Copper/Brass
Aluminium radiators are usually the cheapest, although they hold less heat, so heat up rooms less; Cast iron radiators, much used in the past, are more expensive but heat up much more. Lastly, steel radiators are an excellent compromise between cast iron and aluminium.
Aluminium radiators are best. So, why is this? Well, aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat. This means these radiators can heat rooms up quickly.
Aluminum radiators are said to cool as much as 25% better than copper. Its due to the aluminum being stronger, which allows for thinner tubing, which allows for better heat transfer in the end.
A metal radiator is a more durable option than a plastic model for a number of reasons. When a thermostat is opened and superheated coolant rushes into the radiator tank, the sudden exposure to high temperature can cause the plastic radiator to crack.
The Cons of Aluminium Radiators
Durability: Aluminium can be more prone to corrosion if not properly maintained, although quality radiators are usually treated to prevent this issue. Noise: Aluminium radiators can be noisy when they are first turned on. However, the noise usually subsides after a few minutes.
When you compare aluminium's sustainability credentials with plastic's, there really is no comparison. Not only is aluminium fully recyclable, unlike plastic, it can be recycled over-and-over again, meaning it has infinite properties.
Aluminium is a highly efficient, conductive material that will heat up very quickly after the central heating is turned on, giving you total control over your central heating system. Aluminium radiators can tick a lot of boxes for homeowners.
Generally, this will keep you on the right track: 1-2 row is ideal for stock standard vehicles and exact replacement requirements. 3-4 rows are best for high horsepower, performance or off-roading vehicles as well as trucks.
Aluminium radiators are both efficient and stylish, and can be used in a variety of spaces for a variety of needs. In our books, an aluminium radiator is indeed worth it. (And if you need more convincing, just take a look at our selection here.)
Cast Iron radiators take longer to heat up and cool down, so they'll stay warm long after you turn your heating off. These features make cast iron radiators a great choice for rooms with high ceilings. Cast iron radiators will look great in a period home, or when added as a contrasting feature in a modern space.
Yes, a bigger radiator will generally give more heat as it has a larger surface area. However, it's important to match the size of the radiator to the BTU requirement of your room for efficient heating.
Aluminium radiators are considered one of the best options for the environment. Because they heat up quickly and require less water, your boiler doesn't have to work as hard so your greenhouse gas emissions will be lower.
Thicker radiators cool better if they have enough air flow. Between a thick and thin radiator with low to moderate but equal air flow the thinner radiator will very likely perform better. A high fin count can make a cooling setup loud if the air flow is high enough.
How is your room's BTU requirement calculated? A room's BTU requirement is based upon the cubic volume of the space – the height, length and the width of the room multiplied by four (done for you by our calculator) – and what is above, below and besides the room.
The Cons Of Aluminum Radiators
Cost - In terms of the cost per radiator and how many you'll need to heat your home. A more traditional radiator will only need a single source to heat a room, multiple might be needed for larger spaces to get the most out of an aluminium model.
Aluminium radiators provide the highest potential BTU output possible. That doesn't mean that every aluminium radiator has a higher heat output than every steel radiator, for example. But aluminium radiators have the greatest heat output potential of any type.
Type 22 convector radiators
These radiators are able to emit more heat than the others and are also chunkier, with a greater projection from the wall. If you have a large room that needs to be well-heated, then the Type 22 is probably going to be the most suitable.
The most common radiator types are single (Type 11), double (Type 22), and double plus (Type 21) steel panel central heating convector models. Smaller rooms will suit Single Panel radiators – while Double or Double Plus are best for medium-to-large rooms.
The fact that aluminium radiators heat up quickly does make them better for the environment. Plus, aluminium itself is better for the wider environment too in many ways. Firstly, it can be recycled in a way that steel cannot.
Aluminum is durable and reusable many years and it resists oxidation, corrosion, and wear down. Plastic as well is durable, but it degrades more easily over time. Plastic is also not heat resistant, which limits its use in the kitchen.
Stainless steel will always provide greater strength than aluminum when compared to similar shapes, thicknesses, or designs. An effective way to compare this is by looking at the tensile strength of each material. Tensile strength is the resistance of a material to breaking under tension.
Metals generally exhibit high thermal conductivities and are much quicker to respond to a change in their surrounding environment's temperature compared to plastics or foams. Plastic is classified as an insulator and is extremely slow to respond to a change in the surrounding temperature.