Back boiler

Wig

What is a back boiler?

There is apparently one in a house I might buy (there is a hot water tank in one of the bedrooms). Is it something I should be considering as a "must upgrade" and install a combi or another standard boiler.

I like combis because you can rip out all the pipes and water tanks in the attic (and the bedroom). Makes for a cleaner space and makes maintenance easier.

This back boiler is apparently above a gas fire, does that mean the gas fire has to be on to heat the water tank? does it mean the gas fire has to be on to put the heating on? How does the the timer work?

If it has to go how do I get it out? Or is just left in situ to go rusty?

derrick

Back boilers (BBUs)

These boilers are fitted into the opening behind a fireplace surround and are usually hidden behind a gas fire. A back boiler unit will save space elsewhere in the house, but its output is limited to 16kW (55,000 BTU/hr). The noise when operating can at times be intrusive and a ventilation path direct to outside must be maintained at all times.
If an old BBU is replaced for a new unit it will be necessary to renew the existing flue liner as well. It is not possible to renew the fire front only of older, existing BBUs
Taken from HERE

Back boilers are used same as wall mounted, and are used independant of the fire, i.e you can have fire only, hot water only, hot water and heating,or all 3 together.

Sting_2

I think I heard somewhere that back boilers are no longer installed due to the governments plans to only allow 'energy efficient' boilers to be used. Back boilers can still be used and repaired, but no new installations.

This would not bother the OP since combi boilers seem to be their choice. It would just mean that should they decide to replace there back boiler which would be straight forward (and possibly cheaper) it couldn't be done.

Anyway, not sure if I heard this right (I have a back boiler so was interested) maybe someone can confirm this or tell me if I am talking !!!!!!.

Wig

Sting wrote:

Anyway, not sure if I heard this right (I have a back boiler so was interested) maybe someone can confirm this or tell me if I am talking !!!!!!.

I found a website baxi potterton which was singing the praises of their new back boiler so maybe it's not true.

http://www.baxipotterton.co.uk/products/consumerGuide/backBoiler.html

spankymonkey_2

i am in council property and had a back boiler, as my gas fire was condemned they decided to replace back boiler with a combi as back boilers were no longer being used

Wig

Maybe no longer being used by the council.

Skiduck

I would stay clear of back boilers, they may have updated them, however, they are a lot of hassle, not really the boiler unit itself (they are quite good) but it could cost a lot of money taking out the old flue and installing the new flue to comply with the regs.