An open vent (sometimes known as a heating only) boiler provides central heating and hot water via a boiler, a storage cylinder housed in the airing cupboard and water tanks in the loft. If you are looking to do a full system overhaul most people opt to remove the tanks from the loft and turn an open vent system into a sealed system.
An open vent boiler is most suited to a larger home with an existing open vent system.
Benefits
- High flow rate for domestic hot water
- More than one tap/shower can easily operate at the same time.
Disadvantages
- Once the water in the storage cylinder runs out you have to wait for it to reheat
- You'll need to find space for the hot water cylinder (usually an airing cupboard)
- The bulk feed and expansion tanks are usually sited in the loft - this can create a problem if you considering a loft conversion
