New boiler advice (current boiler outside and I want a new one inside)

lazzareo2009

Hi,

I am hoping you can help point me in the right direction or offer me some advice as I don't know where to start.

I live in a 3 bedroomed semi and the previous owners installed gas central heating and the boiler is located outside in a small out house adjacent to the kitchen. Each year we have problems with the boiler and British Gas come
out to repair (Homecare) and never stop moaning as the boiler is outside.

We are now looking to replace the boiler and we want it to be moved inside the house. British Gas gave us a quote last year and said that the only place they could install a new boiler would be the kitchen and we would have to remove some of the fitted kitchen cabinets. Also a local plumber came out and provided similar advice as I think they just didn't fancy the job. However, our neighbour had a very similar set-up and they have just had a new boiler installed into the loft (which is fully boarded) and obviously the pipe work had to be fed up into the loft but the guy did the whole job in less than a day.

I understand it is not a simple job to install a new boiler inside the house when the current one is outside but it must be more common than British Gas made out and there must be options.

The purpose of this message is as follows: -

1. How do I find a reputable company in the area which could give me a decent quote?
2. How much would you expect a job like this to cost?
3. Can anyone recommend any reputable companies in the Stockport/Cheshire/Tameside area?
4. What other advice can you offer?

When it comes to work like this I really don't know where to start so would appreciate your valued advice.

Thanks.

jalexa

lazzareo2009 wrote: »

British Gas gave us a quote last year and said that the only place they could install a new boiler would be the kitchen and we would have to remove some of the fitted kitchen cabinets. Also a local plumber came out and provided similar advice as I think they just didn't fancy the job.

Why do you say that? You have been given sound advice, the kitchen is the sensible location for a raft of reasons. 400mm max of kitchen units might need to be removed.

Nobody will quote a sensible price for the loft unless you insist, fearing being undercut by a cheaper kitchen quote. Up to you, kitchen or potentially freezing loft.

lazzareo2009

jalexa wrote: »

Why do you say that? You have been given sound advice, the kitchen is the sensible location for a raft of reasons. 400mm max of kitchen units might need to be removed.

Up to you, kitchen or potentially freezing loft.

Apologies I meant to add that we didn't want the kitchen cabinets removed as we have a fitted kitchen and it would look a bit strange with a big gap where there was once a cabinet. It's not possible to box it in due to the size restrictions.

Surely there must be other options?

daveyjp

Is putting it in the hall an option? My parents had their boiler moved from kithen to hallway, due to flue regs.

The loft is never a good idea as the boiler isn't handy for you to ensure all is OK.

FLAPJACK

Hi,

Modern Combi boilers (seems this the is only type you can get now (?)) can come in a size that fits inside a kitchen cupboard.

We have has one fitted that way and have no problems with the look of the kitchen (infact you are pushed to see which cupboard it's in)...also it will need to be placed on an outside wall as the condensate pipe will need to go through it to an outside drain.

Last winter we had a problem with the condensate pipe freezing....have had it sorted now ......this maybe a problem if you site the boiler in the loft.

Worcester Bosch boilers seem to be almost sized to be in a kitchen, even if it didn't go in a cupboard it still doesn't look too industrial.

LittleJo

Hi,
Could you ask the neighbour who has an installation you like who did his?
Jo

daveyjp

No need for an external wall to mount the boiler as long as the flue can be routed to one.

In a kitchen install the condensate drain can be plumbed into an existing internal drain such as one serving the sink, washing machine or dishwasher. Our RGI did this as a matter of course to prevent winter freezing.