If you are replacing an old combi boiler with a zero-emission alternative like the tepeo heat battery boiler, you are taking a massive step toward a greener, future-proof home.
Because the ZEB by tepeo is a dedicated heat battery boiler, it focuses all its stored energy on keeping your radiators beautifully warm. To handle your taps and showers, you will simply need to pair it with a separate hot water solution.
By separating your heating and hot water, you allow your ZEB to maximise its efficiency, while giving you the freedom to choose a hot water setup that perfectly matches your home’s space and your family’s habits.
Here is an honest look at the three most popular hot water solutions our customers use alongside their ZEB.
1. The Traditional Hot Water Cylinder
A traditional hot water cylinder stores and heats water so it is ready for you to use on demand. Because it heats water on a set schedule, it requires a little bit of planning, but modern models come with superb insulation to keep water hotter for longer. Depending on your home’s plumbing, these can be connected directly to your mains (unvented) or use a cold water tank in the loft (vented).
Both types can be heated indirectly by your ZEB, or directly using an electric immersion heater.
Choose a traditional cylinder if you want:
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Lower upfront costs: They are generally the most budget-friendly hardware to install.
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Smart savings: If paired with a programmer, you can heat your water using cheap, off-peak electricity overnight.
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Solar integration: If you have solar panels and a diverter, you can use your own free energy to heat your water.
2. The Smart Cylinder
A smart cylinder takes the traditional model and gives it a 21st-century upgrade. Instead of heating the entire tank, it heats from the top down, meaning you only ever pay to heat the exact amount of water you actually need. They offer incredible visibility and control over your charging times and water volume, though this advanced technology does mean a higher upfront cost.
Choose a smart cylinder if you want:
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Maximum efficiency: Lower running costs by never heating water you won’t use.
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Ultimate control: Easily take advantage of cheap night electricity rates via smart apps.
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Solar integration: Perfect for storing excess energy generated from your solar PV panels.
3. The PCM Heat Battery (Compact Thermal Store)
If you don’t have the space for a bulky water tank, a Phase Change Material (PCM) heat battery is a game-changer. Instead of storing actual water, it stores raw thermal energy inside highly efficient internal materials. When you turn on the tap, cold water passes through the battery and is instantly heated on demand.
Despite being a newer technology, the upfront costs are very similar to traditional cylinders. Better yet, because they don’t store sitting water, they don’t require energy-intensive “legionella cycles.”
Choose a PCM heat battery if you want:
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Space-saving design: Significantly smaller than a traditional cylinder, perfect for apartments or tight cupboards.
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Water on demand: Instant hot water without storing large volumes.
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Lower running costs: Highly efficient, with the ability to charge on cheap off-peak electricity rates or via your solar panels.
Ready to explore your options? There is no one-size-fits-all answer, which is why every tepeo installation starts with a thorough home assessment. Your tepeoPRO installer will evaluate your existing plumbing and your family’s daily habits to recommend the perfect hot water pairing for your new ZEB.
