A physics professor’s ultimate ‘hack’ to saving money on your heating bill: Try it and save

With the arrival of cold weather and skyrocketing energy bills, heating one’s home without wasting energy has become a priority.

Vincenzo Schettino, a renowned Italian physics professor and science communicator known on social media as @LaFisicaCheCiPiace, has revealed a simple and effective trick to maximize the performance of radiators and make better use of heat at home.

Schettino, known for his ability to transform complex scientific concepts into practical solutions, shared this advice on his popular social media, where he has 2.7 million followers on Instagram, more than 700,000 subscribers on YouTube, and 1.6 million followers on TikTok. In a recent video, he explained how to prevent heat from radiators from being lost unnecessarily, thus improving the energy efficiency of the home.

The aluminum foil trick

The physicist explains that radiators heat the room using three mechanisms: contact (heat that we feel when we touch them), convection (hot air rises and circulates through the room), and radiation (infrared rays heat nearby objects and surfaces). Nonetheless, a significant portion of the heat the appliance produces is lost as the wall behind it absorbs it.

Schettino’s solution is as ingenious as it is accessible: place a sheet of aluminum foil between the radiator and the wall. “In this way, the aluminum will reflect the infrared rays, preventing the heat from dispersing towards the wall, thus maximizing the heating,” explains the scientist.

Those looking to apply this tip will need two commonly found household objects: cardboard and aluminum foil.

This simple method consists of wrapping one side of a piece of cardboard in aluminum foil and placing this assembly between the radiator and the wall. The side with the aluminum should face the room, while the cardboard is placed against the wall. In this way, heat is better distributed in the room, and the wall does not absorb heat from the radiator. This allows the heating to be kept at a lower temperature for longer without increasing the economic cost.

In addition to this tip, Schettino says to avoid placing curtains, furniture, or other objects that can block heat from spreading around the radiator. “These elements act as barriers that reduce the appliance’s efficiency, making it difficult for the hot air to be distributed correctly throughout the room,” explains Schettino.

Science at the service of everyday life

This simple ‘hack’ has gained popularity on social media, where users have highlighted its effectiveness and ease of implementation. Although it may seem like a trivial idea, Schettino stresses that the real value lies in understanding the scientific principle behind this technique and applying it practically.

In times of cold and savings, small changes like this can make a big difference in the comfort of your home and your pocket.