Your hot water cylinder is a tank used for storing your hot water so is the most vital part of your hot water system. In the UK your hot water cylinder is usually part of the central heating system but in some cases where a property does not have central heating fitted, the hot water cylinder is there to simply heat the water and to supply it to the taps.
There are two main categories available; hot water cylinders and unvented cylinders. Both types need to be installed by a qualified heating professional. West Sussex Heating are the experts in hot water cylinder and unvented cylinder installation and will be able to advise you on the best solution for your household.
A vented hot water cylinder gets its water supply from the water tank stored in the loft, whereas an unvented hot water cylinder is supplied with water direct from the mains.
Vented hot water cylinders are used with a regular boiler system which is the type of system that was once the most common in the UK. It is described as vented because a vent is used to connect the cylinder to the water supply tank. The venting allows the water to expand safely in the cylinder and will ensure that any excess water is condensed safely into the cold tank.
West Sussex Heating uses Gledhill, a British manufacturer of all types of hot water cylinders. This company specialises in vented hot water cylinders as well as unvented models and renewable heating options and is a name you can trust.
An unvented hot water cylinder which gets its water supply from the mains does not require any extra venting. Instead the water is delivered at the same pressure as the external supply. Because the water is pressurised in the tank as it heats, it ensures a powerful water flow.
Here at West Sussex Heating we use British company Joule as one of our main suppliers of unvented hot water cylinders. This reliable company has a wide range of cylinders in many different sizes and come with a 25 year guarantee and 2 years warranty.
If you have a water tank in your loft and a regular boiler system, you will need a vented hot water cylinder. This is because your existing pipe work and radiators may not be able to withstand the extra pressure of an unvented system.
The only exception to this rule is if your mains water pressure is consistently low. If this is your case you probably can have an unvented hot water cylinder without it causing problems to your existing system. However in cases of low pressure like this, often a better option is to fit a vented hot water cylinder and add an additional water pump in order to push the water round more effectively.
Always ask for professional advice before you decide. West Sussex Heating will be able to advise you on the best options for safety and comfort.
There are two types of hot water cylinder so let’s take a look to find out what is best for you. They both work in slightly different ways.
This type of hot water cylinder heats up the water with an electric immersion heater and stores it in the cylinder. This is a standalone water heater that does not require any connection to the central heating system. To keep costs down they can be programmed to heat when the electricity tariff is low such as overnight.
A direct hot water cylinder is a good choice if you are limited for space and don’t have access to gas or oil powered central heating or solar energy.
An indirect hot water cylinder uses an external method for heating the water such as gas, oil or solar energy and is part of your central heating system. The water is fed into the tank and the coil or heat exchanger is used to heat the water in the cylinder but is powered by an external heat source rather than electricity.
Many indirect hot water cylinders are also fitted with an electric immersion heater as a back up which can be used if you don’t want to have your central heating switched on or the power source fails.
An indirect hot water cylinder is a good choice if you are trying to save money on energy bills because it can be integrated into your central heating system. So if you have gas or oil central heating or want to take advantage of free solar energy, an indirect hot water cylinder that uses these power sources is the best option for economy.
Here at West Sussex Heating, we only use the best hot water cylinders available.
Hot water cylinder installation is a technically challenging job that requires years of training. Hot water, electricity and high pressure can be a dangerous combination in the wrong hands so never be tempted to go it alone and fit your hot water cylinder DIY. Otherwise it could be catastrophic for your household and cause serious injury.
Here at West Sussex Heating you can rely on a high level of professionalism and competence. All our engineers are qualified plumbing and heating engineers so will be able to install your hot water system so that you never need to consider it again.
To find out which type of hot water cylinder is best for your needs, contact West Sussex Heating for a non-obligation visit and benefit from our years of experience and expertise with all types of hot water cylinder.
Call West Sussex Heating today to arrange a free Hot Water Cylinder or Unvented Cylinder Quote and for advice on how to manage your cylinder installation. It is always important to call in a trusted and accredited professional for genuine honest advice.
For customers in the West Sussex area, West Sussex Heating is a local company you can trust. Check out our excellent reviews on Checkatrade and Trustpilot and get in touch to book your free quote today!
