Heating and hot water considerations when getting a loft conversion

While a loft conversion presents a great opportunity to add value to a property, the current heating and hot water supply could be affected, particularly when ensuites are added. 

A Gas Safe registered engineer will need to check the water flow from the boiler to the loft to see if it is capable of providing the performance required. Similarly, the heating load will need to be checked to understand if the current system is able to adequately supply new radiators that may be fitted in the conversion.

Some modifications could be needed to the property, such as new radiators, pipework or an upgraded boiler if the current one can’t meet the demand. You may also need to consider installing a cylinder with a heat only or system boiler.

These will all be factors that can be identified from an initial survey from a heating engineer, who can help you to understand the options available and steps you could take. 

Choosing the right heating and solution

Naturally, each loft conversion is different. That means that the heating and hot water options will also vary. Understandably, you’ll want to keep your system largely the same or undisrupted as the homeowner we advised did for their conversion comprising of a toilet, basin and shower. 

If, however, you do need to update your system to one that can meet the demands of a new conversion, then you can look into having an upsized combi boiler to maintain familiarity and meet heating and hot water requirements without having to add a new cylinder. You could also look at using your smart thermostat to manage the extra demand and only heat the loft conversion when it’s in use, or during certain times of the day. 

Insulation will also need to be considered. By reducing any heat loss, the new heating system will work more efficiently, even with the additional demand.