Unvented Systems - the Future of Domestic Hot Water is Here
Tal Potishman asked:
Unvented hot water systems are finally growing in popularity in the UK, which is still mostly reliant on gravity fed systems throughout the housing stock. This system which has its roots in the nineteenth century, suffers from low pressure of hot water (especially in the top floors), and limited availability of hot water to more than one user. It is common for one user to have a shower, only to be surprised by a splash of cold water as soon as another household member turns on the hot water tap elsewhere in the house. Compare this with a steady pressure (equal to the mains pressure of the cold water) all around the house even if more than one tap is used at any point in time.
With many new houses now boasting two or more bathrooms, along with an impressive array of systems that use hot water (Jacuzzi, jet shower), users do not accept a system that cannot cope with the hot water demands of modern life. With long working hours, time in the home is valuable and people these days do not want to wait for the hot water, nor do they accept a trickle form the hot water shower. An unvented cylinder and central heating system is the answer, providing virtually unlimited volume of hot water, in a convenient pressure for the shower or any other domestic use.
There are three main groups of materials that are used in the manufacturing of unvented cylinders. Each of these has their respective advantages and disadvantages. The three types of materials are copper, Stainless Steel and sheet metal.
* Copper tanks - their price has rocketed in recent years following the commodity’s sharp price rises. Copper tanks are relatively light and easy to maneuver into the house. However, they are less effective at heat retention and suffer from heat loss unless covered with a very thick insulation.
* Stainless Steel shell - offers middle ground in terms of heat retention and weight compared to the other technologies. Their longer lifetime (over 20 years) is reflected in their substantially higher prices.
* Sheet metal shell - offers the best heat retention properties, and is cheapest of the three technologies. Although heaviest of the three, sheet metal shells are highly popular in the rest of Europe and normally come with an inner enamel glazing, thus reducing build up of scale.
There are several important parameters to remember when choosing your unvented hot water cylinder:
* Volume and external dimensions - a typical household (4-5 people) in the UK will require a 200 liter cylinder. However, the cylinders come in different shapes and dimensions. Make sure to check the width and height of the cylinder, so that it fits in the airing cupboard (or any other space you plan to position the tank in).
* Heat retention properties - check the heat loss specifications of the cylinder. A good cylinder will lose very little heat (e.g. less than 3 kW per 24 hours). This will reduce energy wastage and cut your heating bills.
* Manufacturers service and warranty - although unvented tanks have good record of reliability (they have virtually no moving parts), it is important to note what warranty and service level is provided by the manufacturer.
Rebecca
Unvented hot water systems are finally growing in popularity in the UK, which is still mostly reliant on gravity fed systems throughout the housing stock. This system which has its roots in the nineteenth century, suffers from low pressure of hot water (especially in the top floors), and limited availability of hot water to more than one user. It is common for one user to have a shower, only to be surprised by a splash of cold water as soon as another household member turns on the hot water tap elsewhere in the house. Compare this with a steady pressure (equal to the mains pressure of the cold water) all around the house even if more than one tap is used at any point in time.
With many new houses now boasting two or more bathrooms, along with an impressive array of systems that use hot water (Jacuzzi, jet shower), users do not accept a system that cannot cope with the hot water demands of modern life. With long working hours, time in the home is valuable and people these days do not want to wait for the hot water, nor do they accept a trickle form the hot water shower. An unvented cylinder and central heating system is the answer, providing virtually unlimited volume of hot water, in a convenient pressure for the shower or any other domestic use.
There are three main groups of materials that are used in the manufacturing of unvented cylinders. Each of these has their respective advantages and disadvantages. The three types of materials are copper, Stainless Steel and sheet metal.
* Copper tanks - their price has rocketed in recent years following the commodity’s sharp price rises. Copper tanks are relatively light and easy to maneuver into the house. However, they are less effective at heat retention and suffer from heat loss unless covered with a very thick insulation.
* Stainless Steel shell - offers middle ground in terms of heat retention and weight compared to the other technologies. Their longer lifetime (over 20 years) is reflected in their substantially higher prices.
* Sheet metal shell - offers the best heat retention properties, and is cheapest of the three technologies. Although heaviest of the three, sheet metal shells are highly popular in the rest of Europe and normally come with an inner enamel glazing, thus reducing build up of scale.
There are several important parameters to remember when choosing your unvented hot water cylinder:
* Volume and external dimensions - a typical household (4-5 people) in the UK will require a 200 liter cylinder. However, the cylinders come in different shapes and dimensions. Make sure to check the width and height of the cylinder, so that it fits in the airing cupboard (or any other space you plan to position the tank in).
* Heat retention properties - check the heat loss specifications of the cylinder. A good cylinder will lose very little heat (e.g. less than 3 kW per 24 hours). This will reduce energy wastage and cut your heating bills.
* Manufacturers service and warranty - although unvented tanks have good record of reliability (they have virtually no moving parts), it is important to note what warranty and service level is provided by the manufacturer.
Rebecca
