| Central heating radiators have blossomed over | | | | retain heat longer than aluminium items. This |
| the last few decades. No longer are you limited to | | | | means they keep you home warmer for longer |
| white, grey or black radiators made of cast iron. | | | | after you switch off your central heating. |
| Now your radiator showroom is graced with an | | | | Stainless steel also gives a very attractive finish |
| array of futuristic creations of all shapes and | | | | and it's easy to keep clean. You just need to wipe |
| colours. But one important first decision is your | | | | it down with warm water and detergent a few |
| choice of radiator material. Your major options | | | | times a year. |
| are cast iron, stainless steel and aluminium | | | | On the downside, stainless steel's quality doesn't |
| radiators. To help you pick the best radiator | | | | come cheap. |
| material for you, here's a look at the upsides and | | | | Finally let's look at aluminium radiators. Compared |
| downsides of the three materials. | | | | to cast iron and stainless steel, aluminium is a |
| Cast iron was one of the first materials used for | | | | super conductor. So one of the great things about |
| radiators during Victorian times. Cast iron takes a | | | | aluminium radiators is their responsiveness and the |
| long time to heat up but takes a long time to cool | | | | control that gives you. With aluminium radiators, |
| down too. So it keeps you warm long after you | | | | you can turn on your central heating when you |
| turn off your central heating. In the old days of | | | | get home and your house or apartment warms |
| poorly insulated building, these qualities made cast | | | | up immediately. |
| iron radiators a sensible choice. However, in | | | | Plus aluminium radiators have low water content |
| today's modern homes, these properties are far | | | | and are highly responsive to thermostat changes. |
| less important. | | | | This converts to excellent cost efficiency and |
| Cast iron radiators are most popular with people | | | | lower bills for you. Aluminium is non-corrosive. |
| who want a Victorian ambiance in their homes. | | | | And, aluminium radiators are very light and easy |
| But you should be aware that you can now get | | | | to install. The result is often lower installation fees. |
| stainless steel radiators that give you the retro | | | | Lastly, there's the matter of sheer style and good |
| look of a cast iron radiator, complete with kitschy | | | | looks. Aluminium radiators are available to |
| claw feet. | | | | harmonize with any surroundings. Ultimately, the |
| This brings us to your next option in radiator | | | | great thing about aluminium radiators is the infinite |
| materials - stainless steel. Stainless steel is a very | | | | range of styles, finishes and colours available. |
| high quality material with a number of desirable | | | | All these radiator materials have their good points |
| properties. For one thing, stainless steel does not | | | | but the blend of function, beauty and economy |
| rust. | | | | means that aluminium radiators come across as |
| What's more, stainless steel is an efficient | | | | the clear winner. |
| conductor of heat. Plus stainless steel radiators | | | | |