Do You Need a Water Tank with a Combi Boiler

Combi boilers provide hot water and central heating. They do this by heating water directly from the mains rather than storing it in a small storage tank built into the cylinder. It makes combi boilers more efficient than typical boilers, as they don’t waste energy by heating an external hot water cylinder that isn’t to be used.

What is a combi boiler system?

A combi boiler system supplies hot water directly to your taps and radiators without needing a storage tank. They are high-efficiency water heaters and a central heating system in one compact unit, meaning there is no need for a hot water storage cylinder.

Does a combi boiler need a water tank?

No, there is no need for a water tank with a combi boiler. Combi boilers don’t need a separate storage tank because they provide heat water directly from the mains. However, if you have a large household or use a lot of hot water, a water tank for storage of combi boilers can be beneficial.

Can you store the water which the combi boiler heats?

You can still store the water it heats. While you don’t need a water tank with a combi boiler, you can do this by installing a cylinder for storage. The cylinder is a large tank that keeps hot water stored. It can also be installed in the back loft or under the stairs.

What is a hot water cylinder?

A hot water cylinder is a big tank that stores hot water. A small storage tank is installed in the loft or under the tank in the loft or stairs. It is generally made of steel or copper.

How do system boilers store hot water?

They are a type of system boiler that also provides hot water and central heating. However, unlike combi boilers, system boilers require cylinders. This is because they heat water in batches and need a hot water tank to store the hot water until it is necessary.

Benefits of the combi boilers!

You need a water tank with a combi boiler for many reasons, and you should install a new combi boiler here. The most general reasons for a new combi boiler include:

Efficiency

Combi boilers are very efficient, saving you money on your energy bills.

Convenience

Combi boilers provide a hot water supply and central heating, so you don’t need two separate appliances.

Space saving

Combi boilers are typically smaller than traditional boilers so that they can save space in your home.

Quiet operation

Combi boilers are calm so that they won’t disturb you or your neighbours.

A combi boiler may be the right choice if you are looking for a new boiler and a more efficient and convenient way to heat your home. We can help you assess your needs and recommend the best combi boiler for your home.

What is an open-vented cylinder?

An open-vented cylinder, also known as a vented hot water cylinder, is a domestic hot water system commonly used in many homes. Using the natural downward power of gravity, this system heats water all over the house.

Here’s how it works: 

• An open-vented cylinder system comprises a hot water tank and a cold water cistern. These are usually found in the loft at the top of a house.
• The hot water cylinder is higher than the cold water tank, allowing the cold water to fall into the hot water cylinder through gravity. Once the water is in the tank, either a boiler or an electric immersion heater heats it.
• A vent pipe connects the hot water tank to the cold water cistern. This evens the pressure in the heating and hot water system and let’s steam escape if it gets too hot. That’s why it’s called an “open-vented” engine.
• The exit pipe keeps the system from getting too pressurised, which is also a safety feature.
• When needed, taps and vents bring hot water from the cylinder to the tank in the loft. Because the system depends on gravity, the water flow may be lower than other systems, like unvented cylinders or combination boilers. This is especially true in homes with more than one floor. Putting in a pump is one way to fix this problem.

Main Advantage of Open-Vented Cylinders

Even though they have some problems, open-vented cylinders are often chosen because they are reliable, easy to use, and cheaper. They don’t need as many safety checks as unvented systems and are less likely to have problems with high pressure. Also, they are easy to set up and keep up, which is why many homes in the UK choose them.

What is an unvented tank?

An unvented tank is another type of domestic hot water system that operates without a cold water storage tank and provides a means to supply hot water at the central pressure throughout a property.

How does it works

• In an unvented tank system, cold water is supplied directly from the main water supply, providing hot water with a significantly higher flow rate than open-vented, gravity-fed systems.
• The cold water passes through the unvented cylinder and is then heated by a boiler. This is very useful in more significant properties or buildings with multiple bathrooms where there’s a constant demand for hot water from various points.
• In the unvented cylinder, the hot water is stored under high pressure.
• Unvented cylinders have multiple safety features because of the high pressure and potential dangers. These involve a pressure relief valve and a temperature and pressure relief valve. Which prevents the system from becoming dangerously pressurised or overheated.
• If the cylinder becomes too hot or pressurised, these safety valves discharge stored hot water to a safe place, typically a drain.

Main Advantage of Unvented Cylinders

One main advantage of unvented cylinders is that they deliver hot water at mains pressure. And providing better flow rates for showers, baths, and hot water taps regardless of their location in the building. However, they are generally more complex and more expensive to install and require regular maintenance checks by a qualified professional to ensure they are functioning safely and efficiently.

Sums Up

To sum up, unvented tanks are a good option for homes and businesses that need a lot of hot water. They offer superior water pressure and eliminate the need for a conventional boiler or cold-water storage cistern. However, their increased complexity and cost may be better solutions for some situations.