An aluminium radiator or a steel one? That is the question.

AN ALUMINIUM RADIATOR OR A STEEL ONE? THAT IS THE QUESTION.

Although the question is difficult, the answer is not very complicated. You just need to discover the advantages of aluminium radiators to have no doubts about what to choose for the central heating system in your home. So what are the characteristic features of panel radiators and sectional ones? How do they work? What is their efficiency? What should you pay attention to when choosing a particular model?

With an aluminium radiator, you save!

First of all, you save water. In a 10-section aluminium radiator there are only 3 litres of water, which is much less than in the case of cast-iron radiators or steel panel radiators of a similar size.

Secondly, you save energy. An aluminium radiator is much lighter than a steel radiator with the same thermal capacity, so it heats up and gives off heat faster. You can save energy, pay lower bills and have greater thermal comfort at the same time.

Apart from the energy savings, there are also some financial benefits worth mentioning: an aluminium radiator is simply cheaper than a steel radiator of a similar size. The price can be even up to 50% lower. Additionally, aluminium radiators are corrosion- and abrasion-resistant, which means it won’t be necessary to replace them for a very long time.

KFA Armatura offers a 20-year warranty on its radiators (which is the longest warranty period available on the Polish market).

THERMAL COMFORT

Aluminium is material that heats up and gives off thermal energy quickly, thanks to which an aluminium radiator heats up several times faster than a steel panel or cast-iron radiator of similar power and even a dozen or so times faster than underfloor heating. Radiators made of a combination of aluminium alloys conduct heat better than steel radiators.

Additionally, properly contoured air blades, such as those available in the KFA Armatura radiators, direct the heat towards the centre of a room, and not upwards which prevents it from bouncing off the windowsill (as it happens in the case of panel radiators). This kind of heat distribution is more effective and makes the entire room warm up faster.

Regardless of whether you choose an aluminium radiator or a steel one, you should remember that thermal comfort is also influenced by thermostatic heads which allow you to adjust the temperature of your radiator in a very convenient way.

EASY ADJUSTMENT AND ASSEMBLY

Aluminium radiators are usually called ribbed radiators because they are made of several or a dozen or so identical sections that create sets with specific sizes tailored to the thermal requirements of a particular room. Thanks to this, it is easy to choose the size of an aluminium radiator depending on the thermal demands of your home. And if, even after assembly, it turns out that you have installed radiators with too much power (or too little), you can add or remove some sections. There is no such possibility if you have cast-iron radiators or if you have chosen steel radiators.

The patented bottom connection used in the KFA aluminium radiators makes the assembly process much easier. When working on your heating system design, you no longer have to worry about whether the radiator in a given room will be connected to the wall or to the floor. The bottom connection is also more aesthetically-pleasing.

PROTECTED AGAINST CORROSION

Importantly, thanks to the anaphoretic process applied by KFA Armatura during the production, aluminium radiators can be connected to any type of system. They are well protected against the destructive effects of corrosion (a loss of tightness is not possible), even in the case of connecting the radiators to copper systems. There is no need to use corrosion inhibitors.

Thanks to being corrosion-resistant, the KFA Armatura radiators can be installed in both closed and open circuits, and even in bathrooms with high humidity. Steel radiators, due to the material they are made of, are less resistant to corrosion (although they may be less prone to mechanical damage).

appearance also matters

Speaking of aesthetic qualities – what are the characteristic features of different radiator types? Aluminium radiators are certainly easier to keep clean. In the case of steel radiators, the air outlets are located on the top which is an ideal place for dust to accumulate. The shape of aluminium radiators eliminates this problem. The surfaces where dust can accumulate are relatively small and easy to clean.

Thanks to the availability of various colours, aluminium radiators can be easily adapted to the design of any room. The classic white radiator will work well in many interiors since it matches different materials. The graphite radiator, which has an interesting texture, will be a good choice for loft-style interiors, while the black radiator will be perfect for modern designs.

innovative solutions among aluminium radiators

Aluminium radiators also involve innovative solutions, such as the aluminium radiator with silver ions which fights bacteria and other microorganisms. The KFA Armatura radiator is covered with a special AkzoNobel Interpon AM coating with a certified antimicrobial technology produced by the company BioCote Ltd from Great Britain. It is an agent with active silver ions that prevents the microorganisms such as bacteria, moulds and fungi from multiplying and surviving.

The products which use the patented technology are effective in combating viruses, including the H1N1 influenza virus. The antimicrobial technology has been proven to deactivate the AH1N1 influenza virus and even reduce a strain of the coronavirus family by as much as 90% within 2 hours.

By replacing an old steel radiator with an antibacterial aluminium one, you can gain two benefits at the same time: greater thermal efficiency (thanks to the advantages of aluminium) and the possibility to take care of your and your family’s health.

so: aluminium radiators of steel radiators?

There is only one correct answer: the aluminium radiators by KFA Armatura.

And if you want to learn more about the topic: an aluminium radiator or a steel one, tap the link and read our brochure.