About Cylinders
Most homes in the uk require the storage of hot water, unless they use a combination boiler to heat the water. The standard way to store hot water is by using a copper cylinder, which is often located in a airing cupboard. There are two distinct options for how a hot water cylinder receives cold water, in both cases cold water is fed into the base of the cylinder, as it is heated it rises to the top, where it is drawn off and piped to the hot water taps and shower(s). As the hot water is drawn out of the vessel, it is replaced by cold water at the base.
There are a number of options when it comes to how exactly the hot water is stored and disturbuted around your home, and as with most things to choose of which one is best suited to your needs will come down to the space available and your budget.
Heating the water
There are two different methods for heating water within a hot water cylinder, either Directly using a electric immersion heater. or Indirectly using a heat exchanger supplied via a hot water boiler.Both Vented and Unvenetd water cylinders are available in a wider range of sizes, from 74 litres(16 gallons) to 450 litres (99 galoons).A cylinder of 200 litres (44 gallons) will store enough hot water to supply an average family with water for a day, if your family prefer a shower and/or have a large family, it is advisable to consider a large cylinder to ensure your needs are met.
Make sure your new lagged hot water cylinder carries a kitemark. as this ensure the insulating properties will comply with part l of the building requlations, regarding conservation of energy.
Unvented hot water cylinders.
Provides hot water at the mains water pressure throughout the property
Does not require cold water tanks and ventilation pipes.
Works with existing pipe work.
Does not rely on gravity at all so can be located any where with in a property.
Cannot be used with power showers and some mixers shower valves.
Requires specialist installation.
Often more expensive than a vented cylinder.
Vented hot water cylinders.
Can be fitted by a reqular plumber.
Cheaper than alternative storage systems.
Easier to maintain.
Requires a cold water storage tank/
Gravity fed showers may require a pump if performance is unsatisfactory.
