Expert reveals if painting radiators black reduces your energy bills

Experts have revealed whether painting radiators black really reduces your energy bills. The trend has boomed on social media for aesthetic reasons, but some also claimed that black radiators can improve efficiency and reduce household bills.

While we are often told to wear light coloured clothing to keep us cool, and darker clothing to keep in warmth, energy experts have explained that the reality is more complicated for central heating. Solar panel installer Grant Store revealed that while darker surfaces can emit slightly more heat, energy bill savings may not be as dramatic as many believe.

Radiators mainly work by heating the air around them, which then circulates throughout the room, but the colour of the radiator does not significantly change this process according to the experts who said most households would see "little to no savings".

Grant Store explained: "Darker surfaces can absorb and emit slightly more heat than lighter colours. A black radiator can technically emit a little more heat than a white one, but the difference is very small and unlikely to make a noticeable impact on your bills.

"Even if there is a marginal improvement, it would be influenced by other factors such as the overall efficiency of your heating system, whether your home is properly draught-proofed and whether your radiators are in full working order. Painting alone is not going to make a big difference."

For those with electric radiators, the advice was clear: painting them could damage the appliance and reduce efficiency, with some manufacturers refusing to honour warranties if they are painted.

The experts warned: "Applying paint to an electric radiator or heater can affect its ability to radiate heat and may even seep into the electronic controls.

"This could lead to permanent damage and reduce the safety of the unit. For electric heating, painting should be avoided altogether."

Instead of relying on paint, they advised focusing on proven energy-saving methods, such as regularly bleeding radiators, booking boiler services, installing reflective panels behind radiators, and lowering the thermostat by just one degree.

Grant Store concluded: "If you like the look of a black radiator, there is no harm in repainting a traditional one for aesthetic reasons. But if your aim is to cut costs, there are far better steps to take.

"Proper maintenance, insulation and efficient heating habits will always deliver greater savings than a coat of paint."