If you’ve already switched your heating on, you may be pondering how you can keep your energy bills down this winter.

The NHS recommends activating the heating for health reasons once outdoor temperatures drop below 15C, which typically occurs around October and November.

And whilst it might seem unavoidable that you have to switch the heating on, there are measures you can take to keep your energy bills down.

For instance, consumer website Which? has revealed a hack which helps warm up your room “quickly and efficiently” – and all you need is a £1.35 item you probably already have in your cupboard.

Taking to the @whichuk TikTok account, the consumer experts revealed how to “maximise your heat”.

They explained: “Putting foil behind radiators allows the heat to be reflected back into the room. This is particularly effective on external walls.

“You can pick up radiator reflector foil for around £8. It’s padded, and usually has an adhesive backing so it’s really easy to install. But kitchen foil also works as a low cost alternative.”

For example, you can pick up tin foil in Tesco for as little as £1.35.

Explaining how to use it, the experts said: “Measure the distance between the brackets on your radiator and cut the foil to size. If it doesn’t have adhesive pads, you can use double-sided sticky tape to secure it in place.”

Back in 2022, Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis also unveiled this clever heating hack on his programme, the Martin Lewis Money Show Live.

He recommended that positioning foil behind your radiator could bounce some vital heat back into your room.

Whilst you can buy specialist radiator foil, Martin also highlighted that ordinary tin foil functions just as effectively and costs considerably less.

However, not everyone is convinced by the concept, with some contending there’s inadequate evidence to support the assertion.

On Which?’s video, one person remarked: “Doesn’t work, I have foil behind the radiators”.

Another stated: “I did this but it didn’t work, my bedroom is on an external wall and my walls still felt freezing cold.

“It makes no difference,” declared another.

Nevertheless, others tested it themselves and said it did assist.

One person remarked: “I did this last year and it worked a treat.”

Another stated: “Research has been done and it is effective especially if walls are not well insulated.”