Gas Boiler Cupboard/ Air Vents

[derekpara]

I have a Vaillant gas boiler in a cupboard under the stairs. The boiler has a flue pipe going through the wall to the outside and there are two louvred vents in the cupboard (fire) door, which opens onto the hall.

My question is this, do the regulations still require vents in this situation ? There are no other means of ventilationg the cupboard- apart from opening the door !

D

[EDDIE51]

Yes ventilation is essential to ensure the boiler has enough air to burn the gas correctly. Lack of ventilation or reduced ventilation would result in the boiler producing Carbon Monoxide which could kill you!

[emeritus]

Is the boiler a combi / balanced flue. If so the vents are there for cooling purposes and not to provide air for combustion ?

[emeritus]

It should state in the manufacturers Installation instructions what the requirements are if installed in a cupboard. Have you got them ? or you should be able to locate them on-line.

[EDDIE51]

I have a Vaillant gas boiler, the vents are for combustion air.
The council have moved our boiler to the kitchen outside wall as they say it is not safe in a cupboard , people tend to store stuff the cupboard which blocks the airflow for ventilation. I would advise that you do the same.

[Canary42]

The answer is yes.

[SirOracle]

Is it possible to have a vent in the floor of the cupboard Derek.?

[PankySmooch]

I've just had a new oil burner installed in my kitchen and its hidden within the cupboards under the worktop, the chap who fitted it said I need to put 2 vents in the kick board for cooling purposes only

[The Builder]

There's generally a lot of confusion over this. It will depend entirely on the type of appliance. There is no single rule for all.

Assuming this is a modern balanced flue boiler, then air is taken in through the wall. Exhaust and carbon monoxide goes out through the wall. No other supply of combustion air is needed.

Emeritus is quite right. Cupboard vents are for cooling. This again varies with manufacturers. If the manual isn't clear, then their Technical team will certainly advise.

[Ric.ror]

Sorry - please could I hijack your thread for a minute
My boiler is accessed by a small door externally on my property - I don't have any access internally and there appears no other ventilation but - as its external won't that be ok

[The Builder]

Ric, again it will depend on the manufacturers requirements. To be honest though, an unheated "outside cupboard" is likely to be cool enough.

If it is a bit airtight (no draughts), then a couple of vents cut through the door would do it. Without constantly monitoring the ambient temperature in the boiler-room, I think I would just go for the vents to be sure.

[Ric.ror]

Thank you Builder

[derekpara]

Thanks to you all. It's a modern balanced flue boiler.

I should have the technical paperwork somehere and will double check.

Cheers.

D