A sheet of foil behind a radiator could help keep heat in your home this winter.
Consumer experts Which? have shared the tip in a TikTok video, saying it is particularly effective on external walls.
The idea is to reflect heat from the back of a radiator into the room rather than lose it through the wall.
Which? said: "Putting foil behind radiators allows the heat to be reflected back into the room."
The video suggests purpose-made radiator reflector foil and says it can cost around £8, although prices can vary.
@whichuk 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. #heating #diy #energybills #home #staywarm ♬ original sound - Which?
Which? says the material is padded and usually has an adhesive backing, and suggests measuring between the radiator brackets and cutting it to size.
It also says kitchen foil can work as a low-cost alternative, with double-sided tape used to secure foil that does not have adhesive pads.
However, the Energy Saving Trust disagrees about using kitchen foil and recommends purpose-made radiator reflector panels instead.
The trust says aluminium kitchen foil is difficult to keep in place and lacks the insulation or design of proper panels.
It says reflector panels work best behind radiators on uninsulated external walls, where they can prevent some heat from escaping outside.
There is less benefit in fitting them to internal walls, the trust says, because heat absorbed by an internal wall stays inside the home.
It estimates that installing panels on uninsulated external walls can save £18 a year on energy bills in Great Britain or £20 in Northern Ireland.
Before fitting panels, the trust advises switching off the heating or the radiators being worked on and allowing them to cool.
It recommends following the manufacturer's instructions and checking whether the material has an adhesive backing.
If it does not, double-sided tape or a suitable adhesive may be needed, while some panels have clips for mounting them to the radiator.
Renters considering clip-on panels should check with their landlord for permission before installing them, the trust says.
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