How Much Does It Cost to Move a Boiler? Everything You Need to Know
Boilers are the backbone of our properties' central heating system. Unfortunately, not all houses are built the same. Therefore, when moving to a new property, you might find the boiler isn't fitted where you'd like it.
It is common for older buildings to have boilers in bedrooms, bathrooms, and sometimes even the garage. Which could potentially block cabinet space, be a nuisance to get to, and keep people up at night.
In this scenario, the logical step would be to move the boiler. Before you do so, make sure to read the information in this guide, which will help you understand how much it costs to move a boiler and everything you need to know beforehand.
Reasons to move a boiler
There are many reasons a property owner would want to move their boiler unit, whether it's just a few metres away or to another room of the house.
The main reason many homeowners want to move their existing boiler is usually for renovations or to extend parts of the house. For example, if your boiler is located in the garage, then extensions to your garage might result in it needing to be moved to another location.
It's also typical for boilers in the kitchen to get moved because of the space they take up, which could be used for extra cabinets and shelving. Lastly, boilers are often moved purely out of convenience.
Moving your existing boiler
Moving an old boiler is one of those projects that can quickly become very costly. From the boiler relocation to having to remove concrete or tiled floors to extending the existing pipework.
On rare occasions, the engineer might even struggle to find spare boiler parts that match your boiler's older style: for example, an extension flue pipe from the mid-20th century.
That's why it's a good rule of thumb to wait until your boiler needs replacing before moving it. Especially if it's no longer under the manufacturer's warranty and is older than 10 years.
It is important to check and know the age of your boiler - if it's really dated, it might mean it's no longer compliant with the latest regulations.
The three main boiler systems
It's important to understand the different boiler systems when you start seriously considering moving your boiler. They all have different working requirements and parts that affect both the moving process and cost.
The three main boiler systems are as follows:
1. A Combination (Combi) Boiler
Ideal for smaller, cosier households.
Hot water is retrieved from the mains whenever needed.
They have just one component, making them the easiest to transport.
2. System Boilers
These usually feature a separate hot water cylinder tank that makes them:
Ideal for larger homes with multiple bathrooms.
Able to accommodate increased heating and water demands.
Moving a system boiler requires a little more work as the water tank must be relocated, too.
3. Regular/Standard or Open Vent Boilers
Require both a cold water tank and a hot water storage cylinder.
Most suited for homes with many bathrooms.
Out of the three, system boilers are usually the most difficult to move as you're not just dealing with a boiler relocation, but also moving two extra tanks.
When possible, waiting for a new boiler and using the boiler installation as an opportunity to make the move could be a great way to save on upgrading your heating system.
If you're wondering whether you should move your boiler and it's still relatively new, then consider the longevity of saving on energy bills - in most cases, you'll find moving the boiler will save you money over time.
The cost of moving a boiler
Planning on moving a boiler unit in the distant future? It's important that the tradesperson you contact for the job is a GasSafe engineer. Only a Gas Safe-registered engineer is legally qualified to move, install and repair a boiler.
If you own a combi boiler, then you're in luck. Combi boilers range between £300 and £750 to move, with materials and labour costs included. The price will be lower if you are moving the boiler within the same room, as fewer new pipes have to be installed.
The costs involved will begin to rise substantially as you move different types of boilers.
For example, a regular or system boiler has other components like a hot water cylinder, feed and expansion tank and cold water tank that need to be moved, affecting the overall price.
Oil boilers require more than one labourer working on the job as they weigh twice as much as your average LPG and gas boilers. Which, in turn, doubles the labour costs.
Additional cost
When it comes to moving a boiler, the average costs can be affected by one of the following factors:
Moving of the flue
To dispose of any waste from your boiler, you need a flue, and for the majority of boiler relocations, you will need a new flue installation done. Moving the flue costs around £100 per metre.
Distance of the move
The further the distance that the boiler has to move, the more new piping has to be installed. Boilers use copper piping which costs ten times more than normal piping. Moving pipework and fittings can set you back £500.
Moving rooms
If you're moving the boiler to a new room, the pipes will need to be extended to the new level, and the floorboards will need to be raised and replaced.
Boiler type
On average, a system or conventional boiler costs more to move because you have to move the water tanks forming the central heating systems.
Changing boiler types
If you decide to switch your boiler type, the cost may increase due to the additional work required to install the new boiler.
However, the only time you'll need to switch boiler types is if your existing boiler is insufficient for your hot water needs, which may occur if you add any additional bathrooms to your house or have more people move in.
Boiler age
An older boiler could be more difficult to relocate, thereby increasing the cost.
In this situation, energy-efficient boilers are a cheaper option to purchase as the boiler cost plus labour would equal the price of moving the old boiler.
Moving your non-condensing model is probably not the best course of action; instead, you should think about installing a new boiler on the new site.
Non-boiler related cost
You may need to consider additional expenditures such as boxing in new pipes, painting, re-tiling your floor, and perhaps having carpets fixed or changed depending on the size of the relocation.
If your heating control isn't wireless, you'll also need to relocate the power for the boiler and the connections to it. Check before selecting a company to move your boiler, because not all engineers are able to perform this.
Your flue must exit via the roof if you transfer your boiler to the loft. This could mean you require new tiles and someone to check the building's water tightness.
Moving a boiler: 7 best locations to put a boiler
A boiler can be relocated anywhere in the house, provided it complies with regulations. It should be placed in a practical, stealthy, and reachable area for ease of access during service.
The ideal location for a boiler in a house is where it will be heating the majority of the water there, like near the kitchen or bathroom. However, they are building regulations that the engineer will have to follow.
For example, the waste pipe and the boiler flue must be outdoors. Another rule that's followed is that your boiler must be at a reasonable distance from any doors or windows.
1. Utility room
One thing to consider is the need for a separate room for the boiler and space to be cleared around the wiring and plumbing. A utility room is often away from the main living areas of a house and maintains a reasonably regulated environment, making it a great place to move an old boiler or install a new one.
2. Kitchen
Kitchens are a popular place to move and install a new boiler, as it's close to the water that needs heating. A combi boiler is smaller than an oil boiler and a system boiler. This makes a combi boiler a perfect fit in one of the kitchen cupboards.
3. Bedroom
Although noise might be a concern, the bedroom can be a great location for a boiler installation. Especially if you're not utilising empty rooms.
4. Bathroom
It's quite common for a combi boiler to be installed in the bathroom for a similar reason as in the kitchen. It can be installed in one of the cabinets close to the water that needs heating.
There are specific regulations to bear in mind with bathroom boiler installations, since an engineer must guarantee that any bathroom installation is safe from water damage or other possible concerns.
5. Garage
Some people choose to put their boiler in their garage. Depending on the garage, your boiler may or may not require extra frost protection.
6. Airing cupboard
In the case of conventional or system boilers, the water storage cylinder is normally housed in the airing cupboard.
In some circumstances, replacing an outdated hot water tank system with a combination boiler installed in the airing closet can be feasible, considering all the necessary plumbing already exists and saving money in the process.
7. Loft/attic
An increasingly popular location for a boiler is the loft. It will, of course, be conveniently out of the way. One consideration that you must make here is that the loft should be well-lit and easily accessible.
To maintain a reasonably balanced environment, insulation will need to be added. Even then, the boiler probably needs additional frost protection, as boilers should not be subjected to large temperature fluctuations.
FAQs
Can you move your current boiler?
Yes. With the help of a qualified heating engineer, it's possible to move your boiler to almost any location throughout your property.
It's important to remember that the boiler move will get more expensive if the boiler flue and piping need to be moved or extended.
Is it worth moving a boiler?
It all depends on your current boiler. If your boiler is older than 10 years, void of its warranty, and doesn't comply with the latest regulations, you'll need to get a
However, If your boiler is still under warranty, you don't see a need for a replacement in the distant future and have a reason for moving your boiler, then it can be worth it in the long run.
Is it easy to move a boiler from a loft?
Not at all. In fact, the opposite is true. Whenever you move a boiler more than a few metres, the cost begins going up.
The price begins rising substantially once you begin moving up and down a house floor. This is due to the need for new piping to be installed.
Do you need building regulations permits for moving a boiler?
No, you do not generally require building regulations permission when moving a boiler. However, it's worth double-checking, just in case - as every jurisdiction handles things differently.
The most important thing to ensure during a boiler relocation is that the tradesperson working on the job is authorised and qualified. For example, an oil boiler should be worked on by an Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) authorised engineer.