Silver lining behind radiators. Is this still a thing?

[northernladuk]

In the old days everyone had the silver lining behind the radiators but chatting to friends no one has it anymore. There is conflicting advice about whether it actually helps nowadays.

We've got open rooms, flat roof, bi-fold doors and the like all making heating challenging. I've had the boiler serviced, radiator cleaner in at the moment and they are getting flushed next week in a effort to increase efficiency and looking at all areas of heat loss to try and improve the situation. I thought about the foil idea but it doesn't seem to be a thing anymore.

Anyone else got it in or have a solid opinion either way?

[Uncle Albert]

From Reddit:

The difference in reflectivity between foil and white paint is actually not very big IIRC so that 10% radiated toward the wall is already mostly being radiated back. Say foil is 99% Vs 80% of the paint, so roughly an extra 2% of the total output might be redirected back. So 0.2C extra, i.e. sweet F A.

[jamesbrown]

You're a contractor FFS, turn the heating up to 11.

[sadkingbilly]

have you asked your accountant?

[northernladuk]

You're a contractor FFS, turn the heating up to 11.

Offset by the fact I'm a Yorkshire bloke and no coal is going on that fire until we run out of jumpers and coats.

If the family decide to use the coal gifted to them at xmas then that's their choice.

[WTFH]

Offset by the fact I'm a Yorkshire bloke and no coal is going on that fire until we run out of jumpers and coats.

If the family decide to use the coal gifted to them at xmas then that's their choice.

I'm no expert, but jumpers and coats don't produce as much heat on a fire as coal.

[dsc]

You're a contractor FFS, turn the heating up to 11.

And open all windows, feck it, who cares!

[northernladuk]

I'm no expert, but jumpers and coats don't produce as much heat on a fire as coal.

<chortle> Very well done sir!

[MarillionFan]

Have you tried bleeding the radiators?

[northernladuk]

Have you tried bleeding the radiators?

At last! Someone said it. That took longer than I thought. Thank you MF for coming back and showing this rabble what the forum used to be like it's glory days!