Having hot water, for heating and for washing, is something that most of us take for granted. It’s often only when our boilers fail, or we have to install a new one, that we’re truly forced to think about how our heating systems work.
If you’re renovating your home or find that you need to install a new heating system, then you’ll likely be wondering if there’s a ‘best’ room to fit your new boiler in. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that will influence where your boiler should go.
Safety regulations
The first thing to mention in the context of boiler positioning is that there are some regulations that dictate where they should be placed. In particular, you’ll need to make sure that the flue position is appropriate, that proper ventilation is possible, and that the boiler will be easily accessible to engineers for repairs and servicing.
There are often additional regulations that govern bedrooms and lofts, so you can’t always just put the boiler where it looks the tidiest. You’ll need to speak with a Gas Safe registered boiler engineer from somewhere like Able Plumbers, to really find out where might be appropriate in your home.
The kitchen
In most cases, you’ll find that the kitchen is the safest and most convenient location to place a boiler. There’s already typically both gas and water pipework in place, making the plumbing side of things a lot more convenient, and kitchens often have an external wall.
With all the other appliances in kitchens, a boiler in a cabinet won’t look out of place either. It provides convenient access, and if there is a leak, it’ll likely be in a relatively water-resistant room without any carpeting.
Cupboards
If you have an airing cupboard or a wide hallway, these could also be suitable locations. You would need to make sure that the boiler wouldn’t block the hallway, and that if the cupboard is near a bedroom, the noise won’t be a disturbance to people when they’re sleeping.
Again, it’s best to have an engineer come over and check whether the spot you have in mind might be appropriate. It might seem like an obvious spot for you, but it won’t take most professionals more than a minute or two to spot any potential issues.
Attics and garages
In some cases, it can be a good idea to put the boiler in an attic or garage. It keeps the boiler out of the way, and means that the noise will likely be less of a disturbance to occupants.
You need to make sure that it’s easily accessible still, especially in attics, and that the boiler won’t be exposed to any extreme temperatures.
Finding the best place for your boiler shouldn’t be too hard, and you’ll need to get professionals involved at some point. Don’t get your heart set on a specific location before consulting an engineer, or you may find that you have to change all your other plans.