Aluminum ball in the tumble dryer: cuts electricity bills by up to 25%.

Energy prices are squeezing budgets, andelectricity bills are becoming a source of anxiety for many. You’re looking for simple gestures that have a real effect, without heavy work or costly purchases. There’s one trick that’s often used in the home: aluminium foil behind radiators, to limit heat loss.

Why aluminum can help keep the heat in

A radiator radiates part of its heat towards the wall, especially when that wall faces outwards. With a reflective surface, the heat is reflected back into the room, improving comfort. In this way, a simple film can reduce waste and, at the margin, lower your electricity bill. The principle is basic, but it’s based on thermal reflection.

In practical terms, this means creating a screen between the wall and the device. In addition, the shiny side is preferred to reflect the radiation back into the room. You can use aluminum foil or aluminum-coated cardboard for extra strength. The back of the radiator is the best target, especially if the wall is cold.

Installation should be simple and safe. For example, avoid gluing the aluminum to the radiator: leave about 2 cm of space so as not to impede convection. On the other hand, never cover grilles or safety sensors. This gesture can help stabilize the temperature, thus limiting the rise in your electricity bill.

“A simple reflective screen behind a radiator can reflect heat back into the room and limit losses.”

The benefits and limitations of this trick

This solution does not replace insulation, but complements it. Gains depend on the type of wall, the age of the home and the positioning of the appliance. What’s more, a well-maintained, uncluttered unit diffuses its heat better. So you can feel more constant comfort, with a small boost to your electricity bill.

The results are most visible on a cold, poorly insulated exterior wall. However, it’s important to keep an eye on safety, especially with electric convectors: nothing should touch the hot parts or obstruct the air flow. Also, the aluminum must be kept clean and taut to avoid any contact. This gesture costs little and can, over the weeks, help reduce your electricity bill.

• Measure the width of the radiator and the area to be covered.
• Cut a thin piece of cardboard to size.
• Cover with aluminium foil, shiny side down.
• Fix behind the unit, leaving 2 cm of space.
• Check that no grille is covered and that the wall is dry.

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Complementary actions to reduce consumption

Acting on room temperature remains a powerful lever. For example, lowering the temperature a little at night or when you’re away reduces the need for heating. What’s more, closing the shutters in the evening reduces heat loss. This simple trio can help your electricity bill without compromising comfort.

Tracking down air leaks makes all the difference in a heated room. Also, good window seals and door seals limit draughts. As a result, the radiator works less to reach the same temperature. Your electricity bill benefits from every sealed leak.

Then adapt the heating to the use. For example, concentrate the heat in living areas, and reduce it in low-use areas. What’s more, clearing the space in front of the heater improves diffusion. This fine-tuning relieves your electricity bill over time.

Finally, ventilate briefly and efficiently. Ten minutes is enough to renew the air without massively cooling the walls. Then close the door tightly and restart the heater if necessary. In short, a controlled airing cycle maintains comfort while avoiding over-consumption.

Electrical appliances: avoid invisible waste

Standby power consumption is silent. For example, a power strip with an on/off switch switches off several appliances at once. What’s more, removing unused chargers avoids residual consumption. This reflex reduces the consumption base and soothes the electricity bill.

When cooking, cover pans and use residual heat. Also, the right size of fire and pan limits losses. As a result, meal preparation becomes more economical. These little gestures, repeated every day, add up in the end.

Practical issues and safety with aluminium

Which material to choose? Aluminum foil remains the most affordable option. It can be doubled up to improve its hold on a flat surface. In addition, reflective panels are available, but the home-made trick already works at minimal cost, with a possible effect on the electricity bill.

Where exactly to place it? Behind the radiator, on the hot zone facing the wall. It’s also important to avoid proximity to sensitive electrical components, and to comply with the appliance’s instructions. As a result, you can avoid any risk by maintaining safe distances and stable fixing.

How do you monitor the impact? Record the room temperature and observe the perceived comfort. In this way, you can adjust the setpoint in small steps. What’s more, regular monitoring of the readings can show a useful trend for the electricity bill. This simple method provides concrete benchmarks over the weeks.

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