Location
Due to improvements, in recent years, in boiler technology and design, boilers can now be located in a wide variety of different locations. Reference, however, must always be made to the Manufacturer's Installation Instructions, for information on clearances, access for maintenance, combustion and ventilation requirements, flueing or any other matters relating to the fitting of the boiler.
Kitchen/Utility
Any type of boiler, whether floor standing or wall mounted, conventional flue, fanned flue or room sealed, can usually be accommodated in Kitchens or Utility rooms.
External walls are often found to be most suitable, because the flue has direct access to outside, whether fanned flue or room sealed.
Location on inside walls, is possible with fanned flue boilers, some of which have extended flue options, thus allowing the utilisation of free wall space.
Wall boilers hidden within false wall cabinets is possible, providing the boiler measurements allow. Compartment ventilation is essential and can be achieved by removing the top and bottom of the cabinet.
Concealed under working surfaces is possible for some boilers providing clearance, access and ventilation requirements, etc are met.
NOTE: Boilers must never be positioned over, or partly over, cookers.
Living Room
In living rooms, usually, only combined fire & back boilers are fitted, within the chimney breast. It is not unknown for other boiler types to be fitted, but usually appearance and noise are prohibiting factors.
Bedrooms
Only fanned flue or room sealed boilers can be fitted in bedrooms, since they draw their air for combustion from outside. Therefore, conventional flue boilers, which draw their air from the room in which they are located, MUST NOT BE FITTED IN BEDROOMS. Some element of noise is always generated from boilers, when in operation, particularly fanned flue types and this should be considered if a bedroom location is envisaged, particularly combination boiler, when in hot water mode.
Bathrooms
Only fanned flue or room sealed boilers can be fitted in bathrooms since they draw their air for combustion from outside. Therefore, conventional flue boilers, which draw their air from the room in which they are located, MUST NOT BE FITTED IN BATHROOMS. A boiler can only be located in a bathroom if it is unable to be touched by anyone when standing in the bath. Bathroom location should be avoided if at all possible. If it cannot, then a suitable compartment within the bathroom is advised to accommodate the appliance.
Under stairs
Although this is an unusual location, it is permissible, providing at least a half hour fire protection is given to the underside of the stairs, and all the requirements of the manufacturer can be met.
Garage
All boiler types, fanned flue, room sealed and conventional flue may be fitted in a garage location. Every effort, however, should be made to avoid locating a conventional flue boiler in garages.
Some manufacturers may give specific instructions against doing so and their advice should always be sought before deciding on this location.
Frost protection must be given to boilers and pipework in Garages or where liable to freezing. An effective way is to locate a frost thermostat immediately above the boiler This will give protection to the vulnerable parts of the installation when freezing occurs and, because heat is given off the boiler, it will ensure that the system does not remain on any longer than necessary.
Outbuildings
Generally, all boiler types, fanned flue, room sealed and conventional flue may be fitted in an outbuilding. If an outbuilding is separate from the house and a conventional flue boiler is selected, then it may be difficult to find a suitable support arrangement for it's vertical flue assembly.
All pipework passing between the outbuilding and the house must be well insulated, boxed-in and weather protected. Boilers in such locations may well be subject to dampness and other damaging environmental conditions, causing premature component failures.
Every effort should be made to avoid locating boilers in outbuildings and manufacturers advice should always be sought before deciding on this location. The advice for frost protection is the same as for garages above.
Roof Space
Generally, all boiler types, fanned flue, natural balanced flue and conventional flue may be fitted in a roof space, unless specifically stated otherwise in the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Access to the appliance must be provided as follows:
Secure access ladder
Boarded floor between access hatch and boiler
Handrail around hatch
Permanent lighting
The advice for frost protection is the same as for garages.
Cellar
Generally, because there are no external walls, only fanned flue and conventional flue boilers may be fitted.
