Boiler flue regulations have been introduced to keep everyone in your home, as well as the neighbours, safe from potentially harmful gases expelled by your boiler. So, if the time has come for you to have a new boiler installed then the installation must meet boiler flue regulations.
We’ll take you through everything you need to know about the regulations and can connect you with qualified installers who will fit the flue in the safest place possible.
What is a boiler flue?
Before you can make sure that it’s in a safe place, you need to know exactly what a boiler flue is. Boiler flues are a pipe or duct, often found protruding from an outside wall or roof that are attached to gas boilers. They give the waste gases produced during the heating process a safe escape route into the atmosphere rather than staying in the home.
Making sure these waste gases are emitted as sfaely as possible is why boiler flue regulations exist.
Boiler flue regulations
Boiler flue regulations ensure that the chances of waste gases making their way into your own home or a neighbour’s property. They take into account several things, from the position of the flue to the direction that it can face. We’ve gone into details of each area that the boiler flue regulations cover below.
Location
Boiler flues are installed to send harmful gases generated by the boiler out into the atmosphere so it makes sense that they’re enough of a distance away from any doors and windows that they can’t re-enter the home. The regulations state that the flue must be between 30-60cm away from any parts of the home that open up, with the exact distance depending on the size of your boiler.
Temperature
Public areas
It’s important to consider those passing by your home as well as those inside it when finding a position for the boiler flue. So, if your flue points in the direction of a public space then it will need to be above head height, which is at least 2.1 metres.
Vertical Flues
The above points only really apply for flues that exit the home horizontally through a wall but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any regulations if your boiler flue goes vertically out of the roof.
As they pass through the home, up to the roof, vertical flues are either boarded over or housed inside a cabinet. It’s stated in the regulations that this cover must have openable panels at several points along the way to make servicing much easier for the engineer.
These regulations don’t apply to installations that took place before the regulations came into effect.
Will I have to move my current boiler?
If the flue from your current boiler doesn’t meet the regulations then there’s a chance that it might need moving or a new boiler installation might be required. Having said that, it’s worth checking with a qualified heating engineer as many of the regulations only apply to new boiler installations.
Will I need planning permission to fit a new boiler flue?
With a boiler flue heading outside it can be easy to think that you’ll require planning permission to have a new one fitted but if it’s within the regulations then you shouldn’t need any permission. To know that your flue will be within the regulations, you will need a Gas Safe Registered engineer to carry out the work.
If you plan to fit the flue outside of the regulations, which we’re not recommending, you will most likely require planning permission.
Planning to move your current boiler?
Moving a boiler to a new location is desirable for many homeowners as a way of freeing up space. Not only that but it could also speed up the response time for domestic hot water. In addition to the conventional kitchen and utility, possible options when it comes to moving a boiler also include an airing cupboard, attic, bedroom or garage.
Whether you’re moving your current boiler from one room to another or just further down the same one, the position of the flue will need to be considered. A typical boiler move could cost around £300 – £800 but if the flue has to be moved or extended then there will be some additional costs.
| Required Work | Possible Cost |
| New flue | £70 – £120 |
| Extension to current flue | £40 per metre |
Remember that moving a boiler is never something you should attempt yourself. Always hire a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Time for a new boiler?
If your current boiler flue doesn’t meet the regulations then you don’t have to immediately install a new one because they only apply to new installations. However, if any of the following are true then it’s time to consider a new boiler:
- It was installed more than 8 years ago
- Your heating bills are on the rise
- You’re no longer covered by a warranty
- Breakdowns are more frequent
- Spare parts are difficult for an installer to find
In addition to the above, having an old boiler in your home poses several safety risks including gas leaks. And if it was to breakdown completely, you’d be left with no heating or hot water. By having a new boiler installed, you’ll experience numerous benefits:
- Cheaper heating bills
- A smaller carbon footprint
- A new warranty
- Increased reliability
- Add value to your property
All of that and the boiler flue will be fitted in a safe spot too!
Get the best deal on a new boiler (and flue)
There’s only one surefire way to ensure that your boiler flue meets the regulations and that’s with a Gas Safe Registered engineer. You can get free quotes from up to 3 qualified engineers in your area by filling in a simple online form on Boiler Guide today.
Comparing at least 3 quotes for a new boiler will give you the greatest chance of finding the most competitive price. And there’s no-obligation to accept any of the quotes you receive through Boiler Guide.
