Relocation or brand new installation, the question is: where? Boilers are a complex household appliance, which means finding the perfect spot for yours can be tricky. If you’re unsure where to put your new one, or where to move your old one too, don’t worry, we’re here to help.
Traditionally, boilers have always been located in relation to the parts of the house that need them most, like showers, taps, and washing appliances. These days, the location of boilers varies from house to house. The modern-day boiler – a smaller and quieter source of hot water – has allowed homeowners to relocate boilers in areas of the house that suit their specific needs.
That being said, there are still some parts of the house that are far better suited to accommodate your boiler, than others. In this blog, we look at both the pros and cons of each boiler location. After reading, you should have a much clearer idea of where you want, and need, to put your boiler.
Can I install a boiler in the Bathroom?
A bathroom is a great option for a new boiler installation. Why? Well, above all else, if your boiler is in the bathroom, it’s right next to appliances that use and require the hottest water. This means that when you’re running a nice warm bath or hot shower, you’ll have instant access to hot water.
Bathrooms are also convenient locations because of their existing pipework. In this instance, the condensate pipe which comes out of your boiler can be connected to your bathroom waste pipe – safely depositing all of the nasty chemicals created during the combustion process.
Boilers aren’t the prettiest things to look at, which is why we advise boxing yours off. This means you’ll hide all the ugly pipes, and at the same time, create a nice warm storage place to keep your towels. If you opt for the bathroom, your boiler must be out of range of both the shower and bath. The system’s electrical spur must also be located outside the bathroom to avoid any dangerous meetings between water and electricity.
Can I install a boiler in the Kitchen?
Whether you’re installing a new boiler or moving an old one, the kitchen is always a popular choice. Again, this is because hot water is a necessity when you’re cooking, washing up, or cleaning clothes with a washing machine.
In the past, boilers were known to make a lot of noise. People spend more time in open-plan kitchens, which meant conversations were frequently interrupted by the rumble of a boiler kick starting. Luckily, this has changed with the arrival of modern boilers. The combi boiler is generally quieter and a lot smaller than old system boilers – a huge bonus for modern-day homes. They can be tucked away behind kitchen cupboards, unseen and unheard.
It’s also worth noting that most modern-day washing machines no longer require a hot water feed, so if this is proving to be the deciding factor, make sure you check the exact function of your washing machine.
What about other areas of the house?
There are other parts of your house that make for good spaces to store your boiler, like the garage, loft, or attic. These, however, do have a number of setbacks which makes installing a boiler here, a trickier task.
The garage, loft, or attic are great ways to free up space in other parts of the house. Although, if you were to put your boiler in the loft or attic, you’d need to ensure that it’s accessible. This means you’d have to also install a ladder and sufficient lighting to avoid any trips – or even falls through the ceiling.
As garages are usually a lot colder than your house, there’s also the issue of frost protection that you need to consider. Cold pipes may freeze over and crack in the winter, a serious financial cost. In all these parts of the house, distance can also pose a problem. Because they are further away from kitchen and bathroom appliances, hot water takes longer to get to them.
While space is great, it’s important to consider some of the long term implications. Installing a new or old boiler needs plenty of consideration and rational thinking. The best thing to do before making your decision is to talk to a qualified Gas Safe Registered Engineer. At Boiler Choice, we are specialists in boiler replacements and are fully qualified to advise you on your Birmingham boiler installations, Worcester boiler installations and anywhere else in the West Midlands, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need our help!
