If you are thinking about installing a boiler in a bedroom to free up some space around your home, there are several factors you must consider first.
Most people choose to have their boiler installed in a kitchen, bathroom or utility room, but you can put your boiler in other locations, including in a bedroom. However, there are a few things you need to consider if you’re wondering whether it’s possible and safe to install a boiler in one of your bedrooms before you make a final decision.
Is it safe for you to sleep in the same room as your boiler?
Sleeping in the same room as your boiler is something an engineer would not recommend back in the day, but times have changed. Boilers nowadays are safe, efficient and reliable appliances that can be installed almost anywhere in your home, such as a bedroom, provided you follow Gas Safety Regulations.
If you’re keen on getting a boiler installed in a bedroom, the boiler must be room sealed to ensure it takes air from outside and emits its fumes outdoors through a flue rather than into the bedroom. This makes the boiler safe to be kept in a room where you or other members of your household sleep.
According to the Gas Safety Regulations 1998, a gas boiler over 14kW must be room sealed if you want it installed in a bedroom or a space where people sleep. So, not only do you need to check the boiler is room-sealed before purchasing it and having it installed, but you must also check the boiler output.
Factors to consider before installing a boiler in a bedroom
The first thing that usually comes to mind when thinking about installing a boiler in a bedroom is safety, and as we said above, it is a safe option as long as you follow regulations. So, what else do you need to consider before making a decision? Let’s take a look.
Noise
Modern boilers are quieter than older boiler units, and some are almost silent. That said, all boilers make some noise, making a bedroom installation unsuitable if you’re a light sleeper and easily woken by slight noises.
Noise won’t be a problem if you’re one of those lucky people who can block out noise and sleep through anything. But if you end up getting a boiler installed in your bedroom and you’re a heavy sleeper, you need to listen out for strange gurgling or banging noises over time because this is a sign that your system needs looking at by a professional.
Some boilers in the UK have received the Quiet Mark accreditation for their quiet operation, making them a great option if you want to install a new boiler in a bedroom.
Less space
Although most modern boilers are compact, they still take up space. That means you need to consider how much space you’ll lose in your bedroom when getting one installed. Some boilers are small enough to fit inside a wardrobe or cupboard to allow you to keep it out of sight, so you need to think about where it will go and whether you mind sacrificing that space.
Carbon monoxide
Faulty and unsafe gas appliances can leak carbon monoxide, a highly poisonous gas that can be fatal when inhaled. The NHS says around 60 people die every year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in England and Wales.
You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, and the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Stomach pain
- Shortness of breath
If you want to install a gas boiler in a bedroom, you must get it serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer each year so they can detect any issues before they become dangerous, such as a carbon monoxide leak.
Another way to keep your household safe is to get a carbon monoxide alarm fitted in the same room as your boiler. The alarm can detect leaks and alert you to the presence of this poisonous gas. A carbon monoxide alarm is relatively cheap to buy, usually between £15 and £30, and you need to test it regularly to make sure it works properly.
Alternative room suitable for your boiler
Are you still unsure whether installing a boiler in a bedroom is a good idea? Then you might want to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit you in your home and give you some advice.
If you decide not to install a boiler in your bedroom and don’t want it in your kitchen, bathroom or utility room, here is an alternative option:
Loft
Your loft is worth thinking about if you want to keep your boiler out of sight and somewhere you don’t mind losing space. However, like with all boiler installations, some regulations must be met when installing a boiler in the loft:
- The loft must have suitable flooring so that your engineer can safely install, service and maintain the boiler.
- A ladder with a guard rail is essential for easy and safe access to the loft.
- Appropriate lighting must be available in the loft.
- Electric, gas and water isolation points are a requirement outside of the roof space to allow you to turn off the boiler without accessing the loft.
So, should you install a boiler in a bedroom?
Boilers today are safer than ever, and installing one in a bedroom is possible if the appliance is room sealed and you don’t mind putting up with some noise. We recommend getting a carbon monoxide alarm fitted, no matter which room your boiler is installed in, to provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
You must also arrange an annual service of your boiler to make sure it runs safely and to pick up on any problems before they become costly or dangerous. Besides, all boilers require an annual service by a qualified engineer to keep the warranty intact.