Is it safe to have a boiler in your bedroom?

If you recently moved and your new home’s boiler is in the bedroom, you might be wondering if it’s safe. 

The good news is that sleeping in the same room as a healthy boiler is generally risk-free. That’s as long as the boiler’s well maintained, and regularly serviced by a Gas Safe engineer. 

The Gas Safe register is an official register of UK engineers who are legally qualified to work on gas appliances. Find out more about finding a trusted Gas Safe engineer here.

Make sure the boiler is room-sealed

There are specific regulations that need to be followed when installing a boiler. If it’s in the bedroom, the boiler should be room-sealed. 

A room-sealed boiler takes the air needed for gas combustion from outside the house, through the boiler flue. The air is taken directly from the flue, and any fumes are also ejected back out through the flue. 

It means the air inside the boiler is separate from the air circulating in the room it's in. This makes sure it's safe to have in a bedroom. 

Luckily, most modern boilers are room-sealed, and a Gas Safe engineer will typically install this type of boiler in a bedroom. But it's still important to double-check this before installation.

Take steps against the risk of carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can leak from a faulty boiler. It’s produced when carbon-based fuels, like oil or gas, don’t burn properly. When inhaled, it can lead to flu-like symptoms, and can even be fatal. 

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Headache
• Weakness 
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach

Carbon monoxide is invisible and has no smell, making it hard to detect. It’s really important to make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector. You can get them from supermarkets, DIY stores, or from your energy company. If you ever detect a gas leak, call the gas emergency line on 0800 111 999.

Another step is to keep your boiler in good condition by booking an annual service. As part of the service, a Gas Safe engineer will look out for signs of an underlying fault that could lead to a carbon monoxide leak.

What other issues can a boiler cause?

If a boiler is correctly installed and maintained, there shouldn’t be any day-to-day safety concerns. But issues such as noise, or how it looks, might make it less appealing to have in your bedroom.

If you’re planning to install a boiler in your bedroom, here are some things to consider: 

Is the boiler making too much noise?

Most modern boilers are quiet when running. Even so, all boilers make some noise at times, like when firing up in the morning. If you’re a light sleeper, it might disturb you if it’s in your bedroom. 

It's important to be aware if the boiler is making an unusual noise. If your boiler or central heating is making a “kettling” sound – whistling, banging, or bubbling – it could be a problem like overheating. If you're worried about a noise coming from the boiler, you should call a Gas Safe engineer. 

How much space is the boiler taking up?

Boilers are designed to be easier to hide these days. Many new boilers, like combi-boilers, are smaller than they used to be. Even so, they still could take up quite a bit of space in a bedroom. 

If you’re installing a new boiler, it’s worth thinking about whether it will fit in your bedroom before going ahead. As well as how you might be able to cover it up.

Disguising a boiler in a bedroom

If your boiler is in your bedroom, there are ways to help it fit with the decoration. 

Making sure your boiler cupboard covers the entire system is a good idea. If you’re not experienced in DIY, it's best to get a professional to build the cover for your boiler. Bear in mind it needs to be functional – the boiler still needs to be accessible for repairs, services, or part replacements.

Get your boiler covered

Getting boiler cover that includes an annual service can help to keep your boiler running safely. It means a Gas Safe registered engineer will check the system once a year, and look for any faults or potential issues with your boiler and central heating. Find out more about what a boiler service involves here.