Boiler Placement Regulations: Where Should I Put My Boiler?
Whether you’re old boiler is beginning to wane or becomes more expensive to run, you may think about investing in a high-performing, more environmental upgrade. There are regulations in place that restrict the placement of your boiler, so it’s important to consider where your new heating system will go. Two of the most common places in the home are the kitchen and airing cupboards, but each home has different requirements.
At GK Plumbing, we have decades of experience in boiler installations. Within this guide, we’ll cover what the boiler placement regulations are and where your boiler is best suited in your home.
In this article, we will cover the following questions to find the optimum location for your boiler:
- What are the boiler placement regulations?
- Can you have a boiler in a bedroom?
- Can you put a boiler in the loft?
- Can you have a boiler in a bathroom?
- Can you put a boiler in a cupboard?
- Can I put my boiler in the kitchen?
- Can I have my boiler in the living or dining room?
- Can I put my boiler outside?
- How much does it cost to relocate a boiler?
What Are the Boiler Placement Regulations?
While there won’t be many times you need to worry about the placement of your boiler, it’s still important to understand the regulations. Without these, you may have to rip out your brand new boiler and start the installation process all over again.
Oil boilers have different regulations, whereas the general boiler placement regulations are as follows:
- There must be sufficient space to access the boiler
- The installation wall must be strong enough to support the weight
- Your boiler must be placed in a slightly cooler environment than the rest of your build
- The space must have frost protection
- Your boiler flue must be 30 to 60 cm away from any doors and windows
- The boiler flue must also be located away from any balconies, flat roofs and corners by 60 cm
- If the boiler flue gases reach a public walkway, it must be 2.1 m above ground level
Ensuring the correct location of your boiler means you won’t incur any fines over misplacement and you can keep the people around you safe from potential fires.
Your engineer should follow these regulations, so you won’t have to worry about a thing. Just ensure the company is on the Gas Safe register, and they will inform the local council and receive the certificate for your boiler installation or relocation within 15 working days.
Where Should I Put My Boiler?
The boiler placement regulations are extremely broad, so you can place your boiler in any space (within reason), be it indoors or outdoors. However, it’s important to find the best place for you and your boiler while keeping the cost and timeframe in mind.
Can You Have a Boiler in a Bedroom?
While you can put a boiler in your bedroom, we don’t recommend it.
Some boilers have a humming sound you will get used to, but it can be disturbing for guests at night.
Most people spend the most time in their bedroom, so you may be putting yourself at risk without escape if your boiler were to ever malfunction.
Can You Put a Boiler in the Loft?
An ideal location for a boiler, especially combis, is the loft, given adequate insulation, ventilation, and wall strength.
It doesn’t take up storage space you may otherwise need or disrupt the aesthetics of your space, and there aren’t really any downsides to it. However, installing a fixed loft ladder is necessary to ensure quick access to the boiler in case of an emergency. This also aids the engineer when they are carrying out the annual boiler service.
Can You Have a Boiler in a Bathroom?
Commonly, smart and combi boilers are installed in bathroom cupboards.
This space-saving method ensures your engineer will have enough space to access the boiler without any storage in the way.
However, the only downside is you must keep water away from it. With this in mind, a boiler in a bathroom is not the best place for curious children or smaller bathrooms where shower water can spray onto the boiler.
Can You Put a Boiler in a Cupboard?
A cupboard is one of the most popular places for boilers, especially older or bigger models that you can’t fit anywhere else.
Whether it’s a big storage cupboard or a small one under the stairs, it’s an ideal place to hide your boiler and lock it away for safety. However, it’s not as space-efficient as other methods.
Can I Put My Boiler in the Kitchen?
Placing a smart boiler in your kitchen provides easy access to your boiler to monitor their energy usage and temperatures.
They nicely sit next to your cupboard or can be fitted into them for those who prefer hiding their boiler. The downside is it’s not as space-saving for families.
Can I Have My Boiler in the Living or Dining Room?
Yes, you can also have your boiler in your living or dining room if you prefer.
While not a popular option, it makes sense as it makes the most of your space.
However, the natural noise may disturb you while you complete daily activities and take away from the experience. It’s also not the nicest sight to see while you’re eating dinner or having guests over.
Can I Put My Boiler Outside?
Especially those with tanks or powering large buildings, some boilers are designed for outdoor placement.
The downsides of putting your boiler outdoors are knowing how to combat the weather and cold temperatures during winter. For example, if it were hit by lightning, it could spark a fire, but many boilers are quality enough to avoid destruction.
How Much Does It Cost to Relocate a Boiler?
When relocating your boiler, it’s important to clear your space first. Please note, it may cost the same as buying a brand new boiler. For example, you may need new pipework and filters.
Including labour, moving your boiler could cost £600 to £1,000. However, moving to a different property will likely incur higher costs.
However, you won’t require permission to move your boiler and it may be up and running the same day.
Efficient Boiler Relocations at GK Plumbing & Heating
Keeping in mind these boiler placement regulations, you can move your boiler to wherever you like. If you’re not sure where the best place for your boiler is, give us a call and tell us about your boiler and property type, and we will be sure to find the best solution for you.
Alternatively, if moving your boiler isn’t worth it, we can also advise you on the best boiler for your property and install it in a new space. All of the boilers we install have up to a 12-year guarantee and we can set up an annual boiler check to maximise safety.
