Cylinders

When choosing a new cylinder for your home, the most suitable option will be based on your home set up, available space, and how much water you use in a typical day.

Vented or Unvented?

Vented hot water cylinders are the most common found in homes across the UK. Made of copper, cylinders such as these are filled with cold water from a storage tank likely to be found in the loft. A vent pipe will be required to link the vented hot water cylinder and the cold water in the storage tank.

Hot water will be directed around the home by gravity, which means that hot water pressure will vary according to the height of the water tank above the taps, showers and so on. This could mean better pressure downstairs compared to upstairs. Households using vented cylinders sometimes incorporate an electric pump into their shower system in
order to guarantee strong pressure. Most importantly, they are relatively simple to install and maintain and are the most cost-effective option.

Unvented or thermal store systems differ as they require no cold-water tank; the hot water cylinder is supplied directly from the cold water mains. Generally, households with unvented cylinders see better performance with the flow of water to showers and baths.

Although they are not quite as affordable as the vented cylinders, they do have some key benefits. Most significantly, as you don’t need gravity to move hot water the cylinder can be anywhere in the home, making them ideal for smaller or more obscure properties.

We work with both unvented, thermal store and vented cylinders to provide the right solution for every home. To discuss which one might be best for you, or take a look at our extensive range – get in touch.