If you are in need of a new boiler and are not sure what type of hot water cylinder you require, please get in touch with our central heating engineers here at BCU Plumbing. Our team of gas engineers are fully qualified and highly experienced, making them the right team of professionals to fit your new boiler or central heating system and they are Gas Safe registered too!
We serve the whole of the Medway, Kent, Gravesend and Dartford areas. Please don’t hesitate and give our team of heating engineers a call today on 07712 172171.
Types of Hot Water Cylinders
There are only two types of hot water cylinders. These are vented and unvented. A hot water cylinder on your property stores and heats the hot water required for your daily use. The type of boiler you have or want to have installed will dictate the type of hot water cylinder you require. A system boiler requires an unvented hot water system whilst a regular boiler needs a vented hot water cylinder.
What is the difference between a vented and an unvented cylinder?
Vented Hot Water Cylinders
A vented hot water cylinder requires a cold water storage tank situated in your loft. The cold water travels down from the cold storage tank to the bottom of the hot water cylinder. When the water is heated, it expands. The hot water tank is vented so any excess water travels back into the cold water storage tank.
Unvented Hot Water Cylinders
An unvented hot water cylinder is connected directly to the means. They do not require a cold water storage tank. As there is no vent pipe, the unvented system has an expansion unit.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Vented and Unvented Cylinders
The heating engineers at BCU Plumbing have compiled a list of both the advantages and the disadvantages of vented and unvented hot water cylinders. If you require further assistance on the subject matter, please don’t hesitate and contact one of our central heating engineers today by viewing our contact details down below.
The benefits of vented cylinders:
- Often cheaper and easier to install.
- Easy to upkeep and maintain.
- If the mains water is shut off, you still have access to the cold water storage tank situated in your loft.
The disadvantages of vented cylinders:
- It is a gravity-fed system, which will affect the pressure of the water.
- Taps upstairs are often weaker than that downstairs. This can be reminded with an additional pump.
- The cold water tank can possibly freeze over or become contaminated (not very likely!)
The benefits of unvented systems:
- More compact in size as there is no water tank.
- Flexibility in where it can be installed.
- Often provides stronger water pressure.
- No water tank, so no risk of contamination or frozen water.
The disadvantages of unvented systems:
- More expensive to install.
- More expensive to maintain.
- If the mains water is switched off, you will have no hot water.
- Not always compatible with all power showers.
Please speak with one of our heating engineers if you require more information.
Which type of hot water cylinder should you install?
Which type of hot water cylinder will be best for your property? Our central heating engineers suggest that you consider the following factors when making your decision:
- Your existing central heating system. It is often wise to install a like-for-like system.
- The strength of the water pressure.
- The size of your home.
- Your budget. Unvented hot water cylinders are more expensive and complicated to install.
- The size of the hot water cylinder you require.
Whether to have an unvented or a vented hot water cylinder can be a difficult decision. If you need guidance or advice, please don’t hesitate and call our team today on 07712 172171. We will be more than happy to assist you.
Contact BCU Plumbing Today
Our team here at BCU Plumbing pride ourselves in the high standard of our work. Our gas engineers and heating engineers are hard working, trustworthy professionals no matter the job. Please take a look at our previous work on our gallery page or check out the reviews left by our wonderful customers.
So whether you are after a gas boiler service, a boiler repair or an installation of a new vented central heating system, we are the team to call. You can contact one of our central heating engineers on 07712 172171. If you would prefer, you can contact us via email at bcuplumbing@hotmail.com, where a member of our team will respond to your query as quickly as possible.
