VENTED & UNVENTED CYLINDERS

Vented & Unvented Cylinders

Hot water is a necessity in every modern home, but achieving it isn’t always as simple as it could be. We aim to change that, making the process as easy and stress-free for you as possible. That’s why cylinder installation and repair is a core part of our plumbing services. But with a range of options for hot water cylinders on the market, you need to know which will best provide your own heating needs. Here’s some core information to bear in mind when making your decision.

Differences between vented and unvented cylinders

A vented cylinder connects to a water tank via a vent pipe, whereas an unvented cylinder is connected directly to your main water supply – this is the crucial difference between the two. The vent pipe helps control air pressure in a vented cylinder, thereby preventing it from overheating. An unvented cylinder avoids this by converting mains water into heated water only when you need it. There are benefits to both, and which you choose may depend on what suits best based on your home environment and budget.

Benefits of a vented hot water cylinder

The main initial consideration when it comes to vented cylinders is space. As they need to connect to a hot water storage tank, you’ll need to factor that into your decision. This is balanced by some nice benefits though. Here are a few to think about:

• An immediate supply of hot water, without the need to rely on your mains
• Can be cheaper to install and maintain thanks to their basic set-up
• Even if your main water supply was cut off, you’d still have access to hot water in the meantime

Benefits of an unvented hot water cylinder

An unvented system doesn’t need any additional tank to support its function and may be preferred on this basis – but this does mean instead that you rely on the mains for your hot water supply, so you won’t have access to hot water if your mains needs to be turned off for any reason. But there are other positive benefits to offset this. Here’s some to consider:

• Can be placed anywhere in the home due to not relying on gravity to function – whereas a vented system is partly dependent on height for good water pressure
• Saves a lot of space due to being self-functioning
• No additional tank also means no chance of water freezing in winter; this is a completely sealed system
• Quieter in general than a vented cylinder

Upkeep and maintenance

Over time, some customers like to convert their current vented cylinders into unvented cylinders to save space in their home – this is something we can do to a high quality. It’s just one aspect of cylinder maintenance that No1PHD have experience with. Otherwise, it’s important to make regular checking and maintenance a priority whether you have a vented or unvented cylinder; you shouldn’t take any chances when it comes to hot water, especially in a family home. Both types of cylinders can last for 10+ years if treated right. Here are some tips for maintaining your hot water cylinder:

• For vented cylinders, consider a thermal tank jacket to protect your extra water tank from freezing up in winter
• Service check-ups provided by our experts are recommended every 12 months
• Look out for key signs of age, such as leaks or rust. If these get too serious, it may be time for a new installation

Even knowing the differences, you may still be unsure whether a vented or unvented cylinder is right for you. We can provide even further advice as needed and offer as much help as you require in your decision; just give us a call today. Whatever the choice, No1PHD will have you ready to go in no time. Call us now on 08006906777 for advice and installation of any vented or unvented cylinder.