Despite reports of a slowdown elsewhere in the industry, the latest set of figures from MODUS members report growth of over 15% in sales of domestic unvented hot water cylinders during the third quarter of 2005. Growth has been running at over 15% each year since 2000 and the MODUS members are confident that this trend will continue as homeowners become more aware of the many benefits offered by unvented systems. Furthermore, four out of every 10 cylinders sold are unvented compared with three out of every 10 at the start of 2004. This continued growth in the face of reported decline in other sectors of the industry underlines the widening acceptance of unvented as the preferred water heating solution.
In the early years of unvented systems in the UK, new build was the key growth area but householders are increasingly welcoming the availability of potable water at all outlets, high flow rates to multiple outlets for fast filling baths and high performance showering without reliance on a pump, in addition to a dry loft space, as no header tank is required. Therefore, in recent years, as significantly more plumbers and heating engineers became competent to install such products, unvented is increasingly used in domestic upgrades as these benefits become more widely known.
And, of course, there are also installation advantages over the traditional UK open vented system, eg. more siting possibilities, in garages, etc. With no requirement for tanks in the loft, there is no pipe-work to protect against freezing, no pumps are used with mains fed systems and normally, less pipe-work is involved, simplifying the installation whilst saving time and costs. With a greater choice of high performance fittings that can be suggested to the customer, there are more value added opportunities available giving scope for flexibility when pricing an installation. Training courses are still available through colleges and manufacturers.
Most interestingly, MODUS members are also reporting a significant swing towards electric only ‘direct' cylinders. In 2000 direct units accounted for a quarter of the unvented cylinder market. The latest figures from MODUS show that electric only units now account for one third. It is probably safe to assume that the split of direct to indirect unvented cylinders in the market outside of new build is likely to have remained broadly the same. To have achieved such a massive swing across the market overall, it would seem that the change in usage within new build has been dramatic. It is likely that direct units are now beginning to dominate the new build sector.
This can be largely attributed to a shift in the types of properties being built. Currently, a very high percentage of new residential developments are flats/apartments and although gas systems are normally the preferred option, difficulty in catering for the flue requirements in these buildings and similarly in conversions of warehouses and listed building conversions. This has resulted in an increase in electric only developments and in turn has led to an increase
in electric only unvented hot water systems. These can take advantage of
off-peak tariffs such as Economy 7 & Economy 10 to provide a store of mains pressure hot water for use throughout the day. MODUS believes this swing to electric will continue further within the new build sector as the volume of flats and apartments increases still further.
If current trends continue, it is possible that in as little as two years time unvented products will dominate the cylinder market. Specifiers and installers who have not yet recognised the benefits of such systems are encouraged to contact MODUS or one of its member companies for further information and advice on unvented water heating.
The association of Manufacturers of Domestic Unvented Systems, MODUS, formed in 1976 was instrumental in persuading Government departments, Water Authorities and other regulatory bodies in the UK to recognize the advantages of unvented hot water systems. MODUS continues to promote the benefits of these systems and to provide to the trade advice on best practice in unvented hot water system installation.
The MODUS web site www.modus-uk.org has links to Association members and affiliated groups and further information on unvented systems.
