Blog>Cost Guides>How much does an unvented hot water cylinder cost?
Last updated: 20 November 2024
How much does an unvented hot water cylinder cost?
An unvented hot water cylinder can be a great way to save space and improve your water pressure. But how much does an unvented hot water cylinder cost?
Fast Facts
Average unvented hot water cylinder prices range from £400 to £2,000
Unvented hot water cylinder installation costs average between £500 and £1,500
Costs can vary based on several factors including the type of unvented hot water cylinder, the amount of work required and your location
An unvented hot water cylinder – also known as a pressurised hot water cylinder – receives cold water directly from the mains and supplies hot water to your taps and showers at mains pressure.
So, it’s a great way to improve your water pressure, while doing away with your space-consuming cold water tank.
But how much does an unvented hot water cylinder cost? Here’s the lowdown.
How much does an unvented hot water cylinder cost?
The total cost of an unvented hot water cylinder can range from around £900 to £3,500 for both supply and installation.
| Item | Unit | Cost+VAT (lower range) | Cost+VAT (higher range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unvented hot water cylinder (supply only) | Per unit | £400 | £2,000 |
| Unvented hot water cylinder installation (labour only) | Per project | £500 | £1,500 |
| Replacing hot water cylinder (labour only) | Per project | £300 | £500 |
| Last updated: October 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
Search for checked tradespeople working in your area
Unvented hot water cylinder prices
The first cost you’ll need to factor in is the price of your unvented hot water cylinder itself.
Pressurised hot water cylinder costs typically fall between around £400 and £2,000.
However, this can vary widely depending on lots of factors – such as the cylinder’s size, make, model.
In particular, which type of unvented hot water cylinder you opt for will play a big part in establishing your overall costs.
There are two main types:
Direct unvented hot water cylinders
Indirect unvented hot water cylinders
The difference lies in how they heat water. While a direct cylinder heats water using electricity via an immersion heater, an indirect cylinder uses gas from a boiler.
Generally speaking, direct cylinders cost less than indirect ones, so you can expect direct hot water cylinders to fall at the lower end of the price scale.
Unvented hot water cylinder installation cost
Next, you’ll need to factor in the cost of installation.
The average hot water cylinder installation cost ranges from around £500 to £1,500.
However, this can vary depending on the complexity of the installation and the amount of work required.
It’s important that you have your hot water cylinder installed by a professional who knows what they’re doing, for both safety and to ensure that you validate your warranty.
While many different trades may possess the skills to install your unvented hot water cylinder – from plumbers to heating engineers and even some builders – you’ll need to make sure your installer has an Unvented G3 certificate.
This certifies that your installer has the skills and training needed to fit this type of hot water system – and means they can self-certify that their work meets Building Regulations.
Cost of replacing an unvented hot water cylinder
Hoping to replace an existing unvented hot water cylinder, rather than installing a new one from scratch?
This can lower your installation costs significantly.
As a rough guide, you can expect to pay between £300 and £500 in labour costs (not including the price of the cylinder itself).
Replacing a direct unvented hot water cylinder in an existing system and the same location will typically cost the least.
This is because direct cylinders are generally the quickest to install. We’re talking around a day at most.
Meanwhile, replacing a direct cylinder with an indirect one will typically fall at the higher end of the price scale, as this will require new pipework and fittings.
Search for checked tradespeople working in your area
What factors can affect your pressurised hot water cylinder cost?
As you can see, pressurised hot water cylinder costs can range hugely depending on lots of different factors.
Here are the main ones.
Cylinder size
Some hot water cylinders can store more water than others.
As you might expect, bigger cylinders that have a higher capacity will typically cost more – as will those with additional features.
Cylinder type
As we’ve touched upon already, you can choose between direct or indirect unvented hot water cylinders.
Direct cylinders not only cost less to buy, but they’re also quicker to install and therefore tend to come with lower installation costs.
Make and model
Not all unvented hot water cylinders are made equal.
A cylinder made by a manufacturer renowned for reliability – and with long product guarantees – will understandably cost more than a ‘cheap and cheerful’ one. But it’s also likely to save you money in the long run!
Complexity of the job
Some jobs are more complex and time-consuming than others.
For instance, replacing a combi boiler with an indirect hot water cylinder and system boiler will cost more than replacing a direct hot water cylinder like-for-like.
Similarly, if you want to move your hot water cylinder at the same time as replacing it, this will incur additional costs.
Your location
The cost of labour can range widely across the UK.
As a general rule, costs tend to skew higher in big cities like London. But you may also find you face higher call-out charges for remote areas such as the Scottish Highlands.
We always recommend getting at least three quotes from professionals near you, so you can be sure you’re getting a fair and competitive price for the work.
Search for checked tradespeople working in your area
Are unvented hot water cylinders worth the cost?
Unvented hot water cylinders can be well worth the cost for the right homeowner.
Here are just a few of their benefits.
Improved water pressure
With an unvented hot water cylinder, water is fed off the mains supply.
This means that the pressure sent to taps and showers in your home should be stronger than with a gravity-fed vented hot water cylinder.
Great for busy households
Unvented hot water cylinders are great for large and busy households.
They allow occupants to run several hot water taps at once, meaning no more queues to use the shower!
Space saving
An unvented hot water cylinder allows you to do away with your cold water tank, which will help you to save space in the home.
Plus, you can put the cylinder pretty much anywhere you want – it won’t need to be in a loft as you’re not relying on gravity to move water around your home.
No frozen pipes
As your unvented hot water cylinder doesn’t need to be located in the loft, this removes the risk of frozen loft pipes.
Plus, it does away with the risk of flooding if those frozen pipes then burst!
Doesn’t require a gas supply
You don’t need to have a gas supply to get a direct unvented hot water cylinder.
This is because direct cylinders heat the water using an immersion heater, powered by electricity.
Completely sealed
Last but not least, an unvented hot water cylinder system is completely sealed.
Your water won’t be sitting around in a tank for days on end as it comes straight from the water supply. So, it can’t get contaminated.
Key takeaways
An unvented hot water cylinder can improve your water pressure and save space at home
Average unvented hot water cylinder prices range from £400 to £2,000
Unvented hot water cylinder installation costs average between £500 and £1,500
Costs vary based on factors like the type of unvented hot water cylinder, the amount of work required and your location
Always get at least three quotes to get a feeling for a range of local companies and ensure you’re getting a competitive price for the work
Search for checked tradespeople working in your area
More Unvented Hot Water Cylinder Installation Articles
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job