Moving the Boiler or Water Heater to the Balcony: What to Know, Regulations, and Smart Alternatives

The question is common, especially in urban settings where space is valuable: is it possible to move the boiler to the balcony? And what if you want to install a gas water heater on the balcony or consider the option of an electric water heater on the balcony? In this article, we clarify regulations, technical limitations, and alternative solutions, with a look at the most compact and efficient technologies for domestic hot water management, such as phase change thermal batteries (PCM).

When it is possible to move the boiler to the balcony

Installing the boiler on the balcony can be a valid solution to free up indoor space and improve safety, but it must comply with certain specific regulations:

• It must be installed in a protected place, equipped with a cover or technical niche.
• It must not obstruct passageways or pose a hazard to stairs and escape routes.
• The exhaust fumes outlet must comply with regulations, preferably on the wall or above the roof.
• Distance from windows and openings must conform to municipal and regional provisions.
• The system must be certified by a qualified technician.
  Note: rules may vary from one municipality to another, so it is essential to contact a qualified installer who knows the local regulations.

Types of devices commonly found on balconies

In many cases, what people want to move to the balcony is not the main household boiler, but devices such as:

• Gas water heater (also called instantaneous heater)
• Electric boiler (storage water heater) / Outdoor electric water heater
  

In everyday language, all of these are called "balcony boilers," but it's important to distinguish their functions:

Technical standards for installing a gas water heater on the balcony

The installation of a gas water heater on the balcony must comply with the following rules:

1. The balcony must be adequately ventilated.
2. The burner must be protected from atmospheric agents (IPX4 outdoor models).
3. A roof flue outlet is required, which is not always feasible in apartment buildings.
4. Certification by a qualified installer is mandatory.
5. In some municipalities, new outdoor gas systems are prohibited, also for aesthetic reasons.
   

When you cannot move the boiler to the balcony

In some situations, moving the boiler to the balcony is not possible or not recommended:

• In historic centers or protected buildings, for architectural reasons.
• If it is not possible to create a compliant flue outlet.
• In condominiums where visible installations are prohibited by the building regulations.
• Where space for tenants cannot be compromised.

If you can’t move the boiler... consider a smart alternative

When talking about smart alternatives to the small water heater or storage tanks like electric or coil water heaters, the i-TES PCM thermal batteries offer a perfect and flexible solution for storing and releasing heat useful for domestic hot water production in various settings:

• Protected buildings or where it is not possible to install flue outlets.
• Renovations where compactness and easy installation are desired.
• Balconies or technical spaces where a wall-mountable or integrated solution is needed.
  

The advantages of i-TES thermal batteries

• No combustion: unlike gas water heaters, they do not burn methane.
• More compact than traditional boilers, they can be wall-mounted or placed in niches.
• Greater safety: they eliminate the risks associated with fumes and gases.
• Efficiency: they store heat from heat pumps and photovoltaic systems.

To learn more about how to improve efficiency and reduce consumption and risks, read:
Domestic Hot Water: Traditional Electric Boiler vs. i-TES Thermal Batteries

In conclusion, moving a gas water heater to the balcony or an instantaneous boiler may seem like a practical solution, but it involves regulatory and technical constraints that must be carefully considered. In contexts where this is not possible or not the optimal choice, it is worth rethinking the domestic hot water production system, focusing on safer, more compact, and sustainable solutions.

i-TES thermal batteries represent a concrete alternative for those seeking efficiency, space reduction, and a transition to clean technologies, without compromising on aesthetics or practicality.