Can I Install My Hot Water Cylinder Outside?
Hot water cylinders can last for a long time, so you may be used to indoor cylinders if your home has an indoor water cylinder. You might be wondering, should you install your hot water cylinder outside?
Well, there isn’t really a solid ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer to installing a hot water cylinder outside. Whether or not you could (or should) get an outdoor hot water cylinder will entirely depend on your circumstances.
You’ll want to live in the right climate and space for an outdoor cylinder if you want it to perform well. This means that outdoor installation isn’t for everyone, but it could be perfect for a large group of people living in certain situations.
The question of whether you need an indoor or outdoor cylinder is very much like the question of whether you need an electric or gas water heater – it depends! You should look at your situation and speak to a professional technician before making any decisions to avoid making a big mistake.
If you do get an outdoor cylinder for your home, you should follow these easy-to-do tips:
- Choose an outdoor hot water cylinder made from durable materials. This will ensure it stays safe and hardy, even though it’s outside and less protected than indoor water cylinders.
- Install the cylinder in a well-ventilated area that is protected from the elements and any other outside forces.
- Have the cylinder regularly serviced by a qualified technician, especially if you notice any issues with it.
- Flush the cylinder at least once a year to remove sediment build-up. This will extend the life of your hot water cylinder.
What’s The Point Of Outdoor Installation?
Outdoor hot water cylinders have a number of advantages that indoor cylinders don’t. Of course, indoor cylinders have their own set of advantages and disadvantages as well, and shouldn’t be ignored if you want the best for your home.
So, is an outdoor cylinder right for your home? As mentioned above, it depends! Think about these pros and cons and imagine your life with an outdoor water cylinder installed on your property:
Pro: It Saves Space. A benefit of outdoor water cylinders that you’ll immediately notice is that they save space. They don’t have to be installed indoors, which means you’ll have all that space to use for something else.
This is a fantastic perk for smaller homes and for people who prefer less-cluttered houses. Your water cylinder can be installed outside, so you don’t need to worry about making room for it inside.
If your home is particularly small or you’re worried about finding room for a new hot water cylinder, you can think about getting an outdoor water cylinder to save a good bit of space.
Con: It’s More Vulnerable. Your water cylinder being outside means that it’s more exposed to the weather. While indoor hot water cylinders are protected by walls and a roof, outdoor hot water cylinders are affected by the elements.
This is why it’s vital that you choose an outdoor water cylinder that’s durable and made for the outdoors. Great water cylinders are robust and won’t break down after a little bit of wind and rain or an incident with pests.
You can also take measures to protect your water cylinder, even if it’s outside. Have it installed in a place that’s protected from major weather exposure and is harder for pests to reach.
Pro: It’s More Protected From Indoor Flooding And Water Damage. Unfortunately, flooding can occur, and flooding can damage your furniture and appliances indoors. Indoor hot water cylinders may be damaged by floods, or other types of water damage, because they’re inside.
Outdoor water cylinders are outside and built to be strong, so they’re less likely to be affected by issues that strongly affect indoor fixtures and furniture.
Con: It Might Not Be The Best Choice For Colder Climates. Hot water cylinders can lose a lot of heat through their walls. So, if your water cylinder is outside and it’s very cold out, it could be losing an extraordinary amount of heat.
This means that your water heater will need to use more energy to heat up even more water, and it means that you’ll be paying even more money for that extra energy!
Because of this, outdoor hot water cylinders aren’t exactly the best choice for colder climates.
If you live in a colder climate and you have an indoor hot water cylinder , you should know that there are things you can do to prevent heat loss through the cylinder’s walls. Consider insulating your tank to prevent excessive heat loss. You can also insulate the pipes surrounding your water tank and water heater to prevent even more heat loss while saving money and energy.
Where Can I Go To Learn More About My Hot Water Opportunities?
If you’re still not sure what to choose, there’s one guaranteed way to learn the best choice for you – talk to a professional! An experienced technician can look at your circumstances and tell you your best option.
Where can you find a helpful professional like that? Now, that’s an easy problem to solve; just call us at Hot Water Solutions. At Hot Water Solutions, all we do is hot water, and we’re here to help!
Along with our excellent advice and helpful services, we also offer a range of awesome products like water heaters and – of course! – hot water cylinders. We welcome you to visit our site to see what we have. You can also call us on 0800 497658 or visit our website for more information.
