With this type of cylinder there is no need for a storage tank as water comes straight into the cylinder via the water mains. Mains pressure means gravity feed does not apply, so the cylinder (minus storage tank) can be positioned virtually anywhere at any height, and you get a much more powerful flow than from a vented system. Also, you don’t have to worry about water freezing in a header tank during very cold snaps.

In an unvented installation the system won’t suffer contamination because it is sealed and bypasses areas were impurities could get into the water. With regards to water expansion, the unvented cylinder has either a permanent air bubble infused at the top of the cylinder, or a fitted expansion vessel.

Both vented and unvented hot water cylinders can use either direct or indirect heating systems. With the indirect method the cylinder is heated by a gas boiler or other external source. Hot water passes from the heat source through a copper coil built into the cylinder. In this case it’s a good idea to fit a reserve emersion heater in case of boiler breakdown, so you still have hot water.

The direct method involves one or two heating elements inside the cylinder that heat the water directly. Using the two element option can be very cost effective because it is specifically designed to be used with the Economy 7 tariff – one element for peak day time use and one for off peak where the water is heated cheaply at night and used when needed.

In an unvented system there is no cold water tank – instead a sealed hot water cylinder is fed directly by the cold water mains. An unvented cylinder is kept under pressure from incoming water supply and is heated by either immersion heaters (a direct model) or by a heat source located outside the vessel such as a boiler or wet solar system (an indirect model).

Vented hot water cylindersThis type of water cylinder needs a water storage (header) tank to store water piped in from the mains. The tank is usually installed in the loft (or in the highest point in the property) and the system relies on gravity to create a reasonable pressure for the hot water to circulate throughout the property.

Vented cylinders are easier to install than unvented, but they do need a vent pipe to deal with water expansion issues. Households most likely to benefit from vented water cylinders would be properties with an electric shower only, no bath and just one or two people living there.

You should only have an unvented hot water system fitted and serviced by a qualified person holding a current G3 Unvented Qualification. All installations of unvented hot water cylinders have to be notified to Building Control as required by Building Regulations. If your installer is a member of a Competent Persons Scheme, this will happen automatically and you will receive a Building Regulation Compliance certificate.

A hot water cylinder should last for more than 20 years if fitted correctly and to the highest standard. However, the life expectancy of a hot water cylinder can be shortened by water leaks.

• If you get constant leaks or breakdowns it could work out cheaper to replace rather than to keep repairing. 
• Your new boiler will be much more energy efficient and could pay for itself quite quickly. 
• If you have a big family or use lots of water a new professionally fitted boiler will be sized correctly for your needs, which may not be the case at present. 
• If you have an old boiler with a red jacket you will be paying higher energy bills than you need to. You would be better off upgrading to a new cylinder and better tariff. The off peak tariff in conjunction with the two element cylinder could save you lots of money. 
• If your water pressure is low and it takes forever to run a bath or the shower is just a dribble, a new unvented hot water cylinder will give amazing improvements.