Does a new cylinder have to go in the same place as the old one?

What Advance says

Advance Appliances' FAQ says a new cylinder does not have to go where the old one was, but the old position may be the best place for it, and it is always best to talk to a professional installer if unsure. What changes the answer is the type of store.

Thermal stores

• The TSi indirect thermal store, with its feed and expansion tank built in, can be sited anywhere in the property.
• The TSD direct thermal store is different: the installation guide says its feed and expansion section must sit above the radiator circuit.
• The cylinder only models, such as the TSiC, are for homes keeping an existing feed and expansion tank.
• Wherever it goes, the guide asks for a floor that will take the weight of the full store, a frost free spot, and room to reach the immersion heaters.

Multi fuel stores with a wood burner

The SFUTS has one fixed rule. Its installation guide says the store must sit level with or above the wood burner, so water can circulate by gravity, and the connection must be copper pipe. That ties its position to the stove.

Heat pump cylinders

An unvented heat pump cylinder is fed straight from the mains, so the Advance guide says it is equally efficient on the ground, first or second floor. It fits a standard airing cupboard. The guide asks you to avoid frost, keep pipe runs as short as possible and leave the cylinder accessible for maintenance.

Plan the discharge route too. The tundish must be visible, and the guide sets out when the 22mm discharge pipe needs a larger size. The rules come from Part G3 of the Building Regulations; see Approved Document G.

Electric boilers

An Eglow needs no flue and can go anywhere inside the main envelope of the property, never outside, upright and with front access. A Plug N Glow should sit near a socket, at a height where it can be reached easily.

Before you move it

Check the floor, frost, access for maintenance and, for unvented cylinders, the discharge route. If the work grows beyond a straight swap, see how much work changing a cylinder involves.