What does moving a boiler involve?
While boilers are incredibly important when it comes to running a warm and happy home, they can be big, cumbersome and let’s face it, not exactly the most attractive feature of a building, which is why most of us would prefer it if they were hidden away somewhere. So moving a boiler to a location that is more discreet, if not out of sight altogether, is definitely something you might want to do. However, it isn’t just a case of moving your boiler as you would a piece of furniture.
There are a number of things to consider before you take the plunge:
1. Location
Before you start to think of relocation, you need to find a new home for your boiler. This might not be as straightforward as you think, as certain boiler installation regulations must be adhered to.
2. Cost
Moving a boiler is obviously going to incur extra costs which will depend upon where you want the boiler to be. Do you need to extend the kitchen for example, or build an extra cupboard? Top locations include:
- Attic or loft space
- Garage
- Kitchen
- Utility room
- Bedroom
- Bathroom
- Airing Cupboard
3. Time
Is the time it will take worth it? How long moving a boiler takes will depend on the amount of work your boiler engineer will be required to do. Obviously moving a boiler a few feet will take a lot less time than relocating it from downstairs up to the attic space. However, on average, relocating a standard boiler will take around two days to complete from start to finish.
4. Do I need a new boiler?
Not strictly, although to go through the upheaval involved in relocating your boiler just to have it conk out in a year’s time might not make practical or financial sense. You may just as well bite the bullet and relocate with a brand new boiler.
5. Pipework
Pipework is important as this is fed from your mains to your new boiler so if this is being relocated in another area of the house then naturally more pipework will be required.
6. New flue
Boilers are fuelled by gas which is burned during the combustion process.This creates hot and toxic fumes which need to be channeled outside the home with a flue system. When you are moving a boiler the flue will also need to be relocated unless you opt for a new flue system.
Moving a boiler can be more complicated than you first thought, so before you make any sudden decisions, you’ll need to give it some consideration. Getting the opinion of a professional engineer is also a good idea, as they can reassure you that the job can be done or give you options if the relocation you want to do isn’t possible within your budget.
Why would you need to move your boiler?
There are a number of reasons why you might want to move a boiler, they include:
Aesthetics
You don’t want a boiler to spoil the look of your open plan kitchen, or to be the first thing people are aware of in your hallway. You want to find a place for it where it won’t be so obvious such as the attic or out in the garage.
Noise
Your boiler is in your bedroom and is disrupting your sleep by making too much noise at night.
Switching boiler type
You’re switching from a conventional boiler to a combi and want to change its current position.
You want to free up space
Your boiler may be taking up so much space in a room that you’re not able to install a double bed, or it could be in a cupboard that you need for storage
The position is affecting the function of your boiler
For example pipes are freezing up.
Before you consider moving a boiler, ask yourself the following questions:
- Why do I want to move my boiler?
- Is the boiler in an inconvenient position?
- Does the boiler look unsightly in its current position?
- Do I have somewhere to relocate my boiler?
- Am I prepared to put up with the time it takes and the costs involved?
Regulations of moving a boiler
Another thing to take into account are the regulations involved in moving a boiler. For example, gas condensing boilers need to be placed at a certain distance from doors and windows. This is because of the minimum flue clearance distance which states that the flue needs to be at least 1,200 mm away from an opening door or window.
There also needs to be access to a waste pipe. Extra costs might be incurred if the boiler and waste pipe are further away as you’ll need more pipes to connect them both.
How much is a new boiler?
A new combi boiler costs around £600 – £900 for a budget model, £900 – £1,200 for a mid-range model and £1,000 – £2,000 for a premium model depending on the size of the boiler.
How much does it cost to relocate a boiler?
The average cost of relocating your boiler is around £750, although it could be as little as £200, depending upon where you are thinking of putting it. The extra costs come as the result of pipework, moving the flue and magnetic filters which are used to maintain the health of your pipes.
Finally…
Before moving a boiler it is an excellent idea to get professional advice which is where we come in. At Range Heating we are here to guide you through the process. We can advise you on the best location for your boiler and give you a no obligation quotation so that you can make up your own mind whether moving a boiler is worth your while. Don’t hesitate follow the link below to get in touch with us.
