Leading manufacturers will ensure that their products are energy efficient . for hot water provision as their larger counterparts , are now available . Slim fit models that feature an internal expansion system mean a faster and neater installation , and save on space as they fit neatly into compact storage areas . These are an ideal recommendation for customers with high hot water requirements , but minimal space available .
Efficiency
Another common consumer concern is energy efficiency . As homeowners become more conscious of environmental issues , the demand for eco-friendly products is growing .
For these customers , the first port of call is solar energy – but what are the options available ?
Solar thermal cylinders are a popular solution . These models balance solar heated water capacity with immersion or boiler heated supply , helping to keep energy bills down while maintaining a reliable source of hot water . What ’ s more , solar ready options are available , carving a route to solar thermal hot water in the future . Here a solar thermal cylinder can be installed , ready for solar collectors to be fitted in the future .
Alternatively , for homeowners who already have , or are looking to invest in , solar PV panels , new products have recently been introduced which can utilise excess energy from the panels for water heating purposes .
The UK is installing solar panels faster than any other European country . Around 877,000 homes in the UK have solar PV roof panels installed , with almost 4,000 installations carried out in April 2016 alone . However , it is estimated that in 50 per cent of properties , all of the power produced by the PV panels is not being consumed . This is because electrical appliances and lighting are not being used during daylight hours when electricity is being generated , because properties are generally unoccupied in the daytime .
In response to this , manufacturers have designed cylinders which can use this surplus electricity to heat hot water , free of charge , reducing utility bills . With such systems , any power that is generated in addition to the household ’ s normal requirements will be diverted to the cylinder , rather than being sent to the grid . The water will be heated to the desired temperature , controlled by a thermostat , ready for the household to use when required , with high performance insulation keeping the water hot .
To avoid any draw from the grid , a ‘ buffer ’ of energy will be retained ; typically , if there is 2.2kW of export energy , the controller will divert 2kW into the cylinder ’ s immersion heater , leaving a 200W buffer . This does not affect the property owner ’ s FiT Generation payments ; where there is a ‘ deemed ’ usage contract the export tariff is paid whether the energy is consumed or not . Where an export meter is fitted the benefits can still outweigh the costs of water heating .
Up to standard
Finally , no matter what type of cylinder is selected , contractors should seek out cylinders that have been constructed and tested to established British and European standards , as well as being manufactured in a factory which has accredited Quality Management Systems . Third party approvals – such as WRAS and KIWA – demonstrate good quality and performance .
As our lifestyles change , and the average hot water requirement soars , demand for unvented cylinders is certain to increase . For electrical contractors looking to capitalise on this , developing an in-depth knowledge of the key features to look for in a cylinder , and the models available , is essential .
Alan Clarke is Heatrae Sadia ’ s technical support manager and has worked in the water heating industry for 38 years .
Alan represents Heatrae Sadia on various trade associations including the Hot Water Association and BEAMA . He also represents trade associations on various BSI Technical Standards committees , MCS Solar Thermal and Heat Pump groups and European standards committees , as well as BEAMA on UK water heating issues at CECED .