If you are thinking about buying a heating cylinder, one of the first factors that should come to mind is whether to choose one that is vented or unvented. The end decision will be dependent on whether the used system is direct or indirect. This refers to the way in which the mains water is supplied to the heating cylinder. For example, if water is heated inside the cylinder using an electric immersion heater, it is referred to as a “direct system”. On the other hand, an “indirect system” will heat the water with a heat exchanger from the boiler.

It is possible to use a combination of both systems in the same home, so it is advisable to be aware of both vented and unvented heating cylinders so you will know exactly what is the right type for you.

Vented Cylinders

In the past, vented heating cylinders were most commonly used in domestic heating systems. As the name suggests, they include a type of vent pipe which opens the cylinder up to atmospheric pressure. A cold water storage tank is fed a supply of water from the mains. It is from this point that the water transitions and feeds into the other appliances within the home. When hot water is needed, the water cylinder utilises a heat exchanger to heat the water before supplying it where needed.

A vented cylinder is the more cost efficient option because of its easy installation process and low maintenance routine. They are definitely the less-complicated choice, making them ideal for users who want to get the job done without any fuss. However, their drawback lies with the cold water storage tank which may take up more space than you would have liked.

Unvented Cylinders

This type of cylinder works from the mains water but instead of using a heat exchanger, an unvented cylinder will use an immersion heater. The water flow is much more fluid and rapid than a vented cylinder due to the pressure accompanied by the mains water supply. It is built to withstand water expansion and high pressure, making it ideal for homeowners who would rather not use a cold water storage tank in their home.

Unvented cylinders clearly have an upside as well as a downside. On one hand, the use of the mains water supply ensures a constant measure of hot water whenever you need it. But on the other hand, they require specialist installation which can be quite expensive in comparison to vented cylinders. Unvented cylinders do not require any cold water storage tanks to operate, which is an added bonus because you do not need to rely on an exterior system to supply the hot water.

Which is better?

Whether you prefer vented or unvented heating cylinders comes down to your personal preference. Heating cylinders from Copper Industries are catered to the individual, which means you can choose which heating cylinder best suits your specific heating requirements.