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What is a Gravity Fed Heating System?

Gravity fed heating systems, or conventional boilers, were one of the most common heating systems found in homes across the UK.

However, if you’re not sure if you have a gravity fed heating system, it’s a good idea to check to make sure you have the most efficient heating for your home. 

Commercial boilers are sturdy and reliable pieces of heating equipment, supplying heating and hot water to very large commercial properties. However, many people are actually unaware of how they work.

What is gravity fed heating?

Gravity fed heating refers to conventional heating systems in which gravity is used to pump and circulate water through the home.

Gravity fed heating systems used to be the most common systems found in UK housing, however, they do tend to be less common now due to the increased popularity in combi boilers.

How does a gravity fed heating system work?

Gravity fed heating systems are exactly what they sound like. When the programmer is in ON, the boiler ignites and a large volume of water is heated up.

Since the cold water is denser than the newly heated water, the cold water falls back down the boiler, displacing the less dense hot water which then consequently moves up the water cylinder.

When the heating system needs hot water, gravity pulls cold water from the storage tank into the hot water cylinder, forcing the hot water out into radiators and taps. Once the hot water is no longer needed, it is then pushed back to the boiler, ready to be heated up again. 


The advantages and disadvantages of a gravity fed heating system

If you’re thinking of installing a gravity fed heating system into your home, it is worth keeping in mind the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of gravity fed heating:

  • Safe: Gravity fed heating systems are very safe for a variety of different homes and have a very simple system design.
  • Can add a pump: You can also add a booster or power shower pump for improved flow rates.

Disadvantages of gravity fed heating: 

  • Space: These systems require hot water tanks and sometimes a cold water tank too, which can take up a lot of loft space.
  • Water pressure: If there isn’t enough height, water pressure can be poor, especially for upper levels.
  • Insulation: It is important to ensure the tanks are correctly insulated in order to prevent heat loss and reduce costs.
  • Inefficient: Gravity fed systems can be inefficient and expensive to run.
  • High Maintenance: This type of system has a number of components which means there is more to maintain and more parts that could fail. It is also prone to sludge build up in the central heating system and air locks when draining down and refilling the system after a repair.

How do you know if you have a gravity fed heating system?

You will be able to tell if you have a gravity fed heating system if you have a cold water tank in the loft and a hot water cylinder elsewhere, most likely in an airing cupboard or near the bathroom. This is usually an old copper cylinder.

They are also usually referred to as conventional or regular boilers, and the terms are used interchangeably. 

Upgrading a gravity fed heating system to a combi boiler

Gravity fed heating systems aren’t typically installed any more; instead, combi boilers are the preferred options for most homeowners, and the recommended system to go with by most heating engineers.

We have a full guide on whether you should convert from a conventional boiler system to a combi one to help you make the best decision.

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