Brits are doing all they can to stay warm this winter (Picture: Alamy)
With energy prices soaring and winter creeping upon us, many Brits will be doing everything they can to save money during the cost of living crisis.
Quirky energy saving hacks such as putting clingfilm on windows and painting radiators black have been floating around the internet, as Brits look for quick and easy methods of saving cash.
But do they actually work?
Metro.co.uk spoke to an expert to find out.
Painting radiators black
Painting radiators black is a common energy saving myth (Picture: Getty)
Painting radiators black is one of the most common energy saving myths.
It is often claimed that this will help the radiators to contain heat better.
However, construction expert and Fix Radio presenter Clive Holland told Metro.co.uk that this method is unlikely to make much of a difference.
‘If you’re outside and you paint metal black, it’s in the sun it will contain heat better’ he said.
‘However, as radiators are predominantly located inside there is no way it will contain the heat it is producing better. The warmth is coming within radiators, the heat is not external so painting it black, in my opinion it’s an absolute myth and won’t help you save energy.’
Putting reflective panels behind radiators
Clive said that putting reflective panels behind radiators can help to save money (Picture:Getty)
Now you’ve put down the paint cans, is there anything else you can do to your radiators to make them more efficient?
It is often said that putting reflective panels behind radiators can help to save energy as it reflects heat back into the room that would usually be lost in the walls.
Clive said he believes that this method does actually work, as a client reported very positive results after trying it out.
He said: ‘Recently, somebody told me that they’ve got a radiator in the bathroom and asked if it would benefit from having a reflective shield, so the wall doesn’t soak up the heat.
More: Cost of living
‘On Sunday I put it to the test and got some reflective foil bubble wrap and put it behind the radiator. Apparently, they are feeling a massive heat difference in that room – I am getting great feedback.’
‘I haven’t tested it at home, without being there myself, I can’t confirm completely if this works. With the majority of radiators, the warmth is rising – it’s coming through the top. You can get various reflectors that sit on top of the radiator to make sure the heat isn’t being lost into the ceiling.
‘The way my client is talking, it has made a massive difference, so this seems to be a good energy saving tip to consider.’
Putting clingfilm on windows
Putting cling film on window can help to reduce drafts (Picture: Getty)
Another energy saving tip floating about is putting clingfilm on windows to reduce the draft.
Clive said that this tip, though unconventional, does actually work and can help to reduce the need to put the heating on.
He said: ‘You can buy specific clingfilm packs to go on various sized windows – it does actually work and prevents condensation build up. You need to flatten it out all around the frame, it looks saggy and horrible, but you then need to take a hairdryer and it sinks into position, blocking any drafts.
‘I think this is a very good tip to save energy and keep the warmth within your house – there is one problem though, you can’t open your windows.’
Keeping doors closed when the heating is on
Keeping doors closed when the heating is on can help to reduce bills (picture: Getty)
It is commonly said that keeping doors closed when the heating is on can help save energy as it stops heat from escaping.
But does it actually work?
Clive said if you can keep the doors closed to the individual areas then it will ‘help conserve the warmth in that room.
‘Most houses will have radiators in different rooms – your living room, hallway and kitchen will have separate radiators. If you can keep your doors closed to those specific areas, it will definitely help contain the heat.’
MORE : What energy bills help is available amid the cost of living crisis?
MORE : Windfall tax won’t lower energy bills, let’s have a proper price cap instead
MORE : How to avoid getting mould when your heating is off as energy bills soar
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below
Brits are doing all they can to save money this winter
