps slipping.  I then put double sided tape all along top and bottom but some of it still slips.  Can anyone offer any advice please?

Ta

M99

Beeblebr0x

I'd be inclined to use hardboard as it's cheaper than plywood. Cut to size with slots to slide over the radiator brackets. Stick foil to hardboard with tape. If you cut the foil to the same dimensions as the board, you can just use single sided tape folded over the edges.

Bigphil1474

I think i might have put some drawing pins in places where it sagged, but our attic radiator had quite large brackets so it sat quite comfortably on them. If you can get some tacks with plastic heads, you could put some in and they would be easy to remove. I wouldn't use nails. If it's behind the radiator, nobody would notice the tacks.

webby7

I have looked at them quite a few times, but does it really make a difference, especially in a modern house with cavity wall insulation and double glazing?

Bigphil1474

Where we used this stuff in our old house was in the attic - which was basically a wooden framed dorma with double glazing and flat roof. Pretty sure the insulation was just the plaster board interior and wood exterior unfortunately. I would have though it would be unnecessary in a well insulated property, or at least less effective. For the relatively low cost, it does seem worth trying though doesn't it?

Baldytyke88

webby7 said:

I have looked at them quite a few times, but does it really make a difference, especially in a modern house with cavity wall insulation and double glazing?

This is what AI says, "Yes, radiator foil can work to reduce energy loss and save money on heating bills, but it's most effective when installed correctly and in certain circumstances.

webby7

I may give it a go - not sure about the ones that stick to the wall as I can imagine making a right mess of it!! 

As others have said, it might not be worth installing on rads that are internal, but I do have one on-mind.