Thermal Store Conversion to Unvented Cylinder and Sealed Heating System in Kings Norton
Complete Heating recently carried out a full hot water and heating system conversion in a property in Kings Norton. The project involved removing an existing thermal store system and converting the property to a modern unvented hot water cylinder with a sealed S-Plan heating system.
The existing installation relied on a thermal store with a feed and expansion tank located in the loft. The homeowner wanted a more modern and efficient system with improved hot water performance and simplified controls.
This project required a full system conversion including pipework alterations, new heating controls and the installation of a 250 litre unvented cylinder.
All work involving the heating system and controls was carried out by a qualified engineer, and the unvented cylinder installation was completed in accordance with current safety and installation standards.
The Existing System
The property originally used a Gledhill thermal store system which supplied domestic hot water and heating through an older configuration.
While thermal stores can work well in certain situations, the homeowner wanted a more straightforward system that would provide strong mains pressure hot water and allow the heating system to operate as a sealed system.
The original installation included:
- Gledhill thermal store
- Feed and expansion tank in the loft
- Older heating control arrangement
- Pipework configured around the thermal store setup
The system also occupied a large amount of space within the airing cupboard.
Work Carried Out
This project involved a full system conversion rather than a simple cylinder replacement.
The work included:
- Removal of the existing Gledhill thermal store
- Removal of the feed and expansion tank located in the loft
- Installation of a new Robokit
- Conversion of existing pipework from thermal store configuration to an S-Plan heating system
- Installation of new heating and hot water controls
- Installation of a 250 litre unvented hot water cylinder
- Installation of pressure relief valve discharge pipework to the external wall
- Installation of a terminal guard to the discharge pipe
- Full pipework insulation and lagging
The pipework within the cupboard was redesigned to create a neat and accessible installation while ensuring the system operates safely and efficiently.
Converting to an S-Plan System
An S-Plan heating system uses two motorised valves to independently control heating and hot water.
This allows the homeowner to run:
- Heating only
- Hot water only
- Heating and hot water together
The conversion required careful reconfiguration of the existing pipework and new wiring to connect the heating controls, valves and cylinder correctly.
This approach provides reliable system operation and improved control over the heating and hot water schedule.
Installing the Unvented Cylinder
A 250 litre unvented hot water cylinder was installed to provide high-pressure hot water throughout the property.
Unvented cylinders are connected directly to the mains water supply and are designed to deliver strong and consistent hot water performance across showers, baths and taps.
As part of the installation, the correct pressure relief discharge pipework was installed to the external wall with a terminal guard to ensure the system complies with safety requirements.
Pipework Installation and Finishing
All pipework within the cupboard was carefully arranged and securely mounted to ensure the system remains accessible for servicing.
Once installation was complete, all pipework was fully insulated to help reduce heat loss and improve the efficiency of the hot water system.
The result is a neat and well-organised installation that fits comfortably within the cupboard space.
The Result
The completed system provides the homeowner with:
- Strong mains pressure hot water
- Modern heating and hot water controls
- A sealed heating system
- Improved efficiency
- A tidy and accessible installation
By removing the loft tanks and converting the system to an unvented cylinder, the property now benefits from a more modern hot water and heating setup.
Heating and Hot Water Specialists in Kings Norton
Complete Heating provides professional heating and hot water system installations across Kings Norton and the surrounding areas.
Whether you need a thermal store replacement, an unvented cylinder installation or a full heating system upgrade, we provide clear advice and reliable installation work.
For gas-related heating work, Complete Heating is Gas Safe registered (No. 215453).
Need Help With an Unvented Cylinder Installation?
If you are considering replacing a thermal store or upgrading to an unvented hot water cylinder, we are happy to provide straightforward advice.
Call 0800 050 2345
