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Central Heating

Do I install roof vents if my boiler is in my attic?

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.46 PM

Hi I’ve just brought a house without roof vents and a boiler in the attic. I’m being told that I obviously need roof vents but also being told by my plumber that will cause problems for my boiler. The boiler will kick in if the temperature in the attic drops below 6 degrees Celsius to stop the pipes from getting frost damage. The 2 results could be our heating being on constantly during the winter months and as with no heating source in the attic it won’t be able to satisfy the temperature demand and also frozen pipes. I fell like I’m between a rock and a hard place atm. Any advise or expert knowledge with this dilemma would help please

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3 Answers

Boiler Homecare

Rating: 5 out of 5
Honiton
True your roof space is not air tight so there is sufficient movement of air to cool any internal electronic components inside the boiler if the boiler manufacturer states this is a requirement, as for the boiler being permanently on during cold spells this is a myth, it is true once the air temperature reaches 5 degrees centigrade the internal boiler frost thermostat should kick in (if fitted by the manufacturer) and the boiler then cycles to prevent frost damage to the heating pipework and the internal heating waterways only and also the heat exchanger of the appliance, this does not consume a great deal of fuel but you have not stated what type of boiler you have i.e Combi, Regular, or System boiler, I will assume it is a Combi as these are more common. One aspect of your boiler that is not protected from frost damage is your cold water supply to the boiler and the hot water take-off from it, suggest that it is properly insulated with a material we call Armaflex Pipe Insulation also your condense pipe is vulnerable to freezing also if not properly insulated by the installer. Hope you now have a much better understanding of boilers in a potentially frost exposed location
Answered14 March 2022
5

jt property services

Rating: 5 out of 5
Newcastle Upon Tyne
You dont need roof vents as your attic is not completely air tight anyway. All you'll need to do is install a couple of carbon monoxide detectors, 1 in the attic and 1 on the landing next to hatch.
Answered13 March 2022
2

Anonymous user

Assuming the boiler is condensing (white or black pipe connected to boiler) The boiler itself will not require a vent. However it is good practice to put one as close to ridge as possible, this is incase there is a gas escape. Gas is lighter than air and can become trapped in the pitch of roof. Carbon monoxide alarm required as well as boarding of the loft to allow inspection and maintenance of boiler / gas appliance. As there is pipework in the loft (not including gas pipe) insulate pipework with armaflex or appropriate pipe insulation - chances of freezing then become minimal due to the heat rising from rooms below 👍
Answered23 March 2022
0