Radiator reflector

It is a form of radiant barrier and is intended to reduce energy losses and hence decrease fuel expenditure.

Studies based both on modelling and experiments have demonstrated modest improvements in energy losses through the walls of houses through this method.

Baldinelli et al.[2] support these findings and note that their "results show how the performance of the reflecting panel depends strictly on the insulation level of the external wall facing the radiator; more specifically, efficiency increases when the thermal resistance decreases, reaching energy savings of up to 8.8% in worst insulation conditions."

When the wall thickness behind the radiator is at minimum 1980 German standards this will reduce total heat losses of a building by about 4%.

[note 2] A more effective DIY radiator reflector is a thin insulating layer (against conduction) of a lightweight insulator such as expanded polystyrene foam veneer[note 3] or 3mm polyethylene foam, as used for laminate flooring underlay.