Why would you want to move a boiler? This is a question you may ask yourself if you are lucky enough to have your boiler tucked away in a cupboard, complete with carefully boxed in pipes. But there are many homeowners who have to live with an ugly boiler sitting ‘pretty’ in their kitchen with no way of being camouflaged by a unit.
There are three main reasons why a person would want to move a boiler – aesthetics, space and comfort.
Take this example: a family moved into a property that needed renovating. The boiler was positioned in the middle of the kitchen wall, between two windows. Unfortunately, the boiler was so close to one of the windows that there was no way to cover it with a boiler housing unit without it compromising the window frame. The family had three choices – leave it where it was and renovate around it, cover it and end up with a lopsided kitchen unit or move the boiler. When you’re already spending thousands on a new kitchen, you want it to look as good as possible. Therefore, the boiler was moved.
Other people may want to move their boiler out of the kitchen to free up essential storage space. Or perhaps your boiler is currently in a bedroom and the noise is keeping you or a family member awake.
Can I move my current boiler or will I need to buy a new one?
You may be able to re-site your existing boiler but it will depend on a couple of factors. The first is the age and condition of your boiler. Is it worth spending the money to move a boiler that may need to be replaced in a couple of years anyway?
The other is whether you are able to source a replacement flue. All boilers use a flue system but if your boiler is no longer in production, you may not be able to find the right flue – and you can’t reuse your old one. Without a new flue, you won’t be able to move your current boiler.
Ultimately, moving an old boiler can end up almost as expensive as fitting a new one.
What boiler should I choose?
The most popular type of boiler on the market is a combination – or combi – boiler. If you are replacing like for like, there won’t be too much disruption, but if you are changing from a conventional boiler to a combi, the old cylinder and cold water storage tanks will have to be removed (positive!) and the services and pipework that connects to the boiler will all have to be changed (expensive).
Remember too that although combi boilers are popular, they do come with restrictions. Unless you are going with a high end model, most combination boilers aren’t powerful enough to supply hot water to two bathrooms at the same time. A conventional boiler may be more expensive, but ultimately there is no point in paying for a new combi that isn’t fit for purpose.
Where should I put my boiler?
If your boiler is taking up space, an eyesore or keeping your kids awake at night, moving it to another part of the kitchen or re-siting it in your utility room, loft or cellar could be the answer.
However, when a boiler moves, its pipework will have to move with it. And with this comes expense and stress.
Ask yourself:
- Will carpets and floorboards need to be lifted?
- Is your floor stone, concrete or tiled? If so, you may need surface pipework (pipes that run along the wall above the skirting board) or the pipes will run along the ceiling (although they can be hidden by boxing in or a false ceiling).
- Are you thinking of positioning your boiler close to a door or window? Remember that every boiler has its own minimum flue clearance distance from openable doors and windows.
- How far away will your taps be from the new combi boiler? The further away your boiler is, the longer it will take for your water to heat up.
- Will your boiler be positioned near a drain? You must fit a waste pipe.
- If you are thinking of putting your boiler in the attic, your gas engineer will need access to the roof, in turn requiring expensive scaffolding.
- Boilers in attics also come with various health and safety requirements. For example, your loft must have a ladder, a walkway and lights.
- Are you considering putting your boiler in the garage? You will need a frost protection and insulation system to protect the pipes – otherwise they may freeze.
Other things to consider
If you have an airing cupboard in the corner of your bathroom, opting for a combi boiler could allow this cupboard to be removed. This space would actually allow for a separate shower to be installed in your bathroom.
If your combi boiler was to break down, you will have no heat or hot water. Therefore, it is worth considering an electric shower as a back-up – hot water no matter what issues you may be having with your boiler! If a conventional boiler was to fail, the immersion heater would still provide hot water. So make sure any cylinder has the immersion fitted and connected to your property’s electrical supply.
Close to making a decision?
If you think that moving your boiler is the best course of action, we strongly suggest that you ask a few reputable, recommended, Gas Safe registered gas engineers to visit your home. They will be able to give you the facts you need to help you make the right decision.
