Patrick Garner
Gas Safe Engineer & Installation Manager
Updated 17th July, 2024
Boiler relocation isn’t as simple or inexpensive as it may sound. Moving a boiler within your home comes with significant costs, which vary based on multiple factors, including the boiler type, the distance it needs to be moved, and the complexity of the job. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common costs, factors affecting these costs, and whether it makes sense to move your boiler or invest in a new one.
Why Move a Boiler?
Boilers are often placed in inconvenient locations within homes, such as kitchens or bathrooms, where they take up valuable space. For this reason, many homeowners opt to move their boiler to less conspicuous areas, like attics, garages, or utility rooms. While it might seem like a simple job, moving a boiler requires extensive work, including pipework, flue modifications, and in some cases, electrical adjustments.
Typical Cost of Moving a Boiler
The cost of moving a boiler can range between £400 and £1,000, depending on various factors. It’s essential to understand that this cost is in addition to the standard boiler installation quote. Several key materials and services contribute to the overall expense of moving a boiler, as outlined below:
Item | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
Boiler flue | £100 – £150 |
Flue pipes (per meter) | £45 |
Magnetic filter | £120 – £140 |
Controls (thermostat) | £80 – £700 |
Pipework | £300 – £700 |
If the engineer needs to do substantial pipework or install a new flue, these additional tasks can significantly increase the cost. Keep in mind that certain locations, such as attics or garages, may require more extensive modifications, including installing vertical flues or upgrading insulation to meet safety standards.
How Long Does It Take to Move a Boiler?
The time required to move a boiler will depend on the complexity of the move. If the boiler is being relocated a short distance, such as from one side of a room to another, the job might be completed in as little as one day. However, moving a boiler to a more distant location, such as an attic or garage, can take up to two days or more. The work involves:
- Moving the boiler unit
- Installing additional pipework
- Modifying or replacing the flue system
- Reconnecting all necessary services (gas, water, electricity)
Moving an Existing Boiler: Is It Worth It?
Relocating an existing boiler can be a practical solution if your boiler is relatively new and still under warranty. For example, if your boiler has 8 years remaining on a 10-year warranty, it might make more financial sense to pay for the relocation than replace the entire system.
However, if your boiler is older, out of warranty, or prone to breakdowns, it may be more cost-effective to replace the boiler entirely. Installing a new boiler in the desired location allows you to take advantage of modern, energy-efficient models with improved warranties.
Should You Install a New Boiler Instead?
If your boiler is over 10-15 years old, or frequently breaking down, it might be better to install a new boiler in your desired location rather than relocate an old one. Here’s why:
- Improved Efficiency: Modern boilers are much more efficient. An A-rated boiler operates at 92% efficiency or higher, compared to older G-rated boilers, which run at only 70% efficiency. According to the Energy Saving Trust, upgrading to an A-rated boiler could save you up to £315 per year on your energy bills.
- New Warranty: Installing a new boiler comes with the added benefit of a fresh warranty, often covering 10 years or more. This ensures you won’t have to worry about costly repairs for many years.
- Parts Availability: Older boilers can have limited parts availability, making repairs more expensive and difficult. This is especially true for older models no longer in production. By installing a new boiler, you avoid the risk of being unable to source necessary parts in the future.
Where Can You Move a Boiler?
When considering relocating a boiler, it’s essential to choose a practical location that allows for safe operation and easy access for maintenance. Common locations for boiler relocation include:
- Airing cupboard: A practical space, often used to house hot water cylinders.
- Attic: A good option if space elsewhere is limited, though additional insulation may be required.
- Bathroom: Possible but uncommon due to space constraints and potential safety concerns.
- Garage: Often a preferred location for larger boilers.
- Utility room: A good option if you want to free up kitchen space.
Factors That Impact the Cost of Boiler Relocation
Several factors can significantly impact the cost of moving your boiler:
- Distance Moved: Moving a boiler a few feet is much simpler and cheaper than relocating it to another floor or to the attic. The farther the boiler is moved, the more pipework and materials will be required, increasing the overall cost.
- Additional Pipework: If your new boiler location requires significant pipework to be laid, the cost will increase. Pipework is labor-intensive and copper, commonly used in central heating systems, is expensive. Laying new pipework may also involve lifting floors and drilling through walls.
- Flue Installation: Relocating a boiler often requires installing a new flue to vent gases safely outside. Moving a boiler to the attic or other remote locations may require a vertical flue, which involves cutting through the roof, increasing both labor and material costs.
- Boiler Weight: If your boiler is heavier than usual (such as an oil boiler), the engineer may need extra help to move it, which can add to the labor costs. Most engineers charge a standard fee to move average-weight boilers, but this can rise if additional assistance is required.
- Boiler Conversions: If you are switching boiler types during relocation (e.g., from a back boiler to a combi boiler), this conversion will incur extra costs. Back boilers, for example, are typically installed behind fireplaces, and relocating to a different area of the home will require additional work.
Should You Move or Replace?
If you’re unsure whether to move or replace your boiler, consider the following factors:
- Age of the Boiler: If your boiler is under 10 years old, moving it might make sense. However, if it’s older than 10 years, replacing it with a new, more efficient model could save you money in the long run.
- Efficiency: An old G-rated boiler running at 70% efficiency will cost more to run than a modern A-rated boiler. Moving an old boiler won’t improve its efficiency, but installing a new boiler will.
- Warranty: Moving a boiler doesn’t reset its warranty. If your boiler is nearing the end of its warranty, it might be wiser to invest in a new boiler with a longer warranty.
Conclusion
Relocating a boiler can be a great way to free up space in your home, but it comes with costs that vary depending on the complexity of the move. Expect to pay between £400 and £1,000 for a typical boiler relocation. However, factors like pipework, flue modifications, and the type of boiler can increase the cost.
If your boiler is relatively new and efficient, moving it might be a worthwhile investment. However, if it’s an older model, it may be more cost-effective to install a new, energy-efficient boiler in your preferred location. New boilers not only offer improved efficiency but come with warranties that provide peace of mind for years to come.
For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, consult a Gas Safe engineer to assess your home and the complexity of the move. Whether you choose to relocate or replace your boiler, always consider the long-term benefits of energy efficiency and modern technology.