Should I Move My Boiler?

If you’re thinking about relocating your boiler, there are a few things you’ll need to consider. 

Moving a boiler is always an option, but depending on the requirements of the task it can be a tricky and expensive job. However, if a boiler’s current location is causing issues, it’s well worth looking into where else it might be located within your property.

Whether you’re planning to move your existing boiler into another room, or you’re looking at options for the location of a brand new system, you’ll want to read up on the pros and cons of moving a boiler – and find out more about the costs of moving a boiler! Bear in mind that changing the location of a boiler can, in some cases, affect its warranty, so this is another thing to consider before taking the leap. 

Take a look at some of the most common questions we have asked about moving boilers to learn more about what’s involved.

Reasons to consider moving a boiler

Moving a boiler is a task that many homeowners undertake at some point, and there are quite a few different reasons for this.

Usually, the decision is taken to move the boiler due to a particular problem with its previous location. Issues with noise from the boiler disturbing sleep, or factors affecting the function of the boiler such as freezing pipes can quickly get homeowners thinking about the possibility of moving it elsewhere.

We often find boilers located in kitchens, and that’s not a problem in itself. But it does mean sacrificing quite a bit of storage space in the kitchen, so homeowners often choose to relocate the boiler when planning a kitchen refurbishment or other home improvements.

If a boiler is located somewhere where it can’t easily be hidden, homeowners might choose to move it somewhere less obvious. This is another common reason to undertake a move, and it’s one that’s worth thinking about if the sight of your boiler is ruining the look of a room.

Options for moving a boiler

A boiler can be moved to various locations within your home and once you know where you want it and how much to move the boiler, you’re well on your way!

Here are some options:

• Airing cupboard
• Attic
• Bathroom
• Bedroom
• Garage
• Kitchen
• Utility room

How much does it cost to move a boiler?

The cost of moving a boiler is of course a key consideration for homeowners. And this cost can vary quite considerably, depending on the scale of the task at hand.

If you’re planning to move a boiler from one side of a room to the other, the job should be fairly straightforward. But if your boiler is moving from the kitchen to the loft, for example, it’s a bigger job and will therefore be much more expensive.

There are labour costs to take into account (ranging from one to several days’ work) as well as the cost of any additional parts that may need to be purchased, such as pipework, fittings, an extension flue pipe, new boiler controls and a new boiler flue. So there’s no single answer to the question: how much does it cost to move a boiler? 

Often homeowners take the opportunity to replace the boiler and move it at the same time, and if this is the case there’ll be the additional cost of a new boiler to think about. The price of the boiler itself depends on the particular unit that you opt for, but boiler costs range from around £700 right up to several thousands for top-quality systems.

The cost of moving a boiler depends on the system you have, how your property is laid out and your specific requirements. 

How long does it take to move a boiler?

The length of time that it’ll take to move a boiler varies, so it’ll depend largely on what needs to be done and how far the boiler has to travel. 

There are other factors that could also have an impact on how long the job will take, for example, whether or not flooring needs to be taken up to accommodate new pipework, or whether pipework needs to go through walls or ceilings.

If a boiler is just moving a small distance, the job can often be completed within a day. However, boilers that are moving from one floor or the house to another can take longer to install. This will usually involve several days’ work.

Bear in mind that the bigger the move, the greater the likelihood of unforeseen problems, which could delay the job further and increase the cost of moving a boiler even further. 

Does moving a boiler mean buying a new system?

Many modern boilers can be successfully moved without the need for a replacement system, but of course this does depend on what needs to be done. 

In some cases the scale of the job is such that it’s better to replace the system with a newer and more efficient unit, which can be installed more easily in the preferred location.

If a boiler is due to be replaced soon after the move, it’s often more economical to replace the boiler completely. This can also help make the installation process easier, and therefore less expensive overall. Before making a decision, think about the age of your current boiler and where you stand with its warranty. This will help you to decide whether or not it might be best to opt for a full replacement.

Choosing a new location for your boiler

There are a number of different places where boilers are commonly located in UK homes, so you’ll have plenty of options to think about when deciding on where to situate your new system. 

If kitchen space isn’t a concern, then boilers can be easily accommodated within a kitchen cupboard. If a home has a utility room, you might also find a boiler in one of these cupboards.

Some homes with large bathrooms will have space for a boiler in either a family bathroom or a downstairs WC, and both of these can be good places for the unit. 

We’re also seeing increasing numbers of people moving their boiler into the loft space of their property. This is a great option for those who are short of storage space in downstairs rooms, and want to hide an unsightly unit in a space that isn’t used very often.

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There are many things you’ll want to bear in mind before you take the plunge and decide to move your boiler. 

From the cost implications of the task to the potential damage that relocating pipework can cause, there are always downsides to moving a boiler. But there are some great benefits too, particularly if your boiler’s current location isn’t working for you. 

Get in touch with our team if you’d like to learn more about moving a boiler costs, and what’s involved in moving your boiler.