Where is the best place to put an unvented cylinder?
Where is the best place to put an unvented cylinder? An unvented cylinder can be installed anywhere in the property; however, the best place for it is usually a location that is close to the main hot water outlets, easy to access for servicing, and suitable for the weight and safety requirements of the cylinder.
In many UK homes, an unvented hot water cylinder is installed in an airing cupboard, utility room, garage, plant room, loft space or dedicated cylinder cupboard. Unlike a traditional vented cylinder, an unvented cylinder does not need a cold water storage tank in the loft, because it is fed directly from the mains water supply. This provides more flexibility over where it can be installed.
One of the main considerations is pipework distance. Ideally, the cylinder should be positioned reasonably close to bathrooms, showers, baths and kitchens. This helps reduce the time it takes for hot water to reach the tap and can reduce heat loss from long pipe runs. In larger properties, secondary hot water circulation may be required to improve hot water delivery times.
Our range of direct unvented hot water cylinders are detailed on this webpage – direct unvented cylinders , and our indirect unvented cylinders are detailed here: indirect unvented hot water cylinders
Installation and servicing requirements
The cylinder must also be installed somewhere with safe access for maintenance and servicing. The pressure relief valves, expansion vessel, controls, immersion heater, tundish and discharge pipework must be accessible. The discharge pipe must also be routed safely to a suitable termination point.
Weight is another important factor. A full unvented cylinder is very heavy, so the floor structure must be strong enough to support it. This is especially important if the cylinder is being installed in a loft or upper floor cupboard.
Loft installations are possible, but they need careful planning. There must be safe access, adequate lighting, a suitable working platform, frost protection and enough structural support.
In simple terms, the best place for an unvented cylinder is a strong, accessible, frost-protected location close to the main hot water outlets, with a suitable route for safety discharge pipework. All unvented cylinders should be installed and maintained by a suitably qualified G3-competent installer.
