Packaged boiler houses
Packaged boiler houses for commercial gas heating
A complete boiler house built and tested offsite, then delivered and connected to the existing heating, gas and electrical services. For new heat demand, or for replacing a boiler house at the end of its life.
When it fits
A new boiler house without building one
Most commercial boiler houses are replaced because the plant has reached the end of its life, the load has changed, or the space is needed for something else. Rebuilding in place means stripping out the old plant first and leaving the building without heat while the new one goes in.
A packaged boiler house is built while the existing plant keeps running. It is set down outside the building, on the ground, a roof or a yard, and connected during a short planned shutdown.
- Boiler house replacement on occupied sites
- New heat demand where there is no plant space inside the building
- Interim heat, with certified lifting points for later relocation
- A staged move to hybrid heat pump and boiler plant
Gas safety
Standards and safety, designed in before fabrication
The safety-critical parts of a boiler house are fixed at drawing stage, so they are built, inspected and tested in the workshop rather than resolved on site.
Gas installation
Pipework sized to the supply pressure and load, a safety shut-off valve and emergency isolation at each exit. Tested and purged to IGEM/UP/1.
Boiler plant
Condensing boiler cascades installed to BS 6644 and IGEM/UP/2 as applicable, with duty and standby so one boiler can be serviced while the rest carry the load.
Flues
Flue routes, heights and terminal positions agreed at design stage, clear of openings, roofs and neighbouring buildings.
Ventilation
High and low level ventilation sized to combustion and cooling air, built into the louvred doors and panels.
Detection
Gas, CO and fire detection options, interlocked with the gas safety shut-off where specified.
Controls
Cascade sequencing, weather compensation, frost protection and a BMS interface with an agreed points list.
Replacement
Replacing a boiler house without losing heat
- Survey: existing plant, heat load, gas supply, connection points and the position for the new unit.
- Design: plant selection, general arrangement, connection schedule and drawings for approval.
- Offsite build: fabricated and pressure tested while the existing boilers stay in service.
- Site preparation: base, connection points and services made ready in advance.
- Changeover: planned shutdown to set down, connect, test and purge, then commission.
- Handover: test records, O&M information and as-built drawings; the old boiler house is freed for other use.
Which form
Packaged boiler house, modular boiler room or skid?
The right form depends on output, the lift and whether the existing boiler house is staying.
| Packaged boiler house | Modular boiler room | Boiler skid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivered as | One finished enclosure, single lift | Two or more modules, joined on site | Open frame, no enclosure |
| Where it goes | Outside the building | Outside, larger footprints | Inside the existing boiler house |
| Suits | Replacement and new heat demand within one transportable unit | Higher outputs, restricted lifts or phased installation | Refurbishment where the room is staying |
FAQ
Packaged boiler house questions
Related: packaged plant rooms for heat pump, hybrid and chilled-water units, modular boiler rooms, and how a project runs.
What is a packaged boiler house?
A packaged boiler house is a complete gas boiler plant room built offsite: boilers, flues, pumps, header, pressurisation, gas pipework, safety controls and electrics inside a ventilated steel-framed enclosure. It is tested in the workshop, delivered to site and connected to the building's heating, gas and electrical services.
Is a packaged boiler house the same as a containerised boiler room?
They do the same job. A containerised boiler room is built inside a container-style box. A packaged boiler house uses a purpose-built frame and insulated cladding sized to the plant, which usually gives better access for servicing and more freedom over door and flue positions.
Can a packaged boiler house connect to our existing heating system?
Yes. The unit is designed around connection points on the existing flow and return mains, with hydraulic separation by low-loss header or plate heat exchanger where the system needs it. The condition of the existing system, flushing and water treatment are reviewed at survey.
Can the old boiler house keep running while the new one is built?
Yes. Fabrication happens offsite while the existing plant stays in service. The changeover is a planned shutdown: disconnect, set down, connect, test and commission.
Does a packaged boiler house need planning permission?
It depends on the site, the size of the unit and where it stands. We raise it at enquiry so it can be checked with the local planning authority early in the programme.
Which fuels can a packaged boiler house use?
Natural gas and LPG. Heat pumps can be added alongside the boilers in a hybrid arrangement. Combicert Ltd is Gas Safe registered (621146) for the gas installation, testing and commissioning.
How is a packaged boiler house priced?
Per project, from the output, plant, enclosure, controls, access and programme. The cost guide sets out what moves the price.
Enquiries
Replacing a boiler house?
Send the heat load, the gas supply details, the site and the shutdown window. We will set out the questions that matter and a route to a quotation.