Direct vs Indirect Hot Water Cylinders - What do I need?

Direct vs Indirect Hot Water Cylinders - What do I need?

Hot Water Cylinders - Are you looking for a new hot water cylinder for your home? If so, you might be wondering what the difference is between a direct and an indirect cylinder. These are two types of hot water cylinders that have different ways of heating the water. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast the features and benefits of direct and indirect cylinders, and help you choose the best one for your needs.

Direct Cylinders:

A direct cylinder is a hot water cylinder that has a heating element inside the tank, such as an electric immersion heater. This means that the cylinder does not need any other source of heat, such as a boiler or a heat pump. A direct cylinder is ideal for homes that do not have a gas supply, or that only need a small amount of hot water.

Indirect Cylinders:

An indirect cylinder is a hot water cylinder that has a coil of pipe inside the tank, which is connected to another source of heat, such as a boiler or a heat pump. The coil transfers the heat from the external source to the water in the tank. An indirect cylinder is ideal for homes that have a gas supply, or that need a large amount of hot water.

The main benefits of a direct cylinder are:

• It is easy to install and maintain
• It can work even if there is a power cut
• It can fit in any location in the home

Drawbacks of a direct cylinder are:

• It uses more electricity or gas than an indirect cylinder
• It is less efficient than an indirect cylinder
• It might not supply enough hot water for big families

The main benefits of an indirect cylinder are:

• It uses less electricity or gas than a direct cylinder
• It is more efficient than a direct cylinder
• It can supply enough hot water for big families

Drawbacks of an indirect cylinder are:

• It depends on another source of heat, such as a boiler or a heat pump
• It might not work if the external source of heat breaks down
• It might require more space in the home

To sum up, the difference between a direct and an indirect cylinder is how they heat the water in the tank. A direct cylinder has its own heating element, while an indirect cylinder has a coil connected to another source of heat. The best option for you depends on your personal preferences, budget, and energy sources.