Vented vs Unvented Hot Water Cylinders

The two main types of hot water tanks are vented and unvented hot water cylinders. Vented is actually the much older style whereas unvented and pressurised is new. Modern advancements in heating also mean that the choice is greater than ever so if you’re baffled about which hot water tank you need then you have come to the right blog. From the many benefits to homeowners to the expected and small downsides, here’s what you need to know about vented and unvented hot water cylinders.

What are Vented Hot Water Cylinders?

A vented hot water cylinder is the traditional approach to water storage. An earlier style of vessel, vented cylinders are generally supplied by a large cold water tank. The cold water is then heated via an immersion heater or boiler in which the cylinder then uses gravity to drive hot water around the home. As they are simple in their construction, vented hot water cylinders tend to be cheaper than unvented. They can also be beneficial for homeowners because they require almost no maintenance. One challenge, however, to think about is the potential of low water pressure. This is probably one of the main drawbacks of vented due to its heavy reliance on gravity.

What are Unvented Hot Water Cylinders?

Moving swiftly on to the modern version we have unvented hot water cylinders. A heating concept that was only legalised in 1986, unvented is a popular choice with homeowners and works with a pressurised system. There is also no need for a cold water tank which is great for saving on space. Instead, the sealed hot water cylinder is fed directly by the cold water mains and means that hot water can be delivered at mains pressure. Other benefits to opting for unvented is that they are ideal for a high water demand. They are also much quieter than a vented system and offer a considerably better shower performance.

Specialists in Unvented Hot Water Cylinders

We hope you have enjoyed reading about the difference between vented and unvented hot water tanks. When any of these systems are fitted to a high standard they can last for up to 30 years. After that, they start to age, however, and can potentially even leak so if you suspect anything untoward with your cylinder perhaps it’s worth investigating.

At Direct Heating Installations, our range of unvented hot water cylinders are great for both new installations and replacements. They additionally promise much higher flow rates for an enjoyable shower year round. To find out more why not take a look at our cylinders information page or alternatively, you can contact our team to arrange your free quotation. Thank you for reading.