Need to Move Boiler into Loft? Get Costs for Moving a Boiler into a Loft

Factors Impacting the Cost to Move Boiler Into Loft

The cost to move boiler into loft spaces depends on the type of boiler you have and the extent of pipework required. Loft spaces are ideal for boiler storage with good frost protection and pipe insulation.

Provided there is easy access for repairs and servicing; there is no reason you can’t move a boiler into an attic space.

One of the first pieces of advice we’d give is to consider whether it is more cost-effective to move your boiler or replace it with a more modern version.

While moving it won’t cause damage; if you have an old boiler that is out of warranty or hasn’t been serviced, it could be around the same price to install a brand new one.

Older models are around 90% less efficient than newer ones, so if you are reaching the point where you need an upgrade, it makes sense to make the switch simultaneously.

You can request a Boiler Inspection via our free quotation service to have professional guidance on whether the condition is good enough to warrant the move.

If your boiler is in great shape, then moving it is an alternative. The average cost is around £750, but this depends on many variables and can be upwards of £2,500 if the project is a little more complex.

The core costs are labour and pipework:

• Your new location will need to have an extension flue pipe reaching an outside area. That means creating a new access point for the flue, and costs around £75 to £125 per metre of piping.
• Pipework will be required to connect the boiler to a waste pipe and to plumb it into your existing piping system, which can be around £400 to £600 in total.
• Gas connections mean rerouting gas pipes, so if there aren’t any connections in your loft, this will increase the project price between £45 and £85 per metre.
• Magnetic filters are used to attract rust and debris from the pipes and ensure your boiler remains in good condition for the long-term. Filters cost around £120 to £225, depending on what type of boiler you have and how complex the system is.

An engineer will need to drain your heating system to move the boiler, and you can request they flush the system to eliminate sludge or waste in the pipes. This is a worthwhile exercise since the boiler will work optimally once repositioned.

You can also request Boiler Repair Callout quotations via our service.

The remaining cost factors will mainly relate to the labour time. Your tradesperson will need to remove the old boiler and cap off the old pipework. Their charges may include patching up holes, or you may need to budget separately for repair works.

Engineers will require time to drill holes, fit the new piping, attach the boiler and test the system thoroughly to ensure it is all working correctly. Older oil boilers can be extremely heavy, and so if you are relocating this type of boiler, it will need at least two tradespeople to move it.

Additional Cost Factors in Moving a Boiler

As well as the labour and piping, there are many other cost considerations. We’ve mentioned the type of boiler you have, but this can make a significant difference.

For example, a combi boiler is the easiest to relocate, and even more so if there isn’t an attached water tank. The average cost to move this type of boiler is around £500, with extensive oil boilers costing at least triple the price.

Other cost factors include:

• Decorating work to make good any damage caused when ripping out the old boiler. That includes filling holes, plastering, skimming and decorating.
• Flooring repairs if the piping runs underneath concrete or tiled floors.
• Scaffolding if you need external access to the attic to complete the installation.
• Installing new features to your heating system or looking at the Cost to Move a Radiator once the boiler is in place.

Most boiler relocations only take a day or two, although if you have a large property and are moving a boiler several floors, this might take more like a week.

It’s worth asking your tradesperson how many days of work is anticipated and considering moving out for the duration since you won’t have any heating or hot water until the job is finished.

Breaking Down the Quotation Cost to Move Boiler Into Loft

Boiler engineers will likely need to visit your property to get a clear idea about the installation, piping, and how big a job it will be to move the boiler into the loft.

Quotations will usually be broken down to help you understand precisely what is included, for example:

• Moving the existing boiler – £500 to £950.
• Installing a new extension flue pipe or additional flue bends – from £75 to £125 per metre.
• Fitting a new magnetic filter – £150 to £225.
• Installing new thermostats or control panels – £100 to £650.
• Adding new piping and fittings – £400 to £600.
• Labour charges – number of tradespeople x number of days work.

Should repair jobs such as patching holes not be itemised on the quotation, you can clarify what work is covered to know whether this needs to be budgeted separately.

Likewise, the contractor will usually organise waste disposal for the old boiler if you have decided to go with a replacement, but this should always be clear on the quote, so there is no room for confusion.

What are the Advantages of Relocating a Boiler?

Given the cost to move boiler into loft, you must be comfortable with the benefit the project will bring to your living space.

The primary advantage is space, as if your attic isn’t a room you use regularly, it can comfortably house your boiler for the years to come, giving you more capacity elsewhere in your property.

Many boilers are installed in bedroom cupboards, utility rooms or kitchens, so moving them up to the attic gives you more storage space or an option to change the layout of a room in frequent use.

Other benefits are around the aesthetics, with most of the pipework concealed in the loft.

FAQs - Moving a Boiler to a Loft

Here we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about relocating a boiler into an attic space!

What are the Downsides to Moving a Boiler to the Attic?

The main ‘downside’ to relocating a boiler is that there will be costs associated with the work. It’s worth getting three quotations to compare prices.

Some of the possible pitfalls to watch out for are:

• Potential for problems or errors to occur that you don’t immediately notice.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures in the winter and summer.
• Greater distance between the boilers and your hot water outlets, meaning the delivery of hot water can be slightly delayed.
• It is more difficult to adjust settings or check the pressure (a control panel downstairs can eliminate much of the inconvenience).

What Regulations Apply to Having a Boiler in the Loft?

There are regulations to be aware of. A boiler must be possible to reach if it needs servicing or repair works, and so you might need to install flooring or boarding in your attic to ensure an engineer can access it safely.

You also need to have adequate lighting and access, which might mean fixing a light fitting or installing a ladder.

How Much Loft Space Do I Need to Move My Boiler?

Modern boilers don’t take up a vast amount of space, and moving a combi boiler is a relatively straightforward project. These smaller, efficient boilers use the mains water pressure without a cylinder or water storage tank and can be moved into even small loft spaces.

Suppose you’re unsure whether there is space in your loft to accommodate a boiler. In that case, you can always measure the boiler dimensions and the room and request a professional opinion from an engineer.

Where in My Home Can I Move the Boiler?

There are plenty of places in your property you could choose to move the boiler. A lot depends on the layout of your home and which rooms you use most.

For example:

• Airing cupboards, laundry rooms or utility areas.
• Bedrooms or bathrooms in a cupboard.
• Kitchens.
• Garages.

Boiler engineers can move combi boilers pretty much anywhere. System boilers require a hot water storage cylinder, usually stored in an airing cupboard, so you’ll need to check there is sufficient capacity for the cylinder, feed and expansion tank.

Can I Move My Existing Boiler, or Do I Need a New One?

If your boiler is old and inefficient, it might make sense to replace it and have the new model installed in your attic. Basic energy-efficient boilers can cost as little as £750, plus installation costs, so it may be cheaper to get a new boiler now rather than pay for the relocation, only to find you need a replacement in the next year or two.

An engineer can advise on the anticipated lifespan of your existing boiler if you’re not sure whether to replace it.

References:

• https://www.directheatingsupplies.co.uk/news/a-lofty-idea/
• https://heatable.co.uk/boiler-advice/moving-boiler-cost
• https://www.viessmann.co.uk/heating-advice/how-difficult-is-it-to-move-a-boiler