Thermal Store Cylinder FAQs

26 May 2022

So, you’re thinking about investing in a thermal store cylinder instead of an unvented cylinder. Thermal stores can offer a lot of utility and flexibility, but they’re very different from what you might be used to in terms of water heating capabilities and how they work. In this post, we want to address some of the most common thermal store cylinder questions.

How do thermal stores heat water?

With an unvented cylinder, water is heated either through an immersion heater (electric) or through gas firing. Both of these are direct heating methods. Thermal store cylinders, on the other hand, heat water indirectly. The cylinder itself holds water that gets heated but is never sent to the taps. Instead, it’s directed through a series of pipes and into a heat exchanger.

Water from the mains also through past the heat exchanger (without contacting the water from the cylinder). The heat built up in the heat exchanger warms that water, which then flows to the taps, giving you hot water for washing dishes or bathing.

What advantages do thermal store cylinders offer?

You’ll find that thermal store cylinders can offer several important advantages, including:

No Stagnant Water – Thermal store cylinders have no stagnant water, which reduces the chance of water contamination with pathogens like the bacteria that cause Legionnaires disease.

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Versatility – You can use a thermal store cylinder for heating water, but also space heating.

No Maintenance – Unlike vented and unvented cylinders, thermal store cylinders do not require annual maintenance.

Flexibility – You can connect a thermal store cylinder to many different heat sources, including solar panels, biomass boilers, and more.

Can thermal store cylinders work with high mains pressure?

Yes, thermal store cylinders can work with pressures of up to 6 bar continuously. They can also withstand 9 bars of peak pressure. With that being said, most manufacturers recommend reducing line pressure to 3.5 bar to prevent line and fitting failure.

Can thermal store cylinders work with low mains pressure?

Yes and no. The first thing to consider is whether the pressure can be increased. If you live in a flat or shared housing, there may be a pressure limiter that can be adjusted. If you cannot increase the pressure, you will need to either install a loft/attic-located cold tank system with pumps or install a cold storage tank in a lower level with a pump to increase the rate.

Where should I install my thermal store cylinder?

Thermal store cylinders should be installed no more than 20 metres from the boiler. Other than that, you have a lot of leeway. If you cannot install it closer than that, increase your pipe diameter. Note that heat loss can occur if you install a thermal store cylinder in a cold loft or cellar, so it should be boxed in.

Interested in learning more about thermal store cylinders and how they compare to other options on the market? Contact EasyFlow today. We can discuss your choices and help ensure that you make the right decision.

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