Gas Back Boiler

[pringle35]

I currently have a back boiler behind a gas fire. We intend to refurbish the lounge where ther back boiler and fire are located but would like to have the fireplace centrally situated with an electric fire.

Is it possible to leave the back boiler in its current position and panel over this with a vent in the panel?

[boilerman 2]

The answer to this is NO you can-not run a back boiler with out the fire front as it formes part of the flue and they are not designed to opperate as separate items and it would be extremeley dangers to do so.YOU WILL DIE

New laws starting next april will make it almost impossable to fit new back boiler  units, advise that you contact your local corgi installer about other options

[plumtec1]

Hello pringle 35..   I am a Corgi Registered Gas Installer, a lecturer in Gas and Plumbing, and a quality assurance assessor of British Gas engineers.

Do not under any circumstances do what you have asked in your question.

Back boilers must under no circumstances be used without the correct fire front attached.

The results of panelling the fire could lead to incomplete combustion resulting in 1. Sooting up of the heat exchanger. 2. Copious amounts of carbon monoxide. 3.  Flames licking out of the combustion chamber causing damage to wiring.

Current gas regulations prohibit the use of a back boiler in the way you describe.

You have made me very nervous..  I hope you do not live within explosion range of my place if you do decide to go ahead!!

Your best course of action would be to dispose of the back boiler completely and fit either a conventional boiler connected to existing hot water and heating systems, or go for a combi boiler which would enable you to get rid of all your storage tanks..  and be much more efficient anyway..   New condensing boilers can be as much as 98% efficient.. New model back boilers 75%.. older model back boilers in the region of 65%

If you want to know any more, you are welcome to email me at [Email address removed as per site policy. - AB Editor]

Best wishes

Norm