Understanding hot water cylinder sizes and dimensions

How many litres does a hot water cylinder hold?

Hot water cylinders hold different volumes depending on the make, model, and type. For example, here at Baxi, our cylinders have multiple capacities, making them suitable for various property types. 

Some hot water cylinders are more compact in their design, making them suitable for smaller homes or where space is limited, as well as properties where only a simple solution is needed, for example when an electric shower is installed, as this would normally only require a small cylinder. 

How do I calculate the right size hot water cylinder for my home?

The amount of water that your hot water cylinder needs to store depends on your typical water use, the size of your home, and the number of occupants in your building. Though each home will have individual requirements, as a general rule of thumb, you should assume around 60 litres per person, so a family of four may need a 250 litre cylinder. Again, this will vary based on other unique factors.

  
To ensure you get the right capacity, speak to a qualified installer for guidance.  

How long does it take to heat the water in a cylinder?

Cylinders are efficient in providing hot water quickly. That said, the water needs to be warmed up within the cylinder first. The way this is done depends on the type of cylinder you have installed at your property, the heating source, and other individual factors.

Having your cylinder insulated can help with reducing the time it takes to warm up the water. Not only does this mean you can enjoy hot water instantly, but you’ll use less energy in the process, which can help with bringing down costs.

  
At Baxi, our indirect cylinders have a ‘coil-in-coil’ heat exchanger for fast recovery times and all our cylinders have thick insulation to keep your water hotter for longer.