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Understanding your
Heating System

Here is a brief overview of basic system designs - if you find all of this rather baffling - dont worry we are hear to help and advise. Everyone has different needs and priorities and we can help you to choose the best system for your individual lifestyle

Conventional Central Heating System 1

Uses hot water cylinder filled via a cold water storage tank
 
Radiators filled via a small header tank

This is a classic design still in common use

Picture

ADVANTAGES

Very simple and reliable

Copes well when working with low cold water pressure and flow

Warm airing cupboard

Can be converted to run solar thermal hot water

Multiple bathrooms may be run from this system if the size of cylinder and tanks are increased






DISADVANTAGES
There is a need to preheat water

Require additional space for tanks

Hot water pressure restricted by height of cold water tank

Conventional Central Heating System 2

Uses hot water cylinder filled via a cold water storage tank

Radiators are filled via mains pressure cold water and sealed via a small pressure vessel

Picture

ADVANTAGES
Very simple and reliable

Copes well when working with low cold water pressure and flow

Warm airing cupboard

Central heating system does not require header tank thus saving space and increasing efficiency

Can be converted to run solar thermal hot water 

Multiple bathrooms may be run from this system if the size of cylinder and tanks
are increased


 DISADVANTAGES
There is a need to preheat water

Require additional space for tank

Hot water pressure restricted by height of cold water tank

Unvented Central Heating and Hot Water System

This uses a hot water cylinder with the hot water on mains pressure

No cold water tanks are used


Picture

ADVANTAGES

No cold water tanks required

Warm airing cupboard
 
Central heating system does not require header tank thus saving 

space and increasing efficiency

Can be converted to run solar thermal hot water
 
Mains pressure hot water to all taps and showers [limited by mains pressure to property]

A good space saving option

Enables mains pressure hot water showering


DISADVANTAGES
There is a need to preheat water

Relies on good mains water pressure and flow [ some older properties may experience problems with this due to low water pressure]

Limited number of hot water taps may be used at any one time due to mains cold water pressure
 

Combination Boiler


This system requires no hot water cylinder or water tanks

This is ideal for some  - but not everyone
 



Picture
Picture



ADVANTAGES

Most space saving option

No need for hot water cylinder or cold water tanks

Can be the most efficient way to heat hot water if fitted in correct location

No pre-heating of water required

Constant hot water when hot water tap in use 
Most suited to small families and people living alone
 
Enables mains pressure hot water showering






DISADVANTAGES
Restricted to 1or 2 taps at any one time dependent upon cold mains water pressure
 
Not recommended for large families or multiple bathroom use

Simultaneous use of central heating and hot water will not be possible

*Not suitable for connecting to conventional solar thermal [*this is possible by installing a hot water cylinder]


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Photo used under Creative Commons from Machine is Organic