Hot Water Tank - Size options..

[chewymix]

Hi - We have a standard open vented CH/HW system powered by a new WB boiler - We are now looking to replace the HW cylinder as its a touch small now we have grown the family and added a bathroom into the loft.

The airing cupboard will only accommodate a 500mm width tank so i am finding my options regarding size slightly limited. Ideally i'd be looking for something around the 200litre mark but do such things exist in 500mm ?

thanks for any suggestions

 

[hazetimesfive]

Gledhill slim
Newark slim

 

[kbdiy]

... bear in mind that the quoted size does not usually include the insulation so make sure you check. I have just fitted a 1200 x 450 s/s tank which comes up to 520 when you include the insulation @ 2 x 35mm so 70mm overall.

 

[chewymix]

thanks both - i have contacted those manufacturers to see what my options are. The added diameter of the insulation is a good spot.

thanks

 

[chewymix]

also.... what capacity would be OK for 3 bed 2 bath/Shower home? i am seeing one at 170 L which seems like it would be OK but not sure how that capacity stacks up?

 

[Agile]

Its not the size of the property but the number of baths showers taken and how often!

The standard rule of thumb is 50 li plus 50 li per person!

But that's only a general rule and does not take into account what individuals do.

Tony

 

[OwainDIYer]

Can you put a second cylinder elsewhere?

If the primary circuit can be pressurised then you could have an unvented cylinder in the loft.

You can get horizontal cylinders (both vented and unvented) which might fit in the loft eaves.
http://www.mrcentralheating.co.uk/uv-gold-horizontal-cylinders

 

[Galoka]

Yeah, you really need to look at the kind of useage patterns, showers or baths, close together or spread out etc. We have a 162L tank for a family of 4 but so far it is fine for us as the usage tends to be spread out. (Though when I out in an ensuite I might put in an extra tank in there)

And remember, cold water will be mixed with the HW, so you will get more usable water than it's basic capacity.

The other things to consider is a fast recovery cylinder, these can heat up a lot faster than a standard cyclinder (in the region of say 15 - 20 min - depends on the amount of heat the boiler can provide). so you don't need to store as much.

 

[MeldrewsMate]

Think there might be a clue in the question...

170 litre? That seems to point to a common unvented size...

As does "when we converted the loft"

So OP may be referring to an unvented cyl, of which there is a slimline Megaflow available. Even so there are guidelines on cylinder sizes, and a 150 litre is considered large enough for a two bathroom house (though not in my opinion). If it's the Megaflow with the fast recovery coil then 170litre should be ample.

 

[chewymix]

thanks all - its actually a vented system but i have managed to get some details from the manufactures and it seems a 400x1500 cylinder gives me 170 L and the tank is 475mm with insulation so that all works.

We generally have a couple of showers in the morning and then a bath in the evening for the kids and then general bits and bobs during the day so i am thinking for now 170 L would be sufficient.

cheers