Although new solutions are constantly appearing on the market, heating systems based on radiators are still the most popular. When deciding to install this type of heating, the investor must answer many questions. One of the most important concerns the selection of appropriate radiators. They should look good and at the same time ensure efficient distribution of heated air around the room.
Check out the radiators at the Onninen wholesaler
In addition to properly selected technical parameters, the efficiency of radiators is most influenced by the material from which they are made. Currently, you will find primarily aluminum and steel radiators on the market. What are the characteristics of both types of radiators? Which one will be the better choice in a given case? What should you know about the influence of material on the operation of a radiator? We discuss these issues in a new article.
When will steel radiators work best?
The choice of steel radiators is primarily supported by their versatility. They are available in various sizes, shapes and types of construction (plate and ladder), which allows for easy adjustment to various conditions and spaces. This diversity also allows for easy adjustment of the heating to any room decor.
Another advantage of steel radiators is their efficiency. Even small models are able to heat rooms with a large cubic capacity. Their low weight makes their installation relatively easy. Steel models are also very resistant to mechanical damage. They can be used without any problems in places such as workshops, industrial plants or public utility buildings.
The biggest disadvantage of steel radiators is their susceptibility to corrosion. They can be damaged when exposed to poor quality water in the system. They therefore require regular maintenance and, if necessary, treatment of the water entering the system. Due to the fact that air humidity can accelerate corrosion processes, they are also not recommended for use in bathrooms.
Advantages of heating with an aluminum radiator
When it comes to the advantages of aluminum radiators, the most important is their ability to quickly and efficiently transfer heat to the room. This material also heats up quickly. The construction of aluminum radiators allows for effective heating of rooms, and low thermal inertia makes them an ideal solution for installations with solid fuel boilers.
Unlike steel models, aluminum radiators are also corrosion-resistant. They can be used in places with high humidity without any problems, and their operation is not affected by poor water quality. On the other hand, aluminum is less durable and is easier to damage mechanically. So if the material in a given place may be exposed to impacts or objects falling, a steel radiator will be a better solution.
The last important advantage of radiators is their lightness. Thanks to this, products of this type can be mounted on walls with low load-bearing capacity. They are also easy to carry to high floors or maneuver during installation in hard-to-reach places - e.g. under a windowsill or in narrow rooms.
When deciding to install aluminum radiators, remember that this material has a tendency to electromechanical corrosion in contact with copper. To prevent such problems, it is necessary to use Teflon washers.
Is it better to choose a steel radiator or an aluminum radiator?
Both steel panel radiators and solutions used in KFA aluminum radiators have their advantages and disadvantages. Their use will also be justified in slightly different situations. The risk of mechanical damage speaks in favor of using steel models. A wide range of variants allows you to choose a radiator suitable for virtually any interior - regardless of its volume, shape and the investor's budget.
The aluminum radiator is corrosion-resistant, which allows them to be used without any problems in rooms with high humidity levels or in installations supplied with water with unfavorable parameters. Aluminum radiators also guarantee that heat is evenly and quickly distributed throughout the interior, which will certainly be appreciated by investors looking for a way to heat quickly. The low weight, in turn, makes the 10-fin aluminum radiator easy to install - even in difficult conditions.
As you can see, both types of radiators have different applications, and the choice of a specific type should be preceded by a thorough analysis of the specifics of a given investment. When making a decision, you should take into account primarily the quality of water in the installation, the humidity of the air in a given room and the degree of exposure to mechanical damage. It is also worth familiarizing yourself with the design of the heating installation and checking whether it ensures trouble-free installation of heavy radiators. If not, models made of aluminum will be a better choice.
Steel radiators and aluminum radiators in the Onninen wholesaler
At the Onninen plumbing wholesaler we offer standard plate and ladder radiators. A wide selection of models means that you can easily choose a product that will provide thermal comfort in any room. Our offer includes:
- PURMO PLAN FCV22 steel radiator : steel panel radiator with a smooth front panel with a heating power of 1006W (75/65/20°C). It can be connected from the bottom or after dismantling the valve insert from the side. It is distinguished by a perfectly smooth finish of the front panel. Thanks to its economical style and a wide range of available colors, it is extremely universal - it fits both modern and classic interiors;
- ONNLINE PB 80X050 bathroom radiator : a simple steel ladder radiator, designed for a closed central heating installation protected by a diaphragm expansion tank. It works in an installation made of copper, steel, plastic, powered by a gas, oil, electric boiler, heating network, solar collector and heat pump. The radiator is connected from the floor using 4xGW 1/2" connectors;
- Aluminum radiator FEROLLI PROTEO 450 aluminum radiator with a heating power of 92W (for 75/65/20) and white color. Dimensions of 1 rib are: height 431mm x width 80mm x depth 100mm. Working pressure is 6bar, and the diameter of the connections is an internal thread of 1". An excellent choice for investors looking for a radiator that quickly distributes heat energy.