designerradiators

For some reason, the topic of aluminium and radiators is one that attracts a lot of discussion, much of which contains errors. Some people view aluminium as the best option, while others think it is overhyped.

Today, we are going to provide you with an accurate, but introductory, guide to this type of radiator. In reading this, you will gain sufficient knowledge to understand the benefits and the disadvantages of aluminium as the main material from which we make radiators.

Availability
In terms of availability, aluminium is the most abundant metals on earth. Couple this with the fact that it is easy to recycle, and you can see that the availability of aluminium is high.

This is a good thing. It means that we can limit the environmental impact of the manufacturing process of radiators. By using aluminium, we carry out fewer, and less impactful, processes, thereby helping to minimise damage to the environment.

Radiators are not made from pure aluminium; they contain other elements and compounds too. These play a varied role, from managing convection to strengthening the radiator. Despite this, aluminium remains the metal of choice in terms of its environmental impact.
 
Durability
There’s another reason why aluminium radiators prove so popular, and it’s because they are incredibly robust. Aluminium does not rust, which makes it a better contender for use in a radiator than steel and iron – although, galvanised steel is robust in this sense too.

Aluminium does corrode. However, the process of corrosion is fascinating, because it actually prevents the metal from corroding. You can think of it as having its own immunity against corrosion.

Both its resistant to rust and severe corrosion make aluminium an excellent choice of metal for use within radiators, and it’s why it proves to be one of the most popular choices of metals, and in our view, the only real choice if you want to buy a durable and long-lasting radiator.

Conduction
It’s important for the metal within a radiator to be highly conductive of heat. This means that the heat will pass through the metal quickly, and will heat the room fast. In terms of heat conduction, aluminium is excellent, thus furthering its case as the number one choice in radiator manufacturing.

Costs
In terms of cost, the aluminium radiators are more expensive than their steel counterparts are. This is largely due to the fact that steel radiators are easier to produce.

However, if penny-pinching is your aim, think twice before going out and buying the cheapest radiator that you can find – unless it’s made of aluminium, of course. This is because the high-conductivity of aluminium means that it costs less to run than cast iron or steel radiators do.

While you might save money when buying the single unit, you will have to pay more for the cost of heating throughout the life cycle of the radiator. This can add up to a lot of money over the course of 20 or so years.

In conclusion, aluminium is an excellent choice when it comes to buying new radiators. The benefits of doing so far outweigh any marginal costs inherent in the initial purchase.