PHAM NEWS | MAY 2025 22 Water Heating & Cylinders T


he hot water cylinder market continues to grow, partly thanks to the rising use


of heat pumps, along with the increasing popularity of combining multiple heat sources within the same system. However, choosing the correct cylinder for a home or business involves two main considerations: the initial cost and the ongoing cost/ fuel effi ciency. While some standard cylinders can meet the increasingly complex demands of modern heating sources, they aren’t always the most optimal solution. An alternative to an off -the-shelf, standard cylinder is investing in a made-to-order, bespoke cylinder designed to meet a project’s exact requirements.


Off -the-shelf As standard cylinders have repeatedly shown, they have their benefi ts. They have proven to be reliable, both for their performance, design, and availability. For example, they can often be purchased directly from the manufacturer or through a merchant. When it comes to replacing a standard cylinder, choosing an identical model (if still in production) is clearly going to be an easy choice, as it will minimise installation costs and time. Despite off -the-shelf hot water


cylinders off ering their positives, a bespoke model also has its benefi ts.


Made to measure Selecting a bespoke model provides notable versatility and can off er enhanced benefi ts over time. For instance, pipework modifi cations can be avoided by specifying the position and size of fl ow and return connections, thermostat pockets, valve connections, etc. By designing these to suit the installation’s requirements, they can save time and make future maintenance easier. While some standard cylinders


can accept heat from multiple sources, they tend not to match the potential effi ciency of a bespoke solution. Bespoke cylinders can be fi tted with a high-effi ciency coil to accept heat from various heat sources, like solar thermal/PV panels, heat pumps, wood burners, gas/ oil boilers, and more, all of which can be mixed and matched into a single cylinder. Unlike standard cylinders with


only basic heat exchanger coils, bespoke options can also utilise multiple coils (ranging from


Made to meet requirements


A standard off -the-shelf cylinder can often be installed without any issues, but sometimes a project might require a bespoke solution that better meets the specifi c requirements of an application. Tom Sharpe from Newark Cylinders highlights the benefi ts of investing in a made-to-order option.


1.1m2 to 10.0m2 ), signifi cantly


enhancing effi ciency where required.


Material matters One constant factor for both standard and bespoke cylinders is the choice of material used. Both copper and stainless steel have their pros and cons within cylinder design. The choice between the materials can signifi cantly impact a cylinder’s performance, longevity, and cost. Take stainless steel, for


Tom Sharpe Technical sales manager at Newark Cylinders


A cylinder that’s specifically sized and properly configured for its intended use is less likely to suffer from inefficiencies such as excessive heat loss, slow recovery times, or inconsistent hot water delivery


example. It’s generally capable of handling high pressure better than copper and is a more aff ordable material. Copper, on the other hand, benefi ts from its longstanding antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. While copper is more fl exible and adaptable for custom designs, it is more costly to manufacture with. Despite stainless steel’s pressure-handling reputation, properly engineered copper cylinders can also excel in high- pressure applications when designed for such environments. The grade (thickness) of


your chosen material, copper or stainless steel, should also be considered when choosing a new cylinder. A thicker grade of either copper or stainless steel will last longer due to it taking longer to corrode, off ering greater resistance to corrosion. This is particularly important in areas with aggressive water


conditions or in systems with multiple heat sources that create varying temperature conditions within the cylinder. When specifying a bespoke


cylinder, discussing material options with your manufacturer can help balance initial cost against the long-term performance requirements for your specifi c installation.


Safety issues Some installations come with specifi c pressure requirements, such as a higher than usual working head – the vertical distance between the base of the cylinder and the water level in the header tank. This increased height leads to greater water pressure, which puts extra stress on the cylinder. A bespoke model can be built


with reinforced construction to ensure safe and reliable performance. In unvented systems relying on mains pressure, cylinders must withstand 3+ bar pressures. Custom-built options ensure safety compatibility, and performance in these high- demand applications.


Cost benefi ts While the initial cost of a bespoke hot water cylinder may be higher than an off -the- shelf unit, it can represent a more economical choice over the long term. A cylinder that’s


specifi cally sized and properly confi gured for its intended application is less likely to suff er from ineffi ciencies such as excessive heat loss, slow recovery times, or inconsistent hot water delivery. Oversized cylinders, for example, may lead to unnecessary energy consumption, while undersized models can strain the system and shorten its lifespan. Customising factors such as


coil size, insulation, tapping positions, and fl ow rate can reduce operational costs and improve system longevity. When this is combined with routine maintenance, this can result in fewer repairs, lower energy bills, and a reduced likelihood of premature replacement, making the initial investment more justifi able over time.


Conclusion Ultimately, the choice between a bespoke or standard cylinder can be based on the specifi c installation requirements of the home or business. The evolving energy landscape, including renewable integration, makes the choice of cylinder more important. Admittedly, initially choosing


a bespoke option may seem costly, but it off ers a better long- term value due to a specifi ed design, optimised performance, and reduced operational costs.


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