Does radiator foil reflector work?

Although the foils are termed “reflectors”, they do not have much effect on radiated heat or its reflection. As radiators work at a relatively low temperature, the Stefan–Boltzmann law means that they are weak radiators of heat.

Is it worth putting foil behind radiators?





Putting kitchen foil behind the radiator is a false economy, as its effectiveness will be severely limited by these effects over time. Homemade foil radiator reflectors crinkle easily and oxidise, losing their reflective qualities.

How do you use a radiator reflector foil?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You need to stick it to the back of the wall behind the radiator. Making sure that the silver side is pointing. Outwards easy-peasy.

Why do people put Aluminium foil behind radiators?

Emma Gunn of This is Money, replies: The idea is simple, using a reflective foil behind your radiator will bounce heat back into the room, rather than letting it seep out through the walls of your home. The benefits are, of course, a warmer more comfortable home and less energy wastage – so smaller bills. A win-win.

What is the best radiator reflector?

Effectiveness. Radflek tops the chart among its competitors when it comes to effectiveness. It is effective both for small and bigger rooms. If you often saw condensation on the window sills, it means that the previous reflectors were not efficient enough to constrict the heat into the room.

How much difference do radiator reflectors make?





The second report BRE shows ~45% reduction in heat lost to the wall behind the radiator. Assuming an area of 1 meter per radiator and 10¢ per kWh (rough average of US price), you this will save $2-$9/year for each radiator.

Why are radiators under windows?

In the past, radiators have often been located under the window in a room because this is the coldest area in the room. Historically, older windows would be single glazed, and this type of window used to let a lot of cold air into the room.

Do heat reflectors behind radiators work?

According to uSwitch.com : “Radiator reflector panels can stop heat being wasted from the back of a radiator into an external wall. “They are especially useful in older homes where the walls are solid, which rules out the option of cavity wall insulation.”

How do you make radiator reflectors?

For a non-film reflector, put double sided tape all the way around the edges of the cardboard just inside the edging tape, and also put it around all 3 sides of any slots. Put a few diagonal strips across the middle of the panel too.

How do you install foil insulation behind radiators?



Brushing PVA glue onto the back of the foil. Sliding the glued foil behind the radiator. Pushing the foil against the wall with a long-handled roller. If the foil is not staying stuck to the wall then scrunched up paper can be carefully pushed down behind the radiator to hold it in place until the glue dries.

How do you install radiator foil?

Locate the brackets behind the radiator that attach the radiator to the wall. Cut slits in the foil from the bottom to approximately halfway up the foil in line with the brackets. You may need to cut closer to the top of the foil if the brackets are at the top of the radiator.

How do you fix a radiator reflector?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Let's take measure a pair of scissors a pen some good-quality double-sided tape your radiator in Flex foil. And a paint roller for round doors simply remove the end.

How does Aluminium foil insulation work?



Aluminum foil can be an effective insulating material because it doesn’t radiate heat out into the environment. That’s what makes it effective directly under a roof: although it will warm up through conduction from the shingles, it won’t radiate that heat out into the attic space.

Do you bleed a radiator when it is on or off?

Turn off your heating. You can’t bleed a radiator when the heating is on, as it may be too hot to touch. You could also get hot water spraying out of the radiator. Use your radiator key to turn the valve at the top of the radiator.

How do you fit a reflective foam radiator?

Radiator Reflective Foil



Simply measure the desired area, roll the insulation out and cut to shape, fix into place using the supplied self-adhesive foam pads, alternatively use self-adhesive tape or a non-solvent adhesive.

How do you redirect heat from a radiator?

Even with proper air circulation, some of the heat dispersed from the radiator will be wasted on the back wall. An easy way to redirect this heat into the room is with a piece of foil-faced foam insulation board. Cut the board to size with a utility knife, and place it behind the wall, foil-side out.