Locating a gas boiler outside in a leanto-shed

[homeimprover]

Hi all, appreciate your expert advice please as to whether it is bad idea or not to locate a new gas condensing combi boiler (probably a Worcester Bosch) outside in a new lean-to wooden shed that will run 8m down the side of the property so the boiler will be fitted to the exterior flank wall of my home but on the outside and vent out through the shed roof.

I've been searching forums but not really found much.

The house is an 1800 sqft mid-end of terrace Edwardian property in London (2 meters from the next terrace start) and will be fully refurbed with a loft conversion, new windows, solid wall insulation etc. and the builder suggests that it is fine to locate the boiler outside in the lean-to. It would be really convenient for me as it would give us some internal layouts that we want.

But I am concerned about:

1. Heat wastage from the boiler itself. I imagine the pipes will be too short to lose anything. I dont want to heat an 8m x 1m shed before heating my home.

2. Frost risk / Condensate exhaust would probably be piped to the end of the shed.

3. Will the boiler get damaged by dust / rust /damp / shorten its lifespan?

4. Is this a stupid idea that I will regret in the future?

many thanks guys

 

[Howsie]

Depends on the shed and if the boiler is OK to install outside the building fabric. What does your builders plumber say?

 

[dancinplumba]

Ask your installer, they will be able to give you the best advice

 

[nysk2008]

Ive serviced a good few boilers in out buildings and sheds, to be honest it is not where I would locate my own boiler but appreciate sometimes they have to go in a location that isn't the norm. generally the boilers that I have seen have been in quite poor condition which is mainly due to the conditions they are exposed to. a frost stat is essential as will be correct termination of the condensate, like I say, not my cup of tea but doable

 

[Jimbob]

No problem doing it providing pipework gets well lagged. Being a combi though, it's most ideal in a central location so you don't have long legs of pipework to run off for hot water, as that can be quite annoying and wasteful!

 

[Howsie]

How many bathrooms/showers btw?

 

[homeimprover]

thanks Howsie for responding, I think it will be a part block part wooden shed with a felt roof and the quote says "insulated"

 

[homeimprover]

Jimbob thanks for responding. This was another reason as it is a central location (middle of the house)

 

[homeimprover]

How many bathrooms/showers btw?

there are two bathrooms (bath shower and wc) and a wc.

 

[Howsie]

Are you likely to use both the showers/baths at the same time?

 

[homeimprover]

Are you likely to use both the showers/baths at the same time?

yes - just looked at some paperwork the proposed boiler is a vaillant eco plus 937 with built in water storage and it is supposed to be powerful enough to power both showers/baths at the same time.

Just wondering why you think this is relevant to fitting it outdoors????

 

[Howsie]

yes - just looked at some paperwork the proposed boiler is a vaillant eco plus 937 with built in water storage and it is supposed to be powerful enough to power both showers/baths at the same time.

Just wondering why you think this is relevant to fitting it outdoors????

I think it's relevant because your builder/plumber should know all of this and be explaining the pros and cons of the options given.

Personally I only think combination boilers are suitable for small homes with a light hot water demand. If you are running a bath in the winter and someone wants a shower then someone in the house is going to be disappointed.

 

[lame plumber]

build a block work boiler house with room for an unvented cyl and system boiler, best of all worlds then.

 

[plumber0808]

I agree with lame plumber build it in block and consider an unvented cylinder.

 

[Roger Welton]

and don't store tat in it

 

[lame plumber]

by tat do you mean baxi or wb tat?

 

[Roger Welton]

that also but was thinking more along the lines of mowers, tins of paint, bags of rubbish, and other things that just get n the way when any work needs doing.

 

[dancinplumba]

by tat do you mean baxi or wb tat?

Oh yes