When it comes to ensuring a steady supply of hot water in your home, the Megaflow system is a popular choice, offering high-pressure hot water directly from the mains. But what exactly is a Megaflow system, when might you need one, and what are the associated costs? This comprehensive guide will answer all your questions, helping you understand the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the financial implications of installing a Megaflow system.
What is a Megaflow System?
A Megaflow system, also known as a Megaflo unvented cylinder, is a hot water storage unit designed to provide high-pressure hot water throughout your home. Unlike traditional systems that rely on a cold-water storage tank, the Megaflow system draws water directly from the mains supply, eliminating the need for additional tanks in your loft or elsewhere.
This unvented cylinder is made from stainless steel, providing durability and energy efficiency. The Megaflow system is not a boiler but works in conjunction with one. It can either heat water directly using built-in immersion heaters or work indirectly with your home’s existing boiler.
There are two main types of Megaflow systems:
- Direct Megaflow: Uses immersion heaters inside the cylinder to heat the water directly from the mains supply.
- Indirect Flow: Relies on an external heat source, such as a boiler, to heat the water stored in the cylinder.
When You Might Need a Megaflow System
A Megaflow system is ideal for homes with high water demands. If you need to run multiple showers or baths simultaneously without a drop in water pressure, this system may be perfect for you. Here’s when a Megaflow system is a good option:
- Multiple bathrooms: Ideal for homes with two or more bathrooms that require simultaneous hot water use.
- High water pressure: If your home benefits from strong mains water pressure, a Megaflow system can take full advantage of this.
- Larger homes: If you have a large property with enough space to install the cylinder, a Megaflow system is well-suited.
However, if you have low mains pressure or a smaller household with minimal hot water demand, a Megaflow system might not be necessary.
Read about: No Hot Water from Your Boiler? Quick Fixes and Solutions
Cost of a Megaflow System
The cost of a Megaflow system can vary depending on several factors such as the size of the cylinder, the brand, and any additional features you may require. Here’s a breakdown of the main costs involved:
Cylinder Size
The size of the Megaflow cylinder is crucial in determining the overall cost. Larger households with more bathrooms will require bigger cylinders, which can significantly increase the price. Below is a general guide to cylinder sizes based on property size:
| Property Size | Number of Bathrooms | Cylinder Size (Litres) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Bedrooms | 2 | 180-210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | 2-3 | 210-300 |
| 5 Bedrooms or more | 2-3.5 | 300+ |
On average, a person requires 35-45 litres of hot water per day, so selecting the right size is essential for meeting your household’s needs.
Brand and Model
Different brands and models come with varying price tags. Here’s a look at typical prices across popular brands:
| Brand | Cylinder Capacity (Litres) | Price Range (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Heatrae Sadia | 70-500 | 550-2,250 |
| Telford | 90-400 | 320-1,230 |
| Gledhill | 90-400 | 290-1,200 |
| Worcester Bosch | 90-300 | 630-1,040 |
Larger cylinders and premium models with advanced features will naturally cost more. Expect to pay anywhere from £300 to £2,000 for the cylinder itself, depending on your choice of brand and size.
Cost of Installing a Megaflow System
Installation costs can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the job and the need for any additional components. Since unvented cylinders like the Megaflow system require high-pressure installation, it’s essential to hire a qualified professional to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Installation Costs
- New Installation: Installing a new Megaflow system, including all the necessary connections and safety features, typically costs between £500 and £2,000.
- Replacement: If you’re replacing an existing system, installation costs are lower, ranging from £300 to £450.
When hiring an installer, make sure they have the proper qualifications to work with unvented hot water systems. Many manufacturers, such as Heatrae Sadia, may void warranties if the system isn’t installed by a certified professional.
Additional Factors Impacting the Cost of a Megaflow System
Several additional factors can influence the overall cost of installing and maintaining a Megaflow system:
- Mains Water Pressure: A Megaflow system relies on sufficient mains pressure. If your home’s water pressure is low, you may need to invest in a booster pump or an accumulator tank, which can add to the installation costs.
- Radiator and Pipework: Older homes with outdated heating systems may require upgrades to the radiators and pipework to handle the increased pressure from a Megaflow system.
- Additional Components: Depending on your system configuration, you may need additional safety features or controls, which can increase the cost.
Pros and Cons of a Megaflow System
Before deciding if a Megaflow system is right for you, consider its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- High water pressure: You can enjoy powerful showers and baths, even when multiple outlets are in use.
- No need for a cold water tank: Frees up space in your loft or other storage areas.
- Energy efficient: Modern systems retain heat effectively, reducing the energy needed to reheat the water.
- Flexible installation: Can be installed almost anywhere in the home.
Cons
- Dependent on mains pressure: If your mains water pressure is low, additional equipment will be required to ensure the system operates effectively.
- Noise: The high pressure of water flowing through the pipes can produce noise, which might be disruptive.
- Installation cost: Unvented cylinders, such as the Megaflow system, are more expensive to install compared to traditional vented systems.
Megaflow Warranty
Different manufacturers offer varying warranty lengths for their Megaflow systems. For example, Heatrae Sadia provides a 25-year warranty on the stainless steel cylinder, while brands like Viessmann and Worcester Bosch offer warranties ranging from 10 to 25 years.
However, these warranties typically cover only the cylinder itself. Components like the immersion heater, controls, and valves usually have shorter warranties, often 1 to 5 years.
Safety Precautions for Megaflow Systems
Given that Megaflow systems operate at high pressure, safety is paramount. Here are some key safety precautions to keep in mind:
- Temperature Control: The cylinder’s thermostat should be set to maintain water at 60-65°C to prevent bacteria growth.
- Pressure Relief: The system includes a Temperature/Pressure Release Valve (TPRV) to release excess pressure and prevent overheating.
- Qualified Installation: Always ensure the system is installed by a Gas Safe engineer with G3 qualifications for unvented hot water systems.
Conclusion
The Megaflow system offers a reliable, high-pressure hot water solution for homes with greater water demands. While the initial installation costs can be high, the long-term benefits in terms of energy efficiency and powerful water pressure make it a popular choice for larger households.
Expect to pay between £300 and £2,000 for the Megaflow cylinder itself, with installation costs adding an additional £500 to £2,000. If you’re replacing an existing system, those costs drop to £300-450. Keep in mind that your mains water pressure and existing heating system may also impact the total installation cost.
By understanding the different components and factors that influence Megaflow system costs, you can make an informed decision about whether this system is the best fit for your home’s hot water needs.
