The heating hack that warms homes for just £1.40 that energy companies 'hate'

Which? has shared a simple and cost effective way to ensure your home stays warm during the colder months - and it'll only cost you less than £2.

With autumn's arrival and plunging temperatures across the UK, many households are contemplating switching on their radiators for warmth.

The consumer specialists at Which? have divulged a surefire strategy for keeping your abode warm during the chilly months despite rising costs. Earlier in the year, Ofgem declared that from Tuesday, October 1, there would be a 10 per cent increase in the energy price cap.

This cap represents the maximum price energy providers can bill customers per unit of energy and standing charge, specifically for those on a standard variable tariff.

Consequently, from October 1 to December 31, the energy price cap will be pegged at £1,717 annually for a typical household using both electricity and gas and settling via Direct Debit – marking a 10 per cent increase from the previous cap between July 1 and September 30, 2024 (£1,568).

To assist you in heating your home more economically this autumn and winter, Which? experts have come forward with an uncomplicated and budget-friendly tip involving a readily available domestic item, reports the Mirror.

In an Instagram update, they wrote: "Energy companies hate this hack!" Going into detail, Which? mentioned all one needs is a roll of radiator reflector – with tin foil serving as an affordable substitute.

They advised: "Maximise your heat! Putting foil behind radiators allows the heat to be reflected back into the room. This is particularly effective on external walls.

"You can pick up radiator reflector foil for around £8. It's padded and usually has an adhesive backing so it's really easy to install. But kitchen foil also works as a low cost alternative. So measure the distance between the brackets on your radiators and cut the foil to size."

Which? captioned the post: "Putting tin foil behind your radiators is a great way to heat your home for less! It's quick, cheap and easy - a perfect hack for everyone, even if you're not a confident DIY-er."

Some folks shared their tried-and-tested tips for staying warm as well. "My hack is to wear thermal leggings, tops and a woolly hat! " shared one, whilst another remarked: "Woolly Socks are also pretty good for keeping feet warm instead of radiators."

Responses to Which?'s heating hack were mixed, with some disputing its effectiveness and others supporting it. "I tried it. Made no difference," a user commented. While another said "I personally feel at least 3C difference."

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