Unvented Hot Water Cylinders Available For All Your Needs

Nowadays, hot water cylinders are found in different makes and molds. The decision that a buyer takes when it comes to install a hot water system is whether he/she requires a vented or an unvented cylinder. The classification is based on three factors – Resource, Heating and Storage.

Functions and Mechanisms:

Unvented Hot Water Cylinders take water directly into the cylinder by using the mains pressure. It can easily provide hot water flow at a constant rate. There is no need to put up a cold water storage tank in the loft and additional space for connecting pipelines is also redundant. Unlike vented cylinder system, it does not rely on gravitational force for water pressure and movement. For one thing, pressure from the mains water supply gives user the freedom to put the hot water cylinder anywhere of his/her choice and necessity.

They provide higher water flow rates and generally offer relatively stronger pressure for better functioning of showers, taps and other appliances. But over reliance on the pressure of mains water supply sometimes can affect the operation if mains do not flow with consistent pressure.

Unvented Hot Water Cylinders use the principles of thermodynamics. It has a built in heat immersion element which relies on electricity as a power source. But it also makes it more expensive a device than others that use a heat exchanger. There is an external or internal expansion system, normally a metal container or a rubber made diaphragm, having two chambers, attached to a cylinder to allow the water to expand, when heated. Sometimes air bubble mechanism is used to operate expansion.

Materials and molds:

Unvented Hot Water Cylinders are made of copper, stainless steel or glass lined steel. Copper is used extensively in residential purpose as it is easy to cut, mold or fold. Stainless steel is highly corrosion resistant and more durable. Glass Lined Steel is capable of sustaining higher pressure and widely produced and used for its cost effectiveness.

Safety and Maintenance :

Unvented Hot Water Cylinders are safer options as home appliances. But pre-cautions should be taken in cases of pressure failure and overheating. Pressure malfunction takes place due to faulty pressure reduction valve or mixer valve. To address the issue of over pressure, a pressure limiting valve should be fixed to control the pressure that can destabilize the cylinder. Moreover, to supplement it, a pressure relief valve, which can discharge water outside, in case pressure surpasses a certain limit, have to also be fitted as pressure limiting valve can also fail. Overheating at times may lead to splitting the system or even explosion. An over temperature discharge valve may resolve this issue by discharging over heated water outside the system.

Because of its potentially hazardous nature, the installation of Unvented Hot Water Cylinders should be notified to local regulators and watchdogs. For its specialized functions and operational novelty, it requires professional expertise to install the device.  Professional installers also need special qualification criteria to be eligible to install it. Annual maintenance commitments are always advisable to ensure safety.