Aluminium and Its Uses
Aluminium; it’s a material we hear about often, but what is it and why has it gleaned such popularity in recent years? Aluminium is a whiteish silver material known as being one of the lightest metals on that planet. It is also around three times lighter than steel and is the 13th element on the periodic table. Thanks to its durable and lightweight nature, it has become a common-place material in modern-day construction and design.
However, there is more to aluminium than being light.
Aluminium is all around us – in our homes, in the cars, we are driving, the aeroplanes we fly, the phones we use to call loved ones, and the computers we use for work. The list really does go on.
This metal is everywhere due to its many benefits, and in 2018 alone, over 60 million metric tons were used globally for various projects.
Aluminium is an alloyed metal, so it’s often mixed with other metals to create a durable and malleable material that is perfect for the construction of various objects. This is why it is so popular when it comes to manufacturing and design. This is also why it is the new kid on the block in the central heating world.
Applications and objects using this incredible metal include
- Car components
- window frames
- Aeroplane and spaceship parts
- Household appliances
- Electronics
- Powerlines
- Trains
- Single-use containers like cans, and
- Central heating systems
In recent years, we have seen a rise in aluminium radiators, and this is largely due to their environmentally friendly properties and reduced heat wastage when compared to their cast iron or steel counterparts.
If you are considering an aluminium wall radiator or towel rail, then this guide is for you! It’s time to discover everything you need to know about aluminium radiators.
You may also read our post about the Best Radiator Paint.
Aluminium and Recycling
One of the key reasons why aluminium is so popular is because it is a recyclable metal. Amazingly, the recycling process takes as little as six weeks at a treatment plant. Aluminium is melted down to become molten and all impurities burn away. It then turns back into a solid and forms ingot blocks. These are rolled out and then used again for various purposes, such as food wrapping foil and beverage drink cans.
For these reasons, many with a penchant for environmental affairs and recycled goods are choosing aluminium products. Thanks to its environmentally friendly nature, it’s a great choice for anyone wanting to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance their green living. If you care about the planet, an aluminium radiator might just be a fantastic choice for you thanks to its ability to circulate heat faster than a cast-iron model (and thus reduce wastage) and its recyclable nature.
While it isn’t the traditional iron or steel kind, it certainly has its benefits and thus, this alternative material is well-worth exploring.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Aluminium Radiators
When deciding whether or not to embark on a new product, it is always a good idea to consider the pros and cons. This is particularly important when it comes to furnishing your house and deciding what appliances you want around.
While the manufacturing of aluminium radiators has certainly gained momentum, you’ll want to add up the pros and cons before changing your entire heating system and a total revamp can become a costly affair. Knowledge is Afterall power, and these pros and cons will help you to make an informed decision.
So, let’s start with the advantages of this quality metal! If you choose an aluminium radiator, you will enjoy the following advantages:
Pros:
A fantastic conductor of heat and energy efficient: Since aluminium is a fantastic heat conductor, it can heat up any room really fast! As such, it can save you on those energy bills as it heats up in an instant. Moreover, you won’t have to wait as long to make your room toasty. This is perfect when you get home late from work on a cold winters night and want your house to reach a higher temperature instantly.
Durable and rust-resistant: There is a reason why aluminium has gained such popularity, and it is largely due to its robust nature. Since it is an alloyed metal it is super durable and will not rust easily. As such, the installation of aluminium radiators could seriously save you in the long run as they won’t have to be replaced any time soon.
Environmentally friendly and money-saving: If you’re conscious about the environment, then aluminium is a brilliant material to use in your house. Since it can be easily recycled, you don’t have to worry about your carbon footprint.
Mailable and easy to shape: Added to these impressive advantages, is the malleable nature of aluminium as a material. This means that it can be shaped into a variety of impressive and interesting shapes.
If you have a flair for design and are looking for a stylish radiator to compliment your decor, aluminium could be an excellent choice and will enable you to choose the perfect radiator style. Opt for horizontal models, vertical designs, and choose from an array of exciting colours. In fact, when it comes to designer radiators, there are some gorgeous models on the market. Whether you want a wall model or a towel rail, there is something for everyone!
Cons:
Like all materials, there are also some cons when it comes to aluminium radiators. These include:
They can lose heat faster: While aluminium radiators are fantastic conductors of heat, this has another side; they can also lose heat faster than stainless steel models. While this might be great if there is a quick change of weather, it might mean that the radiators cool down faster in the cooler months and you will have to keep the central heating on for longer. Nonetheless, they also heat up much faster and when it all pans out, this should save you overall.
Initially more expensive to install: Aluminium radiators are more costly to install than steel radiators. However, you should make this money back in the long run as they are more durable, need less maintenance, and heat up much faster than steel radiators or cast-iron models. Since aluminium hardly rusts, you also won’t have to worry about fixing corrosion and holes.
You’ll need a few: If you want to make the transition and choose an aluminium radiator, you will need to change the central heating system in your house to make it worthwhile. If you add only one aluminium model to the mix, you could cause problems and lead to the corrosion of your central heating system.
Changing one radiator can mess up the equilibrium of the entire system and cause a mix-up of chemicals within the water. This can ultimately lead to corrosion. As such, it is best to change all the radiators in your home, rather than having a range of different models or find a specialised inhibitor to protect your system. While this might seem costly at first, it should pay off over time.
Why Buy Aluminium Radiators?
Aluminium radiators, while initially more cost when it comes to installation can save you money in the long run. This is twofold; firstly they conduct heat faster and use less energy, and secondly, thanks to their durability and rust-resistance, they won’t need replacing any time soon. Moreover, with their recyclable nature, they are the perfect option for anyone wanting t live more sustainably.
While many customers are deterred by the initial price factor, these savings can go a long way.
How Much does an Aluminium Radiator Cost?
The cost of your aluminium radiator will depend largely on the design, your existing heating system, and the number of new radiators that you need. The price will largely depend on the distributor that you choose and is thus a highly personal endeavour. However, they are usually more costly at first than stainless steel options. However, you will probably save in the long run when it comes to energy bills.
Conclusion
Opting for an aluminium radiator is a largely personal choice and will depend on your budget, aesthetic, and heating provisions in your home. This power-house metal is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to do their bit for the environment and wants to opt for more sustainable materials going forward.
Despite the initial price tag that comes with changing up your radiators, they can offer several amazing benefits in the long run. Excitingly, there are some gorgeous designer varieties on the market and these can amp up our home decor and become a real statement item in your home.
If you are keen to explore these benefits further, chat with the experts today and check out the myriad of aluminium advantages available!