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On the surface two hot water cylinders may appear virtually identical – maybe a small variation in the sizes available, or minor difference in the standing loss that’s negligible when looked at annually. So what makes some cylinders stand out and be perceived as higher quality than their competitors?
The reality is there are several factors that contribute to the overall quality of a cylinder and these split out between physical attributes of the cylinder such as material specification and design dimensions, and process related factors such as, variations in welding techniques or treatments and checks the cylinders go through in production, as well as the stringency to which these controls are applied.
The fact is there can be several subtle variations in the processes used by different manufacturers, that collectively can contribute to a significant variation in the quality and reliability of the finished product.
Kingspan Cylinders, who have been manufacturing water heaters since 1904, understand that an unvented cylinder is far more than the sum of its parts.
It requires the perfect alignment of premium raw materials and components combined with precise manufacturing processes.
Here are just some key factors to consider that make Kingspan’s Albion and Range Tribune cylinders stand out that you should know before choosing the next cylinder for your project:
- The type of and grade of steel used in the cylinder
- If the cylinder joints have been welded using oxygen-purged techniques
- If pickling has been used to clean the cylinder
- How the cylinder has been quality tested
- If the cylinder coil design enables optimum performance
- Designs that make cylinders easier to install, i.e. internal expansion, pre-plumbed models, cylinders with build-in buffer tank etc.
High-quality raw materials alone can’t guarantee a durable cylinder. That’s why Kingspan implements comprehensive controls throughout the manufacturing process to ensure every cylinder meets the highest standards. This includes thorough incoming goods certification and inspection, regular calibration of machines and systems, and 100% testing of every cylinder during production.
If you’re considering a lower cost hot water cylinder for your next project, ask yourself: “Why is it cheaper?” Has it undergone all the essential quality assurance stages that Kingspan’s cylinders go through? Were these stages applied thoroughly? Are the raw materials of the same high specification? Is the manufacturer using the right combination of all these factors?
Kingspan goes to great lengths to combine high-quality raw materials with strict manufacturing processes and advanced product design for one main reason: they understand that responsible specifiers, installers and homeowners recognise the importance and value of quality products, which is especially true for home heating systems that are used daily and need to be durable for decades to come.
Watch Kingspan’s latest YouTube video here to see for yourself these key points in action!
If you need help and advice with choosing the right hot water cylinder for your next project, contact Kingspan Cylinders team at hotwater@kingspan.com.