New Thermal Store Cylinder.

[ericbrad]

We are planning to have our bathroom updated, and thinking of having a thermal store cylinder fitted. Our old copper cylinder is as old as the house, 45 years, so It`s time for a new one. We are all electric, with night storage heaters, and the existing tank is on the Economy 7 tarrif, with 2 immersion heaters. We like the idea of having mains pressure hot water, and as we will have a shower cubicle fitted to replace the bath we would like a mixer shower or power shower to replace our electric shower.
The only problems I can see are that we have a water meter, so may use more water with a new shower. and also, would a Thermal Store cylinder use more electricity than our present cylinder to heat the water?
(The boost immersion heater in our old cylinder has not worked for years, and will not unscrew for replacement, so we only heat the water overnight on the off peak tarrif.)

 

[SimonG]

I would go unvented, unless you plan wood burning stove or back boiler to link in at a later date. Should be less expensive to run and still give mains pressure hot water.

 

[pobsdad]

Thermal stores work at a higher 'store' temp than normal cylinders,typically around 73 deg,rather than 60,and are usualy larger,so will take more to heat up initially,from cold.It then depends on how much hot water you use.You could fit flow restrictors to the shower to reduce water usage,but then there would be no point changing the cylinder,would there?If you only use the same amount of water as before,there should be little difference (is the old cylinder properly lagged,scaled up?),you may even be better off.If you use lots more water,then you will have it to pay for.Basically,it comes down to what you want/expect/are willing to pay for.

 

[Gray0689]

A thermal store is for as already said to link up different fuel sources I would not go for electric will cost to much to heat
Just go for unvented with twin emersions but it will use a lot more water

 

[Dannypipe]

Don't think you'll find many/any thermal stores with a 25 year warranty. You'll find plenty of unvented cylinders with one.

I had our lad stripping a thermal store (Gledhill) today for the scrap copper inside. The thermal store had developed "a leak" but I know from experience it would be many leaks all draining out in the same low spot.

He stripped it, and as I summised the foam insulation was sopping wet (many leaks). The copper is so thin.

We changed the unit on saturday for an unvented stainless steel cylinder with a 25 year warranty.

Ensure you get the right size, you will tear through the hotwater inside if you run outlets at full without a restrictor. (use it all up quickly).

Hope this helps.

 

[ericbrad]

When you say "go unvented", do you mean something like the Gledhill Stainless Lite Direct cylinder? Do these work on the same principal as Thermal Stores, where the water in the tank is static, and heats the cold water coil to produce mains pressure hot water?

 

[SimonG]

Not familiar with the Gledhill, an unvented uses a mains cold feed at a reduced pressure (varies by product), an expansion vessel and safety elements to store hot water at an increased pressure. Have a search for a mega flow, wouldn't recommend it but it will give you some idea.

 

[unguided1]

My suggestion is definately go with an unvented cylinder but instead of using a cylinder with just immersions why not do a little investigation into exhaust air heat pumps, Have a look on the MCS website under Exhaust Air Heat pumps, these units will save you a fortune in the long term.

 

[ericbrad]

I don`t want an air heat pump, because of the expense, and because I`m retired (65+). So it may save money long term,but how long?
I think the best option would be a Stainless Steel unvented cylinder, and an electric shower. That would use less water than a mixer or power shower, and as we have a water meter we don`t want to use more water than we need to.

Do you agree?

 

[ericbrad]

Just been having another look at the unvented cylinder details. First problem is that the incoming water main should be 22mm minimum. Ours is 15mm.
Second problem is that they need annual maintenance and inspection. So that is more expense.

Just can`t win. Thermal stores need hotter water than a normal cylinder, and have a short guarantee, while unvented have the problems listed above.

What`s the alternative, apart from having a replacement of what we already have?

 

[philtheflush]

get your gas connected if you can combi will do you

 

[Gray0689]

get your gas connected if you can combi will do you

Got to agree even though I'm not a fan of combis but will be your best bet