open fires and back boilers

rudhach28a

Hi just wondering if we are still allowed to use back boilers with an open fire. I recently had the government scheme to give me a new boiler, and radiators. I was told this would save me money. Now this has been done, I took my back boiler out and they told me i could not use it with my open fire, so i had to pay for some one to take it out and put in a fire block for my fire! Now i need not only spend money on redecorating my house, spending 4 time if not more on the heating and want my old back boiler back and disconnect my oil as i have no heating on from 7pm til 6am. cant afford it so why not gain from having a back boiler and it can heat the house! i so afree with everyone that they need not ever get rid of a back boiler, IT SAVES MONEY PLEASE CAN ANYONE LET ME KNOW IF HEY KNOW IF IT IS STILL ALLOWED! Many thanks

Cardew

Welcome to the forum.

Yes it is still allowed to have a back boiler with an open fire.

The problem is combining it with a central heating system. It is complicated(and thus expensive); however the biggest problem it is VERY DANGEROUS if not installed properly - you literally have the chance of a big explosion.

Whatever you do, don't attempt to disconnect the oil CH and re-install the fire and plumbing without a qualified plumber.

Why not go half-way and have a fire with no back boiler? You can even use the same fire as long as there is no plumbing attached and the back boiler drained and filled with sand.

Owain_Moneysaver

Once the back boiler has been taken out, it may be illegal (or very difficult) to fit a new one - which includes refitting an old one. They don't comply with modern energy efficiency requirements.

rudhach28a

Owain_Moneysaver wrote: »

Once the back boiler has been taken out, it may be illegal (or very difficult) to fit a new one - which includes refitting an old one. They don't comply with modern energy efficiency requirements.

Our back boiler was taken out so i am just at a loss as what to do to save money.

rudhach28a

Cardew wrote: »

Welcome to the forum.

Yes it is still allowed to have a back boiler with an open fire.

The problem is combining it with a central heating system. It is complicated(and thus expensive); however the biggest problem it is VERY DANGEROUS if not installed properly - you literally have the chance of a big explosion.

Whatever you do, don't attempt to disconnect the oil CH and re-install the fire and plumbing without a qualified plumber.

Why not go half-way and have a fire with no back boiler? You can even use the same fire as long as there is no plumbing attached and the back boiler drained and filled with sand.

Hi i was thinking of disconnecting the cental heating and just use the back boiler as at least when i have a fire on it would do the job of heating the rooms in the house also. It would all be done by a qualified plumber We have filled out oil tank 4 times since oct and i am a single parent withmy pensioner mum living withme i just cant afford this and i am desp to find out what kind of heating systems i can do now! Thanks for reply tho

suki1964

I feel your pain

Here the HE are replacing the back boilers and putting in the oil and every one of my friends are struggling with the costs

One friend had her oil stole last year, and not being able to afford a new fill, went up the moss to cut peats to keep her going. Now shes all oil - she sits in the cold

I would look at how you are using the oil. I have mine to come on and off during the day to keep the chill of the house but the sitting rooms we use coal to keep them toasty. Wearing warmer clothes is second nature and throws on the sofas are great to snuggle into

Im actually sat here typing wrapped in two throws as I got in too late to lite the fire and the heating went off hours ago