Aluminium radiator vs steel radiator costs
2 October 2023
Steel radiators are often more budget-friendly than aluminium radiators, but aluminium radiators are quick heat-up and can lead to reduced energy bills.
How can you weigh up the costs of installing aluminium radiator vs steel radiator
To weigh up the costs of installing aluminium radiators versus steel radiators, you'll need to consider various factors before making your purchase. Whilst installation and maintenance are roughly the same, aluminium radiators are generally more expensive to buy, but cheaper to run in certain circumstances. The aesthetics of radiators is a personal choice, so we'll put that to one side. The critical factors boil down to the space you need to heat, and the age, style and insulation properties of your house.
Understanding the thermal qualities of aluminium vs steel and running costs
The growing emphasis on energy efficiency and environmentally friendly solutions encouraged the adoption of materials that could enhance heating system performance. A heating system with aluminium radiators might be more energy-efficient and potentially cheaper to run compared to a system with steel radiators. Steel radiators can be more energy-efficient than aluminium radiators in specific scenarios.
Aluminium radiators
- Have better heat conductivity than steel radiators, and contain less water than a traditional steel radiator, heat up more quickly, which means they heat the space around them faster.
- Can achieve the same heat output using lower water temperatures compared to steel radiators. Lower water temperatures can contribute to energy savings, especially if the heating system is connected to a condensing boiler or renewable energy heat source.
- Respond faster to changes in temperature settings, so if fitted with a Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV) can lead to a more comfortable environment and better control over room temperatures.
Steel radiators
- Better heat retention, because steel has a higher thermal mass, so retain heat and continue to emit warmth even after the heating system turns off.
- Gradual decrease in room temperature after the heating system has been turned off.
- Better thermal inertia, ideal in spaces such as bedrooms, living rooms, or spaces where people spend extended periods, where a slower rate of temperature change is desirable.
Summary:
Aluminium radiators are great if you have a highly insulated house, as it will heat the space faster, and the thermal properties of the house will retain the heat emitted for longer.
Steel radiators are better if your house is older and has poor insulation compared to a modern house. This means they can retain heat and continue to emit warmth even after the heating system turns off. Helping maintain a relatively stable environment for longer periods without constant cycling of the heating system.
In general, a heating system with aluminium radiators might be more energy-efficient and potentially cheaper to run compared to a system with steel radiators. However, when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of a heating system, factors such as insulation, heating habits, local energy prices, and the overall efficiency of the heating system itself also play significant roles.
