Boiler query

Button83

Good evening

I've viewed a property to buy but the boiler and washing machine are currently on the storm porch so outside the house but under shelter on three sides

Would this put you off putting in an offer 

I know I could get a gas engineer to look at the boiler but just wanted your recommendations 

Thanks 

user1977

Would probably need to see it to see what you mean, but it doesn't sound like a fundamental problem, even if it needs fixed somehow.

Bendy_House

My only major concern would be from freezing, if the property was left vacant with the boiler off. But, most boilers have a built-in frost stat, or one that can be added easily.

Personally, I'd be looking to fit a door to it, with a frost stat installed inside - it should then be fine.

Ironically, appliances like these should be perfectly fine left outside, PROVIDED rain doesn't land on them. They shouldn't be affected by damp, as they are very well ventilated.

If you do buy, and do fit a door, then I'd have it ajar during washes - THAT'S when issues could occur (a steamy appliance inside an unventilated cupboard).

Other than that, I quite like the idea of having these two eyesores out of the kitchen

user1977

Button83 said:

So where itook the photo is exposed to the garden  there is no external door covering theporch so if it rains hard enough the boiler would be damp 

So put a door on? It doesn't sound a reason to avoid the house.

Button83

I just wondered as I was advised it would cost more money due to it being on an outside wall?

TheJP

Button83 said:

I just wondered as I was advised it would cost more money due to it being on an outside wall?

Well yes an outside door will cost more than an internal one but it would be worth it if you are concerned about the boiler being exposed. I assume the boiler works find as the current owners haven't had any issues with it being in an outbuilding?

Button83

I meant the energy not the door.

No one is currently living at the property 

TheJP

Button83 said:

I meant the energy not the door.

No one is currently living at the property 

No i don't think it would cost you more in terms of energy consumption, even if it did it would be very minimal.

FreeBear

Bendy_House said: Ironically, appliances like these should be perfectly fine left outside, PROVIDED rain doesn't land on them. They shouldn't be affected by damp, as they are very well ventilated.

I would disagree. Condensation is going to be a big problem over the winter months. The steel casings will suffer from rust as will the internals. The electronic circuit boards will have been designed to be used inside a nice warm house, so will not have been given conformal coatings or other protection from damp - The boiler might be rated to operate in an outbuilding, but I would expect it to have a shorter operating life and/or be subject to higher repair costs.

Have lost more than enough valuable electronics that have been stored in a cold, draughty garage - Ventilation is not the answer when condensation forms on every cold surface.

Button83

So @FreeBear would you recommend bringing the boiler inside? 

Would you also suggest a gas engineer to evaluate it?

TheJP

Button83 said:

So @FreeBear would you recommend bringing the boiler inside? 

Would you also suggest a gas engineer to evaluate it?

I think it would depend on the space you have inside for it to be relocated. Costs could be anything from £250-£1000. I would also weigh up if you were to move it would it be more economical to get a new one installed which may be another £1000-2000.