If you’re getting a new boiler installed, one of the first questions you’ll need to answer is where you want it to be located. You could choose to either keep it in the same place as your old system, or you could opt to have it relocated.
Many homeowners decide to relocate their new boiler for reasons such as noise, renovation, or simply to improve their home interior. In this article, we’ll identify common areas for boiler installations and outline some key factors that you should bear in mind when considering them.
Common places to have your boiler installed
Despite many manufacturers releasing boilers that are designed to more appealing to the eye, (such as Worcester Bosch’s Style series that has been described as having an iPhone aesthetic) many homeowners still prefer to have their boilers hidden away in a cupboard or discreet room. Here are some of the top locations in which homeowners choose to have their boilers installed:
1. Kitchen
Many homeowners opt to have their new boiler installed in their kitchen cupboard. Most modern boilers are manufactured to be compact in size and are capable of being fitted into a cupboard. Combi boilers in particular tend to fit quite well into kitchen cupboards as they are compact and require no additional tanks or cylinders. They can therefore be easily tucked away.
2. Utility room
If you have a utility room in your home, this could also be a suitable location for your new boiler. When placed in this location, the boiler will be out of your way and less likely to interfere with your general living space. One thing to bear in mind is that you will have to keep the area around your boiler clear so that none of its wires or other components are knocked or obstructed. So, if you use your utility room as storage for your unused but too good to throw away belongings, you might want to consider getting your boiler installed elsewhere
3. Loft
Another popular place to have your new boiler installed is inside your loft. As is the case with utility rooms, when your boiler is installed here, you won’t have to worry about it interfering with your living space.
There are a few things that you will need to consider if you’re thinking about getting your boiler installed inside your loft. Firstly, the area will need to be boarded and have adequate lighting. There must also be a ladder so that the boiler can be accessed when needed.
As loft spacing can have cold temperatures, you’ll also need to ensure that your boiler has frost protection and pipe insulation. Additionally, the wall that it is fitted onto must be able to support the system’s weight and there must be adequate space around the boiler so that an engineer can work on it during any future service or repair appointments.
Finally, it’s worth noting that if you are elderly or immobile, it may be difficult for you to get to the boiler if this is ever required – in which case we recommend contacting a qualified engineer. Nevertheless, boiler controls are usually fitted in easily accessible areas in the home, so you should be able to control your heating as needed without having to go to the boiler directly. If the boiler works on a pressurised system, the filling point and pressure gauge may also be placed in the loft, however additional filling points and gauges can be fitted in more accessible positions.
4. Bedroom
A slightly less popular but possible location for a new boiler is the bedroom. This could be a suitable location if the system is hidden in a space such as a cupboard, however there can be a few disadvantages to having your boiler installed in such a personal space. For example, although most modern boilers are built to operate with minimal sound, these systems will still emit a certain degree of noise. This may prove to be disruptive, especially if you’re a light sleeper.
5. Bathroom
It’s fairly common for a combi boiler in particular to be installed inside a bathroom. Due to the dangers of having electrics in this location, there are a number of regulations that must be followed. For example, the boiler must be enclosed within a cupboard to ensure that it does not come into contact with any water. Additionally, the boiler cannot be reachable from the bath or shower and the system’s electrical spur must be located outside of the bathroom.
6. Garage
Your garage (if you have one) could also be a suitable location for your boiler. The system will be out of the way of your living space in this area. However, as is the case with loft boiler installations, you will need to ensure that your system has frost protection and pipe insulation as this area can get cold, especially in the winter.
If you have a detached garage, you’ll need to give consideration to the pipework layout and its route into the main building, particularly if this is a new location.
7. Airing cupboard
This location is particularly common in homes where a heat-only system is being swapped for a combi boiler. The majority of the requirements are located here, for example the hot and cold water supplies. However, due to noise, consideration should be taken if there are bedrooms located adjacent.
Regulations
When installing your new boiler, your installer will have to follow a number of rules and regulations to ensure that the system is safe to use and in line with current law. Examples include:
- Your engineer must be Gas Safe registered
- The boiler must be A-rated (92% ErP) and condensing
- Due to condensation, a discharge pipe must be fitted to a suitable foul water drain
- According to Boiler Plus legislation (2018), a gas boiler must be fitted with time and temperature controls
- All new combi boilers must be fitted with one of the following: Flue Gas Recovery System, Weather Compensation device, Load Compensation device or a smart thermostat.
The cost of moving a boiler
Relocating your boiler is likely to come at an additional cost. Pipework could need to be moved which will involve the taking up of carpet and floorboards; additional charges will need to be made for the extra time and labour. Whilst a professional and reliable engineer will try their best to make as little mess as possible, relocating your boiler can be a complex job and will inevitably require more time and effort than a standard like-for-like boiler replacement.
If you’d like to discuss a suitable location for your new boiler, contact us today. One of HomeServe’s advisors can provide you with the help and advice you need. Alternatively, you could book an appointment with one of our qualified surveyors.
