There are many options when it comes to baseboard covers including many options in finish, as well as materials. 

When it comes to metal baseboard cover materials, we offer two metals: steel and aluminum. Each of these materials has their own advantages and disadvantages. Really what it boils down to is what each specific consumer and property owner is looking for when it comes to their baseboard heating options.

Here is a closer look at steel vs aluminium and what both of these different baseboard heat cover products have to offer once installed:

Steel

Quality

Steel is a very durable and high quality metal that is often used for heater covers. One of the biggest benefits of using galvanized steel is that it is very resistant to rusting over time. 

Efficiency

Steel easily conducts heat which makes a baseboard cover made out of steel a very efficient option. Even when you turn off your heating system, steel will retain its heat for a much longer amount of time than other materials so you will be reaping the benefits for some time after which saves you money on energy costs.

Pros:

• Steel will retain its heat for a much longer amount of time saving energy costs

Cons:

• Steel is slightly less conductive than aluminum, and takes longer to warm up

Aluminum

Quality

Aluminium has the ability to be a fantastic conductor. The thermal conductivity of aluminum is far better than that of stainless steel. Aluminium has the ability to respond very quickly to a change in setting which gives you optimal control over the comfort level of your home or office.

Efficiency

Aluminium is able to emit heat very easily and efficiently. When you turn on your heating system that has an aluminium cover you can expect your home or office to warm up in a very short amount of time. Aluminum radiators require very little water content in order to heat a room which equates to lower monthly bills as well. .

Pros:

• Aluminum is highly conductive and will heat up very quickly
• Aluminum is non-corrosive and will not rust so you will find the quality is retained for many years

Cons:

• Aluminum loses heat faster, and will not retain heat as long as steel

Final Verdict

There are both advantages of disadvantages to different baseboard cover material options and there is a lot to think about when it comes to steel vs. aluminium baseboard heat covers. 

It's important to note that the main source of heat from hydronic baseboard heaters is natural convective heat transfer, not the radiative heat that comes from your baseboard cover. Hydronic baseboard heaters have a fin tube element. Convection heat results from heating the air by placing it in contact with the fin tube heating element. This is commonly known as the "chimney effect". Cold air enters the heater/heating element from the opening at the bottom of the cover and is warmed by the heating element then leaves the heater through the opening at the top of the cover. This is because warm air rises while cold air tends to descend (think of hot air balloons). Thus the differences in radiative properties of the cover materials and their ability to conduct and maintain heat are relatively insignificant.

Really the winner comes down to what a person wants from their baseboard cover. 

At  Vent + Cover we offer baseboard heat covers to suit everyone’s preferences and needs. Not only will our replacement baseboard heat covers keep your home or office warm and cozy year round but they are also aesthetically pleasing and will look great for years to come.