Hot Water Cylinders vs Water Heaters

Water heaters and hot water cylinders provide a couple of dynamic and efficient options for heating water in your property. 

There are two types of water heaters: tanked heaters and tankless water heaters. 

• Tanked water heaters warm cold water with a gas burner or electric heating rods. 
• Tankless water heaters heat water instantaneously without the use of a storage tank. When the hot tap is turned on, cold water flows through a heat exchanger in the unit and an element heats the water.

A combi boiler is a well known type of water heater. Meanwhile a hot water cylinder is a well-insulated tank which stores water after it has been heated. Hot water from your boiler system is stored and ready to use which means you don’t need to run the heating system constantly and you can save on energy bills.
Here are some of their pros and cons. 

Should I choose a hot water cylinder?

Whether you should choose a hot water cylinder depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Consider these factors:

Space: Do you have enough space to install a hot water cylinder? These units take up a fair amount of room, so if space is limited you may want to consider other options.

Demand: How much hot water do you use on a regular basis? If you have a large household or use a lot of hot water for things like bathing or washing dishes, a hot water cylinder may be a good choice as it can store a large volume of hot water.

Energy efficiency: A hot water cylinder can be an energy-efficient option if you choose the right unit and use it in conjunction with a timer and/or thermostat. However, it’s important to note that they can be less efficient than tankless water heaters.

Cost: Hot water cylinders can be a more expensive option initially than some other types of water heaters. However, they can also last for many years, which can offset the higher initial cost.

Why are water heaters worthwhile?

Water heaters are worthwhile for several reasons, including:

• Convenience: With a water heater, you can enjoy hot water on demand. This means that you can take a shower or bath without having to worry about the water being too cold.
• Energy efficiency: Modern water heaters are designed to be energy-efficient, which means that they use less energy to heat the water. This can help you save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

How is a water heater installed? 

Water heater installation can vary depending on the type of heater and the specific circumstances of your home. However, here is a general overview of the installation process for a traditional tank-style water heater:

Turn off the power and gas supply to the water heater. If you have an electric water heater, turn off the breaker in the electrical panel that supplies power to the water heater. If you have a gas water heater, turn off the gas supply valve.

• Drain the old water heater. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater and run the other end of the hose to a drain or outside.

• Disconnect the water lines. Shut off the cold water supply valve to the water heater and disconnect the water lines from the top of the water heater.

• Remove the old water heater. Once the old water heater is drained and disconnected, remove it from the installation area.

• Install the new water heater. Carefully place the new water heater in the installation area and make sure it is level. Connect the water lines to the top of the water heater and attach any necessary fittings.

• Install the flue (if applicable). If you have a gas water heater, you will need to install a vent pipe to allow exhaust gases to escape.

• Turn on the water supply and fill the tank. Open the cold water supply valve and let the tank fill completely.

• Turn on the power and gas supply. For an electric water heater, turn the breaker back on. For a gas water heater, turn the gas supply valve back on.

• Test the water heater. Once the tank is full and the power/gas supply is turned back on, turn on a hot water faucet to make sure hot water is flowing.

It’s important to note that this is a general overview, and specific installation instructions may vary depending on the type of water heater and your local building codes. It’s always recommended to consult a licensed professional plumber or electrician for proper installation.

How can we help?

MP Plumbing Services are experts in the installation, maintenance or repair of all types of boilers and have been operating with great success in the Bristol area for over a decade. Should you need advice on which type of boiler is right for your property – and future proofing your choices – then please contact us today.