Back Boiler Guide
Older style boiler fitted behind a fireplace, now being phased out.
UK Market Share
2%
Avg Efficiency
65%
Price Range
N/A (Discontinued)
Typical Warranty
5yr
What Does a Back Boiler Look Like?
Typical back boiler installation in a UK home
How Back Boilers Work
Overview
Back boilers are an older type of boiler that sits behind a fireplace or gas fire. They are no longer manufactured and are being phased out due to poor efficiency and difficulty in servicing. Most are being replaced with modern alternatives.
The Process:
The back boiler unit sits in a recess behind a gas fire or fireplace. Heat from the fire heats water which is then circulated to radiators and a hot water cylinder. These systems are inefficient as much heat is lost to the room rather than heating water.
System Diagram
Complete system layout showing water flow and heating distribution
Back Boiler Pros and Cons
Advantages
How Back Boilers compare to other types
Disadvantages
Very inefficient
Efficiency typically only 60-70%, much lower than modern boilers.
Expensive to replace
Removal and conversion to new system costs £2,000-£3,500.
No longer manufactured
Can't buy new back boilers, making repairs difficult.
Difficult to access for repairs
Located behind fireplace, making servicing challenging.
High running costs
Poor efficiency means much higher energy bills.
Is a Back Boiler Right for Your Home?
Suitability Overview
✓ Best suited for:
No longer recommended - should be replaced with a modern alternative
✗ Not suitable for:
All properties - back boilers are obsolete technology and should be replaced
Ideal property types
Detailed Suitability by Property Type
| Property | Beds | Baths | Score | Recommendation |
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