When a radiator is fitted to an external wall, some of the heat it produces can pass into the wall behind it. Reducing that heat loss means more of the radiator’s output remains available inside the room, which may reduce the energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature.
warmroom magnetic radiator foil is designed to tackle this specific source of heat loss. Summer is a convenient time to fit it: the radiators are cold, the heating is off and the material can be in place before household heating costs begin to rise again.
Can magnetic radiator foil lower energy bills?
Magnetic radiator foil can help lower heating costs by reducing heat loss through the external wall behind a radiator.
warmroom was independently tested by Energy House Labs at the University of Salford under controlled conditions representing a typical UK winter day.
During the test, warmroom reduced heat loss through the wall directly behind the radiator by 54% over 24 hours. The maximum reduction recorded during heating periods was 66%.
Testing also measured an average 2.9% reduction in gas used for space heating, with no measured reduction in the temperature provided inside the room.
These figures are not a guaranteed saving for every household. Results will vary according to factors including:
- Wall construction and insulation
- The number of radiators positioned on external walls
- Radiator size and location
- Heating temperatures and operating times
- Boiler and heating-system performance
- Household energy use
warmroom addresses one particular area of heat loss. It will not resolve poor insulation elsewhere in the property, but it can contribute to a wider effort to reduce the amount of energy needed for heating.
How does warmroom magnetic radiator foil work?
warmroom is a patented magnetic radiator heat saver designed and manufactured in Sheffield by Anchor Magnets.
It combines flexible magnetic sheet with a low-emissivity aluminium surface. The dark magnetic face attaches directly to the back of a suitable steel radiator, while the aluminium surface faces the wall.
The material reduces heat transfer into the wall behind the radiator, helping to keep more heat within the room. Because it attaches magnetically, there is no adhesive to apply, no separate fixings and normally no need to remove the radiator from the wall.
The sheets can be cut with scissors to fit the available space around radiator brackets and other components.
Which radiators benefit most from radiator foil?
Steel radiators fitted to external walls should be the first priority, particularly in rooms that were slow to warm up or expensive to heat last winter.
Heat transferred into an internal wall usually remains within the property. Heat passing into an external wall is moving towards the outside, making reflector material more relevant in these positions.
Magnetic radiator foil may be particularly useful behind radiators fitted to solid or poorly insulated external walls.
Before ordering, check that:
- The radiator is water-filled and non-electrical
- A magnet holds securely against its rear surface
- There is enough access behind the radiator
- The material can be fitted without obstructing brackets, valves or other components
warmroom is not suitable for electric radiators or radiators made from non-magnetic materials. Testing the back of the radiator with a magnet is a quick way to check compatibility.
Why fit radiator foil while the heating is off?
Magnetic radiator foil will not affect summer energy use while the heating is off. Fitting it now means it is ready to reduce heat loss when the heating is needed again.
Cold radiators are also easier and more comfortable to measure and work around. There is time to identify the external-wall radiators, check their compatibility and complete the fitting before the first cold spell.
This avoids waiting until a difficult-to-heat room becomes a problem again.
How do you fit warmroom magnetic radiator foil?
Measure the usable space behind the radiator, taking the position of the wall brackets into account. Cut the material to the required size, making sure it will not interfere with valves or other radiator components.
Place the dark magnetic surface against the back of the steel radiator. The aluminium surface should face the wall.
The magnetic backing holds the material in position without glue or separate fasteners. Always follow the fitting instructions supplied with the product.
Which warmroom format should you choose?
For household use or an individual radiator, warmroom Magnetic Radiator Heat Saver is supplied as six pre-cut sheets measuring 195mm × 500mm.
One pack is designed to cover a standard 1200mm × 600mm radiator.
For installers, landlords, housing providers and larger fitting projects, warmroom TRADE is supplied as a 195mm-wide, 30-metre roll.
The roll can be cut to the required length during fitting and contains enough material for up to ten standard 1200mm × 600mm radiators. This format is better suited to multiple rooms, properties or repeat installations.
Both options are designed for suitable water-filled, non-electrical steel radiators.
Take action before heating costs rise
Lowering household energy bills rarely depends on a single change. warmroom magnetic radiator foil tackles heat loss through the external wall directly behind a radiator, while other parts of the home may require different energy-saving measures.
Checking your radiators during summer gives you time to address this source of heat loss before the heating goes back on. Begin with compatible steel radiators fitted to external walls, particularly in the rooms that were hardest to heat last winter.
View the full warmroom magnetic radiator foil range from Anchor Magnets.
Once heat loss behind the radiators has been considered, the next step is to look at energy use across the rest of the home and find out which other measures or support may be suitable.
Want to take the next step towards lower energy bills? Visit YES Energy Solutions for expert advice, support and information on energy-saving measures available to households.