The use of traditional radiator covers can reduce the efficiency of heating in homes, one expert has stressed.

The appliances are not only inefficient, but also do not look visually appealing, with furniture designer Jason Muteham describing them as a "nasty box with a grille".

"Modern radiators are about the convection cycle, meaning you get the cold air in the bottom and hot air out of the top. As soon as you've put a thick shelf on you've killed your heating system dead," Mr Muteham explained.

He advised that convection-style radiators are the most efficient for homeowners, adding that people must ensure that they put careful thought into choosing their radiator.

One alternative to radiator systems could be underfloor heating, with Gr33n director Derrick Wilkinson advising that the technology works effectively with a heat pump.

Mr Wilkinson continued by saying that heat pumps can offer substantial energy savings for residents.