What You Need to Know about Chrome Radiators

Are you thinking of buying a chrome radiator? If you are, you need to read this article because we are going to discuss the various things you need to understand about this choice of radiator. They are suitable for some locations and not others, and if you do not understand this, then you might end up buying a radiator that is unsuitable for your needs.

Chrome Radiators & Heat Output

Chrome radiators have a reflective surface. This means that they output less heat than matt radiators. This may come as a surprise to some of you, given that the higher conductivity of the radiator would logically lead you to assume that the heat transmits faster, and so warm the room more. However, what happens is that some of the heat is radiated back into the radiator, and so it ends up heating the radiator more than if it were in a matt finish.

Why would anyone buy a chrome radiator then? Well, the reason is very simple: they work better than matt radiators when a thin layer of material is placed on top of the radiator, i.e. towels. Chrome radiators work much better as towel radiators than matt radiators do, and this is why they are so popular in this style. If you are buying a towel radiator, then, the best option for you is chrome, or some other reflective colour, such as stainless steel or aluminium.

In terms of a standard radiator, e.g. chrome vertical radiators that you would place in a bedroom, living room, or kitchen, chrome is less efficient by around 20%. This makes a substantial difference in the cost of heating the room. Nonetheless, chrome tends to look better than white radiators, which can be boring, and many people choose to absorb the additional cost so that their rooms look better.

Chrome Radiators & Weight

Chrome is a lightweight metal, and so on delicate walls, e.g. plaster board walls or weaker older walls, and it can actually make the most sense to install a chrome radiator. This reduces the pressure and stress on the wall, and minimises the risk of damage to the wall, or the risk of the radiator falling off the wall, which can happen when it’s attached to a structurally weak wall.

The lighter weight also makes the radiator easier to install. It is less heavy, and so easily manipulated. The cost of installing a chrome radiator should be less than the cost of installing a heavier radiator.

Chrome and Rust Resistance

Chrome can occasionally have problems with rust, and so it is fairly common for rust specks to appear on the radiator, especially when used in a hot and humid environment, such as the bathroom. Rust will appear on most radiators to some degree – the only way to avoid it is to buy small electric radiators for the bathroom instead. However, stainless steel also tends to be more rust resistant than chrome. Nonetheless, stainless steel is more expensive, and rust is easy to remove from your radiators, so it’s a matter of cost versus benefit here.

We hope that you have enjoyed reading this article and you now have a better idea about the suitability of chrome radiators for your needs.