Install a Reflective Film Behind a Radiator to Improve Heating
Installing a reflective film behind a central heating radiator improves your comfort without increasing energy consumption.
After measuring the radiator and preparing the wall, a film or reflector is glued or fixed behind the radiator to prevent the heat from being absorbed by the wall.
Focus on radiator reflectors
A reflector is only of interest for a radiator placed on a wall facing the outside. The more poorly insulated the wall against which the radiator is leaning, the more effective this assembly is!
Only water radiators are concerned (oil radiators, much less). For other radiant or convector heaters, there is little or no interest.
You have two choices: reflective film and reflective panels.
Good to know: reflective panels have a greater capacity to reflect heat but are becoming rare on the market.
1. Remove the radiator
In order to gain easier access to the back of your radiator, you can remove it. This requires a minimum of DIY practice, and a cast iron radiator is heavy, so a second person is needed.
Turn off the water supply at the boiler’s gas pedal
Then bleed your radiator by partially unscrewing the bleed screw on the side.
Drain the radiator by unscrewing the water return valve, usually located opposite the radiator temperature control valve.
Then remove the radiator from its top and bottom brackets.
To reassemble, proceed in the opposite direction.
Good to know: it is still possible to install the film or panel without removing the radiator since there is always a gap between the wall and the radiator.
2. Measure the radiator
Measure the height and length of the radiator with a tape measure.
Remove about 5 cm from each side of the radiator so that the reflective film does not protrude and remains invisible.
Locate the mounting brackets for the radiator.
Transfer all these measurements to the reflective film.
3. Prepare the wall surface
Dust and wash the wall surface behind the radiator with an alkaline detergent. The surface must be clean and free of grease or dirt for the film or adhesive to adhere properly.
If you have chosen to apply the reflective film without removing the radiator, use a flexible brush specially designed for cleaning radiators.
4. Case 1: Apply reflective film behind the radiator
Cut the reflective film with scissors to the desired size.
Make a cut at the fastener location.
Option 1: Reflective film on the wall
Turn the aluminum part towards the inside of the room.
Glue pieces of double-sided aluminum adhesive, about 20 cm long, to the back.
Remove the protective film from the adhesive.
Place the film behind the radiator and apply it to the wall.
Option 2: Reflective film on the radiator
Turn the aluminum part towards the inside of the room.
Stick pieces of magnetic tape, about 20 cm long, to the front.
Simply slide the film along the radiator.
Case 2: Install a reflector panel behind a radiator
Cut the reflector panel with scissors as its sawtooth-shaped metal profile helps warm air flow into the room.
Glue pieces of double-sided aluminum tape, about 20 cm long, to the back.
Remove the protective film from the adhesive.
Slide the panel behind the radiator and press it against the wall.
Materials for applying reflective film behind a radiator
Special flexible radiator brush
Sponge
Alkaline detergent
Tape measure
Pair of scissors
Magnetic tape
Aluminum adhesive tape
Hope this post has provided you with the information you were looking for to improve your heating. Remember to jot down a few words in the comments below.