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Comprehensive Guide to
Gledhill PulsaCoil

Introduction

The Gledhill Pulsacoil is a well-known thermal store used to provide mains pressure hot water in a safe and efficient manner. If you’re unfamiliar with this technology or if you’ve recently inherited a Pulsacoil system, you might find the terminology and mechanisms somewhat intimidating. This guide aims to demystify the Pulsacoil, explaining how it works, why it might be a suitable option for your home, and what alternatives you have when it comes to replacement. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether the Gledhill Pulsacoil is right for your needs and what steps to take if you require maintenance or replacement.

Understanding Your Gledhill PulsaCoil: Functionality, Benefits, and Replacement Options

What Is a Gledhill Pulsacoil?

The term “Pulsacoil” refers to a specific product line of thermal stores developed by Gledhill, a reputable manufacturer in the heating industry. Despite its somewhat misleading name, which implies pulsation or the presence of a coil in all models, the Pulsacoil is essentially a direct thermal store designed to supply mains pressure hot water to your home. It achieves this through a clever yet straightforward process of heat exchange, ensuring that the water remains at atmospheric pressure and, therefore, inherently safe.

How Does a Pulsacoil Work?

To fully grasp how a Pulsacoil functions, it’s essential to understand the concept of a thermal store. A thermal store is a device that stores thermal energy in the form of hot water. In the case of the Pulsacoil, this energy is generated by electrical immersion heaters and stored in an internal water tank that remains open vented—meaning it is not pressurized. This stored hot water is then used to heat mains water via a heat exchanger as it flows through the unit, providing you with hot water at mains pressure.
Key Components of a Pulsacoil System:
  1. Thermal Storage Tank: The heart of the Pulsacoil system, this tank stores hot water at atmospheric pressure.
  2. Immersion Heaters: These are electric heaters that warm the water in the thermal storage tank.
  3. Heat Exchanger: This component transfers heat from the stored hot water to the incoming mains water, providing you with hot water on demand.
  4. Thermostatic Blending Valve: This valve ensures that the hot water delivered to your taps is at a safe and consistent temperature.

Why Choose a Thermal Store Like the Pulsacoil?

One of the main reasons homeowners opt for a thermal store like the Pulsacoil is its ability to provide mains pressure hot water safely. Traditional gravity-fed systems often suffer from poor water pressure, especially in homes where the header tank is not sufficiently elevated. In contrast, a thermal store uses mains pressure to deliver hot water without the safety concerns associated with unvented cylinders.
Advantages of a Thermal Store
  • Safety: Since the thermal store operates at atmospheric pressure, there’s no risk of explosion due to overpressure or overheating, unlike unvented cylinders.
  • No Annual Servicing Required: Unlike unvented systems, thermal stores do not require annual servicing, which can save homeowners both time and money.
  • No G3 Regulations: Thermal stores are not governed by the strict G3 regulations that apply to unvented cylinders, making them easier to install and maintain.

Unvented Cylinders vs. Thermal Stores

To appreciate the benefits of a thermal store like the Pulsacoil, it’s helpful to compare it to an unvented cylinder. An unvented cylinder is a pressurized vessel that heats and stores water, delivering it at mains pressure when required. While this setup can provide excellent water pressure, it also carries the risk of explosion if the internal pressure or temperature exceeds safe levels. Unvented cylinders are equipped with pressure release valves to mitigate this risk, but these can release scalding steam, necessitating the installation of a vent pipe to direct the steam safely outside the building.
In contrast, the Pulsacoil’s open-vented design eliminates these risks entirely. The only water under pressure in a Pulsacoil system is the mains water passing through the heat exchanger, making it an inherently safer option.

Types of Gledhill Pulsacoil Models

Over the years, Gledhill has produced several versions of the Pulsacoil, each with its unique features and installation requirements. Understanding the differences between these models can help you make an informed decision if you’re considering a replacement or need to perform maintenance.

The Discontinued Pulsacoils

The Original, 3, 2000, A Class, BP, PCR and the square ECO Stainless model are all earlier versions of the PulsaCoil, now discontinued but still found in many homes.

Pulsacoil PCS Eco Stainless

The Pulsacoil PCS Eco Stainless is a more recent model that incorporates stainless steel components for enhanced durability and efficiency. This model uses a plate heat exchanger and features microprocessor controls that regulate various aspects of the system, including water temperature and pump operation. The microprocessor control board can be found near the top of the unit and plays a crucial role in maintaining the system’s performance.

Evolution of the Pulsacoil

As the Pulsacoil has evolved, Gledhill has made several changes to improve efficiency and ease of use. For instance, earlier models relied heavily on complex electronic controls and sensors, which, while effective, could be prone to malfunction. Newer models have simplified these systems, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns and making maintenance easier.

Replacing a Pulsacoil: What You Need to Know

If you need to replace an existing Pulsacoil unit, the process can vary depending on the model you currently have. While the basic principle of operation remains the same, the internal components and installation requirements may differ.
Considerations for Replacing Older Models
When replacing an older Pulsacoil model, such as the BP, it’s essential to consider the differences in internal components and controls. For example, if you’re replacing a BP model with a newer version, you may need to make adjustments to the plumbing and electrical connections to accommodate the new unit’s design. Additionally, newer models may offer features such as improved energy efficiency and better temperature control, making them a worthwhile investment.
Compatibility with Existing Plumbing
Before replacing your Pulsacoil, it’s crucial to ensure that the new unit is compatible with your existing plumbing system. This includes checking the size and location of the thermal store, as well as the positioning of the immersion heaters and heat exchanger. In some cases, you may need to modify your plumbing to accommodate the new unit, which could add to the overall cost of replacement.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Like any heating system, the Pulsacoil requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. However, because thermal stores are simpler than unvented cylinders, maintenance is generally straightforward and can often be performed by the homeowner.
Common Issues and Solutions
  1. No Hot Water: If your Pulsacoil is not providing hot water, the issue may be with the immersion heaters. Check to see if the heaters are receiving power and if the thermostats are set correctly.
  2. Water Temperature Too Low: This could be due to a malfunctioning thermostatic blending valve or a problem with the heat exchanger. In some cases, the issue may be with the microprocessor controls, which may need resetting or replacing.
  3. Leaking Water: If you notice water leaking from your Pulsacoil, it could be due to a problem with the thermal store itself or the connections to the heat exchanger. Leaks should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage to the system.

Where to Get Spare Parts and Professional Help

If your Pulsacoil requires replacement parts or professional servicing, it’s essential to source these from a reputable supplier. Gledhill offers a range of spare parts for all their Pulsacoil models, ensuring that your unit can be repaired quickly and efficiently.
How to Find a Qualified Technician
When seeking professional help for your Pulsacoil, it’s crucial to find a technician who is familiar with the specific model you own. Not all heating engineers are trained to work on thermal stores, so be sure to ask for references or check reviews before hiring someone to work on your system.

Alternatives to the Gledhill Pulsacoil

While the Pulsacoil is a reliable and effective solution for many homeowners, it may not be the best fit for everyone. If you’re considering alternatives, here are a few options to explore:

Unvented Cylinders

As mentioned earlier, unvented cylinders offer mains pressure hot water but come with certain risks and regulatory requirements. If you’re willing to invest in regular maintenance and safety measures, an unvented cylinder could be a viable alternative to a Pulsacoil.

Combination Boilers

Combination boilers (or combi boilers) provide both heating and hot water on demand without the need for a separate hot water cylinder. This can be a space-saving solution for smaller homes, but it may not provide the same level of performance as a dedicated thermal store.

Heat Pump Systems

Heat pumps are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional heating systems, offering energy-efficient heating and hot water production. While they require a significant upfront investment, heat pumps can reduce your energy bills in the long run and are eligible for government incentives in some areas.

Conclusion

If you need spare parts, professional assistance, or more information about the Gledhill Pulsacoil, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted supplier or technician. With the right support, you can enjoy reliable, high-pressure hot water without the safety concerns associated with other systems.
The Gledhill Pulsacoil is a versatile and safe option for providing mains pressure hot water in your home. Its unique open-vented design eliminates many of the risks associated with unvented cylinders, making it a popular choice among homeowners and landlords alike. Whether you’re looking to install a new Pulsacoil, replace an existing unit, or explore alternative options, understanding how these systems work is the first step toward making an informed decision.
By understanding the benefits and intricacies of the Pulsacoil, you’re better equipped to maintain your system, troubleshoot common issues, and explore replacement options when the time comes.