Various Water Heating solutions for Domestic Applications

Water heating is a tried and tested technology effectively covering most dwellings in the UK. A combi-boiler is usually the typical solutions for small to medium houses. If the home is large a system boiler and a storage cylinder proves to be the right solution. This type of system can work fine in smaller homes. The complications only arise when the house is bigger.

Nowadays many houses have more than one bathroom. Other types of buildings to be taken into consideration are commercial buildings. Commercial buildings often prove to be quite valuable in providing profit to the heating installer.

Many often decide to take a simple upsizing approach and fit a bigger storage cylinder.

However, there are alternative options available to the consumer. These options will lead to better happiness for the consumer and the installer.

Continuous-flow Water Heating in the Home

This type of technology is called continuous-flow water heating. Traditionally, gas has always been relatively cheap and insulation standards have been low. Therefore, up until now, consumers have not had to worry about water heating being a cost issue. They never sought to pay much attention to design and installation.

Nowadays due to better insulation standards, it is bringing lower heat requirements to the point where year-round heating consumption is about equal to, or even below the DHW requirement. Another factor to take into consideration is that building regulations improvements over the next few years make the economics of water heating even more important.

Changing Needs

Consumers are also becoming more pro-active in what they are looking for in their bathrooms. A survey was conducted by a manufacturer asking about requirements for customer's next bathroom. The results proved that many wished for a better water service.

In the survey it was outlined that many desired more power in the showers, walk in showers, bigger baths, and separate showers. It has become quite apparent from the survey that consumers are very willing to invest a lot of time and money on the bathroom they want.

However, consumers have high expectations which can fail as they do not consider whether their water and heating system will actually be able to deliver the service. It is important to note that combis and a two shower- and bath-home cannot cope, particularly during the winter season.

A four or five person household would put immense pressure on the water usage. You should note that a lot of water will most likely be used during the morning rush hour and it is likely that the washing machine and the dishwasher will also be on the go.

However, the problems facing households are just minuscule compared to larger buildings such as commercial buildings. For instance, in a hotel or nursing home, if the hot water supply fails then this could lead to disastrous consequences for all concerned.

There are some manufacturers that provide a solution to this type of problem. One model is a fanned-flued wall mounted appliance. The main feature is that it can deliver up to 54kWh directly into water with a controlled system that ensures that the water temperature remains within the" of the required flow whatever other demands are made for hot water.

As water supplies are higher than ever before, it's time to look for a modern solution.

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This page has been written with contributions from Gas Safe engineers from Surrey and qualified plumbers from Barnes. Several of the company's experienced heating engineers from Kent have worked on similar issues as well as some of our plumbers from Ealing and our Kensington plumbing and heating engineers.

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