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:
Disadvantages of gravity fed heating:
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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