A TikTok user has shared a cheap tip to save money on your energy bills this winter - with nothing but a roll of tin foil.
Carl Alexis, from Swansea, heard the tip from his grandmother years ago but it wasn't until the recent rise in energy bills that he remembered it.
The IT worker uploaded a video on TikTok of him using a layer of tin foil between the radiator and wall - with the idea being that it reflects heat back into a room
He said: “I was looking for ways to conserve energy due to the rising costs. I can feel as I pass the radiator, more heat coming from it.
“To save money on energy bills, simply place some silver foil down the back of a radiator.
"This will reflect back into the room rather than letting it uselessly escape through the walls of your house.”
Are you worried about affording your energy bills this winter? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
When we compared prices today, we found you can buy a roll of tin foil for 68p from Asda.
Energy bills are expected to rise again this year with households already paying sky-high prices.
The Ofgem energy price cap, which sets a limit on the rates a supplier can charge for each unit of gas and electricity, rose by 54% on April 1.
For those on default tariffs paying by direct debit, the price cap increased by £693 from £1,277 to £1,971.
Analysts at Cornwall Insight are predicting the October price cap could hit an eye-watering £3,359 in October - followed by another rise to £4,266 in January.
In response to one comment asking how rising costs were impacting his life, Carl said: “It has meant that I have less spending money and have to budget more carefully.
"And look at ways to reduce my outgoings and keep my house running at the same time."
Wracking up over 371,000 views, many TikTok users were blown away by the simplicity of the hack and were quick to share their thoughts.
One user wrote: “This has definitely made a difference!”
"Very nice brother," someone else said, followed by two heart face emojis.
One person even shared their own spin on the foil hack, adding: “I normally put it on the wall behind the radiator.
Despite the enthusiasm, not everyone was impressed with the unique saving trick.
One person doubted how effective it was at saving money once the price of tin foil had been taken into consideration.
“£2.00 tinfoil to save 2p in heat,” wrote one user. [sic]
Another person thought the tip was outdated and its use was a concerning reflection on society today.
The user said: “You know modern life is not good when people are using tips from the 70s.”
“What about other parts of the room that escapes heat? Can't do foil paper wallpapering,” commented another user.
You can find information on receiving support from energy companies for your bills here.
There isn’t enough research to say exactly how effective using plain tin foil is, or how much it can save you.
Some researchers are also reluctant to say whether it really gives the same benefit as proper reflective foil.
Reflective foil is more expensive but especially designed to help keep your home warm.
