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I'm hoping the collective minds of STW can offer some good advice on hot water systems?!
A plumber has quoted for two systems, one is a standard "builders (what ever that means)" hot water cylinder with 2.9 bar output.
The other quote (which is significantly more) is to fit a 380 litre pro link high pressure cylinder, complete with 5 bar output rating. He talks about disconnecting the cold water tank in the loft and leaving in position in case a 5 bar pro link system is fitted in the future. He also quotes for a blow off pipe.
There are 2 mains showers and one electric shower in the property. However it would be very rare for 2 showers to be on at the same time.
The cylinders will be electrically heated, (with help from solar panels) and will be compatible with oil central heating if we ever upgrade the heating system, at the moment it is all electric.
Will I notice any difference in the systems whilst I am standing in the shower? Is the more expensive option only relevant if more than one shower is running at a time?
We are on mains water, with decent pressure.
Those terms mean nothing to me and I'm a plumber!
And you can have all the pressure in the world but you still might not have enough flow so pipe size is critical.
I'm wondering if one system is a standard unvented system and the other a mains boost type system.
😕
Sounds like vented and unvented, not quite sure how he can quote pressures though - as already said, depends on your pressure and flow.
But, I've changed from vented (i.e. normal header tank in the roof) to unvented in both houses (one of which is heated with just electric/PV) and it makes a massive difference in whole house performance.
Wouldn't be without it.
Vented system wouldn't generate 2.9 bar without the aid of a pump though.
Is 380l not a mahoosive tank? I think we only have 170l for a house of 4 with a bath and a shower. I guess if you are using solar it isn't a bad thing really but heating it with electricity might be pricey...
A quick check suggests it would be 22kwh which wouldn't be too bad I guess
we have 176l for two showers and a bath and never runs out or drops pressure with two showers on, real life stuff.