Where should I install my boiler?
If you’re unhappy with the position of your current boiler; or you’re planning on getting a new one; you may be wondering where the best place to install it is.
You might want to change the position of your current boiler if your boiler’s keeping you awake at night; is taking up too much space; or you’re planning a renovation.
If you’re changing from a heat-only; or a system boiler; to a combi boiler; you might have additional options of where to locate your new boiler. Since you’ll no longer need an additional hot-water cylinder.
The good news is that boilers can be safely installed in many different rooms around your home.
But it’s important to choose a Gas Safe registered engineer who will ensure compliance with the Building Regulations.
In this article, we address some frequently asked questions about locations for boiler installations. And outline some factors that affect whether your boiler can be moved.
Where should a boiler be positioned?
Your boiler can be installed in a variety of different locations; if you use a Gas Safe engineer who follows the Building Regulations.
The Building Regulations are designed to make sure buildings are safe to use and inhabit. The Regulations set out detailed rules on the installation of boilers; and these will determine where your boiler can be located.
One of the most important regulations is that the boiler’s flue can be safely routed from a suitable location; where it won’t cause nuisance or danger. This is vital in ensuring that the waste gases produced by your boiler are carried safely outside of your home.
The boiler installation manual gives the minimum legal distances the flue terminal must be from windows; air bricks; other buildings; etc, to comply with Building Regulations.
It’s also important that your boiler is positioned so that it can be easily accessed by a heating engineer; for servicing and maintenance. If it’s located in a cupboard, it must meet ventilation and fire safety standards.
Can a boiler be moved?
Moving your boiler to a different location is possible if you’re not happy with its current position. You can also have a new boiler installed in a new position, rather than just replacing like-for-like.
But moving your boiler can be a tricky (and sometimes costly) job, so you shouldn’t rush into the decision…
Things to consider before relocating your boiler
There are several factors that you should consider before moving your boiler:
Why does your boiler need to be moved?
First off, you should think about what you’re hoping to achieve by moving your boiler. So that you can decide whether it’s worth the hassle.
If your current boiler’s old; or isn’t working like it used to; you should also consider upgrading your boiler and relocating it at the same time.
Where would you like your boiler to move to?
When deciding to move your boiler, you should think long and hard about where you want it moving to.
There are places that can become inconvenient for a boiler; so you should think about how you’re likely to be using your home over the next few years.
Are you planning any future renovations that would be affected by your boiler’s position?
Is your family likely to grow, and need a particular space that you’re not using now?
Do you want to upgrade as well as relocate your boiler?
If you’re thinking about moving your boiler; you should consider whether you want to take the opportunity to change to a totally different type of boiler system.
Think about whether the type of boiler you currently have (combi, system or heat-only); is still meeting your needs. And whether you have the correct size for your needs.
Having the correct type and size of boiler will improve your energy efficiency, and help to reduce fuel bills.
The Heating People conduct heat loss calculations as part of your free survey; so that we can match you with your perfect boiler.
What else would need to be moved or rerouted?
It’s easy to overlook the fact that when you move your boiler, you’ll need to move other stuff too!
For your boiler to work in its new location, it’s pipework will need to be relocated. Depending on how far your boiler’s moving; this could involve lifting carpets and floorboards to reroute the pipework; which can be messy and inconvenient.
You should also consider whether you would need to have a new flue and/or condensate pipe installed.
Your engineer will be able to advise you on precisely what would be involved for your chosen location; to help you make the decision.
What’s your budget for moving your boiler?
We look at the cost of moving a boiler later. But moving a boiler’s position will increase the cost of installing a new boiler; since the boiler’s infrastructure will also need to be changed.
If you’re planning to build an extension or have some home renovations soon; you may be able to tie changes to your boiler system in with that.
Where should I install my boiler?
Traditionally boilers have been hidden away in cupboards, often close to the bathroom or kitchen. But they don’t have to be.
Modern boilers are quieter and more aesthetically pleasing than ever.
Many carry the Quiet Mark for being whisper quiet; and boilers such as the Worcester Bosch Greenstar 8000 Lifestyle range are design-led and stylish. So maybe you don’t want to hide yours!
Let’s look at some of the common places that people ask to have their boiler installed in…
Can a boiler be installed in my bathroom?
Yes, you can install a boiler (usually a combi boiler) in your bathroom. And there are a couple of advantages to this too.
Firstly, the boiler will be near one of the rooms that uses most of the hot water. And secondly, it’s likely that the boiler can make use of the pipework already located in the bathroom.
But if you choose the bathroom as the place to house your boiler; there are several regulations that need to be followed, due to the potential dangers of having electrics near water.
Your boiler will need to be enclosed within a cupboard to keep it away from water. But an advantage to this; is that you could have it boxed in to create a nice warm storage space for towels!
Your boiler will need to be positioned so that it isn’t reachable from your bath or shower. And the system’s electrical spur must be located outside of the bathroom.
The current Wiring Regulations and Building Regulations explain the different zones in the bathroom where it’s safe to install a boiler. Your engineer will be able to advise you on this.
Can a boiler be installed in my airing cupboard?
Some homeowners who are replacing a heat-only or a system boiler with a combi boiler; choose to install their new combi in their airing cupboard.
A boiler can be installed in a cupboard providing the minimum clearances given in the manufacturer’s instructions are met.
Can a boiler be installed in my kitchen?
As with a bathroom, the kitchen can be a convenient place to install your boiler. As it’s a place where you use a lot of hot water, and you should have easy access to a drain.
Many modern combi boilers are compact enough to be installed inside a kitchen cupboard. So if you’re prepared to lose some space for your plates, you can tuck your boiler away out of sight.
But if you don’t have a spare kitchen cupboard to house your compact boiler; you could consider building your own boiler cupboard.
Can a boiler be installed in my utility room?
If your home has a utility room; this could be a suitable place to install your boiler because it will be out of the way. So, if you’d rather not be looking at your boiler, this could be a good option!
Can a boiler be installed in my loft?
Putting your boiler in the loft can sound appealing because it will be well out of your way; freeing up cupboards and space elsewhere in your home.
But the downside to this; is that you may have difficulty accessing your boiler if you ever need to; if you’re elderly or immobile.
Although having said that; having modern heating controls will allow you to control your heating without having to go to your boiler directly.
You’ll also need to consider how accessible your loft is for a heating engineer. It’s a requirement that an engineer can easily access your boiler to carry out maintenance work and your annual service. And they’re not expected to be acrobats!
So, if you opt for this location, you’ll need to make sure that your loft is boarded; has adequate lighting; and a suitable ladder.
There must also be enough space around your boiler; for an engineer to work on it during any future service or repair appointments.
Can a boiler be installed in my bedroom?
A slightly less popular but possible location for your boiler is in a bedroom. If you don’t have a utility room; or you have a very small kitchen or bathroom; it could be a suitable location for you.
But one thing to consider here is whether the noise would be disruptive, particularly if you’re a light sleeper. Although boilers are much quieter than they used to be, they aren’t silent, and will still make some noise.
You might be able to reduce the noise by placing your boiler in a cupboard or wardrobe, however.
Can a boiler be installed in my garage?
If you have a garage, this could be another suitable location for your boiler. As with the loft option, it frees up your living space, and you’re unlikely to hear any noise from it.
But since garages are colder than rooms inside your home; you may want to consider lagging your pipes – although most modern boilers offer in-built frost protection.
How much does it cost to move a boiler?
Remember that relocating a boiler isn’t as easy as just remounting your boiler somewhere else. The infrastructure to your boiler will need to be changed.
The cost of moving your boiler will vary greatly depending on several factors including:
- The size of your home;
- location of your existing services;
- What type of boiler you currently have;
- How far your boiler is being moved;
- Where your boiler is being moved to; and
- What route the flue would be required to take.
Generally, the further you move your boiler, the higher the cost. This is because of the labour involved and the cost of the materials.
As a rough guide; installing a new boiler in a different position in the same room as your existing boiler will cost around £2,500.
The Heating People would need to provide you with a free quotation to move a new boiler further than this; because the cost will depend entirely on your home and existing services.
Conclusion
When it comes to boiler installation; there isn’t one place that’s always best to locate your boiler – every home is different.
Provided that your Gas Safe engineer complies with the Building Regulations; you can safely have your boiler installed in any room; including your loft or garage.
If you want to install a new boiler anywhere, you should contact The Heating People. As part of your free survey; one of our expert engineers will be happy to go through all your options with you.
