If your home was built before 1989, the odds are you have a vented cylinder in your heating system, which means appliances that need hot water are fed through the cold-water storage tank, heated using an exchanger, and fed through a gravity-fed system. However, it’s now becoming more common to see unvented systems in homes, which feed water directly from the mains to a hot water cylinder. If you’re thinking of having one of these systems installed, here are a few of the advantages and things to consider.
1. Improved water pressure
Because unvented systems aren’t reliant on gravity, and there’s less distance for the water to travel, you can improve your water pressure by installing one of these systems. A Valliant unvented system or similar is ideal for homes where you’re disappointed in the water pressure, making your showers much more pleasant. There are built-in safety devices on these systems, ensuring that the level of pressure is safe.
2. Saving space
Space saving is a big plus in modern homes, where you may be working with limited space. Unvented systems are often used by those who:
· Are installing loft conversions
· Want to remove the need for a cold-water tank
· Want their system to fit neatly into a cupboard
· Want to install their system somewhere other than the loft
Because newer homes are tending to be built smaller, this means that solutions such as installing an unvented system will no doubt become more popular in future, freeing up spaces such as the loft, which now tend to be used for extra bedrooms or living space.
3. Less chance of contamination
Because you don’t have a big tank of water in your loft, an unvented system has a lower chance of contamination. When you use a system by Stelflow or other manufacturer, the system is completely sealed, so there’s less chance of contaminated water coming through your taps.
4. Less chance of freezing
When there’s a long British winter, many homeowners will experience the inconvenience of having a frozen water tank. Because these pressurised systems take water directly from the mains, there’s no need to worry about your water tank freezing over during a cold snap, or when your house has been left unattended for a long time.
5. It can be installed quicker than you think
Many people assume that changing their water system will be a big job and involve a lot of mess, but installation can often be done in a couple of days. Obviously, it’ll depend on many factors such as the existing system and its location, but this can all be discussed when you get a quote, so you know exactly what you’re letting yourself in for.
For installation, repairs and servicing of unvented systems, contact Prestige Plumbers of Unit 9, Shedfield Equestrian Centre & Nursery, Botley Road, Botley, Southampton, SO32 2HN. Simply call us on 0800 0886 417, we have a 24/7 phone line for all those plumbing emergencies.
