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  • Vented Hot Water Cylinder Replacement

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    • Vented Hot Water Cylinder Replacement

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  • Vented Hot Water Cylinder Replacement

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    • Blog
    • Vented Hot Water Cylinder Replacement

    Updated: February 12, 2024

    If your vented hot water cylinder is too old to repair or that it’s not working efficiently anymore, then you have come to the right place. Let’s Heat can help you replace your vented cylinder. So if you need Vented Hot Water Cylinder Replacement, get a quote from Let’s Heat today. We provide excellent heating services and our heating engineers are Gas Safe registered. What is more, Our prices are affordable and competitive.

    What is a vented hot water cylinder?

    Vented hot water cylinders are fed with water by using a cold water tank as their source of water supply. The cold water tank is usually located in the loft space of your house. Another name which they are known by is ‘gravity fed water systems’. They rely on gravity to have a powerful water pressure. In addition to being a cheaper alternative to other hot water systems, they are also the most traditional system for households.

    When can I tell if I need a new vented hot water cylinder?

    The lifespan of a vented hot water cylinder is generally over 30 years when they are installed correctly by a professional. An evident sign that your vented cylinder needs replacing is when there is leaking. A leaking cylinder is not to be taken lightly as it can cause serious damage to your property. You can check for damp patches and spots around your cylinder to make sure that there’s no leaking taking place.

    How long does a vented cylinder last?

    Vented hot water cylinders typically have a minimum 25 year guarantee but can last longer if maintained well. Your boiler engineer will be able to carry out comprehensive checks for you to see if the hot water tank needs replacing or if they are working fine.

    Types of vented hot water cylinders

    The capacity of hot water cylinders varies between 90 and 400 litres for domestic supply. They come in different types such as: copper open vented cylinders, stainless steel open vented cylinders, solar open vented cylinders and combination cylinders. Contact us to know more about Vented Hot Water Cylinders.

    Read more: Unvented Hot Water Cylinders

    Vented Hot Water Cylinder Replacement
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    What are the advantages of vented hot water cylinders?

    ● Vented hot water cylinders are usually cheaper to install and they require low maintenance as well.

    ● They are not affected by a low mains pressure since they are supplied from a cold water tank.

    ● They are compatible with all types of water outlets. This includes modern power showers and mixers, too.

    ● They can provide hot water even when the mains supply is cut off due to having a cold water tank to rely on.

    ● A ‘like for like’ swap is possible, which makes replacement an easy task.

    ● They are able to supply several outlets at the same time without having an effect on pressure.

    Read about: TYPES OF BOILER SYSTEMS

    What is the difference between a vented and unvented hot water cylinder?

    The major difference between a vented and unvented water storage cylinder is that an unvented hot water cylinder takes its water supply directly from the mains. You can get hot water out of an unvented cylinder at a much better pressure than a traditional vented cylinder as it is pressurised. While a vented system would take its water supply from a cold water tank, which is located in your loft.

    Can you replace a vented cylinder with an unvented cylinder?

    Changing from a vented to unvented heating system can offer the following benefits: Take up less space as there’s no need for a water tank in the loft. More flexibility in terms of where the cylinder can be installed as it’s being fed water from the mains rather than a cold water tank.

    Read about: Regular Boilers and how does it works

    How do vented hot water cylinders work?

    A vented hot water cylinder needs to be supplied with water by a big tank of cold water that can be kept in the loft. Gravity is essential for the operation of this system. Water will be carried by the natural pull of gravity via a vent pipe down to the hot water cylinder whose job is to heat the water.

    Since vented hot water cylinders rely on gravity, the height of the cold water tank can determine the level of pressure your system can achieve. The greater the height, the more powerful the water pressure will be. That’s why it is important to place the cold water tank in the loft space of your house.

    When the water is heated, it expands. Both the vent pipe and the tank in the loft offer an escape route for the excess, which is resulted from the expansion of hot water. There are two ways to heat the cold water. The first one is done by the use of an immersion heater within the hot water cylinder. The second way is achieved by the use of central heating.

    Read more: Combi boilers common faults  

    Smartadapt
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    Why smartadapt?

    We’re Punctual

    We always aim for simplicity and quality of work. Using the latest and the beat management system to schedule jobs and confirm appointments, send reminders and issue certificates and send bills. We offer next-day installations and emergency services as well. We’re very quick to respond to your call and will be at your doorstep in no time.

    We Care

    Establishing a good relationship with our customers is our priority. We always take the time to understand what your heating requirements are. We do our best so as not to create any sort of disruption to your home or make so much noise.

    Experienced Staff

    Our experience in the heating business has paved the way for us to expand further and provide our services nationwide. We’re very committed to our work. Our engineers are helpful

    and informative.

    They are highly skilled and have a wide knowledge of their trade. Our services include: boiler installation, maintenance, repair and boiler service plan. We work with all types of boilers: heat only boilers, system boilers and combi boilers. We install heat pumps and central heating systems. And we also provide plumbing services

    Read about: Heating Engineer | Plumber In Cardiff

    How long do vented hot water cylinders last?

    The lifespan of a vented hot water cylinder can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the cylinder, maintenance practices, water quality, and usage patterns. On average, a well-maintained vented hot water cylinder can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.

    Regular maintenance is crucial in extending the lifespan of a vented hot water cylinder. Flushing the cylinder annually to remove sediment buildup, checking and replacing sacrificial anodes if necessary, and ensuring proper insulation can help prevent corrosion and prolong the life of the cylinder.

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    cost to replace vented hot water cylinder

    The cost to replace a vented hot water cylinder can vary depending on several factors, including the size and type of cylinder, the complexity of the installation, the location, and any additional work required. On average, the cost of replacing a vented hot water cylinder in the UK can range from £500 to £1,500 or more.

    Here are some cost factors to consider:

    Cylinder Size: The size and capacity of the cylinder can affect the cost. Larger cylinders generally cost more than smaller ones.

    Cylinder Type: There are various types of vented hot water cylinders available, such as copper, stainless steel, or plastic. The material and quality of the cylinder can impact the price.

    Installation Complexity: If the replacement requires significant modifications to the existing plumbing or heating system, such as rerouting pipes or upgrading controls, the cost may be higher.

    Labour Costs: The cost of labour can vary depending on the plumber or heating engineer you hire, their experience, and the location of the property.

    Additional Work: If there are any additional components or accessories needed, such as expansion vessels, pumps, or thermostats, these will add to the overall cost.

    FAQs

    What is the difference between a vented and unvented hot water cylinder?

    The major difference between a vented and unvented water storage cylinder is that an unvented hot water cylinder takes its water supply directly from the mains. You can get hot water out of an unvented cylinder at a much better pressure than a traditional vented cylinder as it is pressurised. While a vented system would take its water supply from a cold water tank, which is located in your loft.

    Do vented cylinders need servicing?

    Having your cylinder serviced yearly ensures that build-up is kept to a minimum and maximises your efficiency and savings.

    How long does a vented cylinder last?

    Vented hot water cylinders typically have a minimum 25 year guarantee but can last longer if maintained well. Your boiler engineer will be able to carry out comprehensive checks for you to see if the hot water tank needs replacing or if they are working fine.

    Can you replace a vented cylinder with an unvented cylinder?

    Changing from a vented to unvented heating system can offer the following benefits: Take up less space as there’s no need for a water tank in the loft. More flexibility in terms of where the cylinder can be installed as it’s being fed water from the mains rather than a cold water tank.