Moving a boiler to the loft

db9429

Hi everyone,

We need to move a boiler out of a room to be able to demolish the cupboard it sits in and free up much needed space, and are struggling to figure out where we can position it in the house. We’re thinking directly above where it is now so placing it in the loft.

Later, we are planning on a loft conversion - but are not yet sure when this will be. Once the loft conversion is in place, the new location of the boiler would be accessible from the new landing that’ll be created - ie no issues with access and would remain direct above where it is now; which, I assume will make it easier to install.

The issue we have is that until we do the loft conversion, the new boiler position would only be accessible via a ladder. We’re not very clued up on this and from our research so far it’s not clear whether access this way, even temporarily, would pass building regulation. 

Can a heating engineer advise on all of this, or so we need someone else? Does anyone happen to know or is able to point us in the right direction of where to look? 

tr7phil

We had our boiler put in the loft when we had it changed about eight years ago, mainly because the old boiler was really noisy and annoying and I didn't realise the new one would be almost silent!  It added about £200 onto the cost of replacement and I prefer it there.  It is only accessible by ladder but this has never been a problem for anyone.

lesalanos

Ladders are fine to access it.  It would probably be worth putting a few loft boards down between the ladder and the boiler for the engineer to stand on during installation and for yourself if you need access 

Rosa_Damascena

I wouldn't even think about it unless you are happy about the awkward access prior to a loft conversion. But then I am lazy and hate going into the loft.

Soot2006

Ours also just moved into the loft. We already have a conversion, so it's accessed by a hatch and a crawlspace. I didn't think they would do it, but everyone that visited to quote said it was fine, easy, and they'd definitely put boilers in worse locations.  I'm going to put down some boards for maintenance soon but it didn't seem to bother anyone.

Chickereeeee

For those that have done it: what is the noise like in the bedroom below? Both boiler noise and pipe noise. Did you take any extra sound-proofing steps?
Also, are we talking about combi-boilers, or is there a hw tank somewhere.
Thanks. I would like to free up kitchen space as well: we have a boiler and h/w tank there (pressurised system)

nofoollikeold

1. To do it properly, and ensure you don't have problems getting it serviced / repaired, you need:
1a. Proper access. A loft ladder is fine.
1b. A boarded path from the loft hatch to the boiler.
1c. A guard rail around the boarded path.
1d. A light near the boiler.
2. If its a combi or system boiler, its worth getting an additional pressure gauge fitted to the return pipework somewhere easily visible.  That way you can keep an eye on the pressure.
3. With the boiler in the loft, don't forget you'll need to go into the loft if you ever want to adjust the controls.

db9429

Thank you for the responses here - sounds like heating engineers will be OK to install and service as long as we have the right access and support around the boiler. We've contacted a few for quotes! Thanks all!!

JGB1955

We had ours moved from the kitchen (immediately below our bedroom) to the loft (just above our en-suite).  It's a system boiler and we have the pressure gauge in the airing cupboard, alongside the immersion heater.  It's been up there for a couple of years now and we never visit it - it's probably a bit lonely!  We have a loft ladder, an overhead light and the whole loft is boarded.  The plumber ensures he comes to service it in May, before the loft becomes a sauna and after it stops being an ice-box.  I certainly don't miss the 'whoosh' of the boiler firing beneath our bed at 06:30 every day.  I'm only now aware of it being on when I hear the 'click click' of the pipes warming up in the morning.  The space it has released in the kitchen has meant a far more efficient layout there too.