There are all sorts of different materials used in the manufacturing of radiators nowadays. Cast iron, steel and even stone are involved in the construction of some modern models.
But aluminum radiators are also notable amongst the most popular contemporary styles. This article will focus on these designs specifically, and explain why it can often be worth the extra outlay to invest in one. Essentially, your complete buyer’s guide to aluminum radiators.
An Aluminum Overview
In terms of availability, aluminum is the third most abundant element on the planet. Furthermore, it is the most abundant element that can be found within the Earth’s crust.
Beneath your feet at this very moment, around 8% of the top layer of the Earth consists of aluminum.
However, unless you’re specifically searching for it, you’re likely to struggle to find aluminum. That’s because it tends to be part of a combination of several minerals (270 exactly), found chiefly in the rock Bauxite.
Low density and corrosion resistance are defining characteristics of aluminum. For that reason, the likes of radiators, planes and more mundane items like drinks cans are made from the material.
Given that it is extremely cheap to produce – and despite the rising popularity of aluminum radiators on the continent – steel has retained a status as the most prevalent radiator construction material in America since the 1970s. But the tide is beginning to turn, with many households instead opting for aluminum heating solutions.
All in all, steel is an easier material to produce in comparison with aluminum, particularly when considering the cost of its extraction from Bauxite. However, when you break it down, the advantages provided by aluminum radiators far offset the initial purchase cost. There’s other elements to think about as well, each with the potential to reduce your energy bills and transform your home heating.
The Benefits of Aluminum Radiators
Whilst they will usually prove more expensive than steel radiators, aluminum heating options have proven popular across Europe for some time now.
A more in-depth look at aluminum radiators will reveal the many benefits they can offer to your home. That makes it easier to understand why so many Americans are willing to invest a little bit extra to secure them.
Aluminum is an excellent heat conductor. It provides heat emissions at a rate of around five times greater than steel counterparts.
That notion itself makes aluminum a perfect radiator construction element. It means the radiators don’t need to be switched on for as long to reach their optimal temperature.
When you also account for aluminum radiators requiring less water to operate, everything tots up to reduced heating bills, better efficiency from your home heating and more money in your piggy bank.
Another vital aspect to consider is the weight of aluminum radiators – they tend to be far lighter than cast iron or steel versions. That makes them a suitable installation option for any wall type, both internal and external. Therefore, they are a viable heating solution for almost any space.
Fitting expenses might also be positively affected by this as well. It’s an easier and quicker installation process with aluminum radiators, and they require less man power to lift too.
Finally, there’s the issue of style.
As you are likely aware, there’s now a massive array of options available with regards to radiator colors, materials and aesthetics. A quick glance at the Hudson Reed USA radiator collection will reveal a plethora of models in all sorts of sizes, shapes and colors, many incorporating standout futuristic elements.
Aluminum radiators effortlessly exude designer style and stunning looks. They are typically designed to suit most interior design schemes.
If you consider all these factors as a collective, it is simple to understand the growing popularity of aluminum radiators.
Aluminum Radiators for a positive environmental impact
In addition to being faster to heat and more efficient in terms of water use, aluminum radiators provide several more environmental advantages as well.
The fact that they are constructed from a recycled material is one such huge plus.
Essentially, any can of fizzy pop you enjoy could later find its way onto your wall in the form of an aluminum radiator.
Given that they feature only a low level of water, aluminum radiators tend to be a touch smaller than many alternate heating solutions. That can be an extremely useful trait when they are being used with a low-temperature heating system such as a ground source heat pump, as there isn’t any need for oversized radiators to compensate for the low water temperature.
Why haven’t Aluminum Radiators completely taken over?
Not to rule over us, of course. But it seems with all the benefits they offer, aluminum radiators should be the dominant style on the market, right?
There aren’t many obvious drawbacks to them, and their recent rise in popularity further evidences that. But with that said, there isn’t a widespread call for them to take over as THE dominant radiator type in America just yet.
Naturally, we want our radiators to hold their heat for as long as possible. But as well as being quick to warm up initially, aluminum radiators are also quick to cool down.
That fact certainly plays a part in US customers preferencing steel or cast-iron heating options in many instances. Each of these types will retain their heat a lot longer than aluminum versions.
But due to the lightweight nature of the material, aluminum radiators can be crafted into an array of shapes with relative ease, with no negative effect on the strength of the material.
So if you want a wacky or fanciful design, then aluminum radiators might be the very best option at your disposal.
Caring for Aluminum Radiators
You might not realize, but aluminum radiators don’t require any special treatment.
They operate in the same manner as steel and cast iron traditional radiators, though won’t retain their heat for as long. But they will heat up quicker and be less of a weight burden, so should provide excellent value for money all in all.
One thing that is often levelled at aluminum radiators is that they can pose an extra corrosion risk when added to heating systems that include cast iron or steel radiators. However, there isn’t reason for concern.
A building regulation requirement is for all inhibitors to operate with mixed metals. So the addition of a standard corrosion inhibitor will work to perfection for a system with one or multiple radiators.
No special requirements. Just install the necessary inhibitor and you’re good to go.
Aluminum Radiators from Hudson Reed USA
With a lightweight and durable profile, we offer an expansive selection of aluminum radiators at Hudson Reed USA.
Explore our stunning Aurora collection for an insight into the very best designs to select from. You’ll find some standout models to deliver lightweight style to your home heating. And your home, bank balance and the environment can all benefit as a result.
The Aurora range also incorporates centrally positioned valve inlets that assist in maximizing the space surrounding the radiator.
This type of design, featuring ‘H-block’ valves, has long been sought after throughout Europe since the latter stages of the 90s. But they’ve been slower to really catch on in America until somewhat recently.
They’re an especially tempting option for compact areas in which wall space is typically at a premium.
Aluminum Towel Warmer Alternatives
Until only recently, aluminum towel warmers were not even available to buy from Hudson Reed USA. But given the increasing demand for aluminum heating overall, we simply had to address that.
We couldn’t be happier that we did, or any prouder to offer the excellent Gradus towel warmer range to consumers.
You can find out everything you need to know about each specific product at a click, so we won’t harp on about the intricacies here. The beautiful aesthetics, exemplified opposite, pretty much speak for themselves anyway.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Aluminum Radiators
Advantages
- Premium Quality – As a non-corrosive material, aluminum ensures a premium quality heating performance for several years.
- Versatility – Aluminum radiators come supplied in a choice of tall, long, short and slimline models. Each design is perfect for delivering a touch of designer class to a home.
- Efficiency – In comparison with steel or cast-iron options, aluminum radiators require little water content. As such, they operate more efficiently, and can assist in keeping your home heating costs down.
- Conductivity – An aluminum radiator will be quick to react to temperature shifts. If you turn your home heating up, aluminum radiators will respond nearly immediately, so you can set a comfortable home temperature in an instant.
- Environmental impact – A widely recycled material is used in the construction of aluminum radiators. They can easily be recycled again after they have served their purpose, guaranteeing a positive environmental impact.
Disadvantages
- Price – Although aluminum radiators are becoming ever more popular, they do typically require a larger initial financial outlay. Their comparatively better efficiency ensures you will make your money back in time, however.
- Multiple radiators required – The addition of a single aluminum radiator to your heating system can increase the risk of corrosion, as the introduction of a different metal into the circuit can alter the water’s chemical profile. So, unless you are swapping every radiator in the loop, take special care to select the right radiator inhibitor.
- Rapid cool down time – Contrastingly to their cast iron or steel counterparts, aluminum radiators won’t retain their heat for very long. However, this can prove a plus point when sudden temperature changes necessitate a cooler room.
Shop Aluminum Radiators online from Hudson Reed USA
A brilliant variety of aluminum radiators is available to buy online from Hudson Reed USA. If you would like any more help in selecting the ideal aluminum heating option for your home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our website. Alternatively, you can speak to our friendly team over the phone on 1-877-778-8460. Happy aluminum radiator shopping!
