How to Hide Boiler in Basement

When it comes to renovating your home, you can do many different things to improve its appearance and function. One of the most common projects people undertake is installing a new boiler. While this may seem like a daunting task, it can be a relatively easy project if you know what you’re doing. This article will show you how to hide the boiler in your basement so it’s out of sight and doesn’t take up any extra space. Let’s get started!

A common reason homeowners choose to hide the boiler is that it’s an eyesore, and they don’t want guests seeing it as soon as they walk into their house. However, the great thing about a concealed appliance is that you can completely forget that it’s even there!

How to Hide Boiler in Basement

4 Methods on How to Hide Boiler in Basement

Method 1: Make a Wall Divider

Step 1

First, you will need to empty the room, put everything away and sweep or vacuum if needed. You can salvage boxes of different sizes to be ready for the wall divider itself. Cover any items on the floor with an old sheet to protect them from dust.

Step 2

Measure how high you want the divider. Please consider that it must be tall enough to cover your boiler, allow space on top to install a light fixture, and have some breathing space underneath since there is no heating element in the basement anyway. If you have hardwood floors, measure even more carefully. Also, make sure you leave room for access beyond the wall divider-like doorways, which will eventually serve as an entryway.

Step 3

Paint the wall with a color that matches your wall. For example, paint the wall white or off-white to look even more like a room divider. Also, paint the walls on opposite sides of the boiler area. Then cover all remaining walls with boxes, leaving enough space between two boxes. It is recommended to leave at least 12 inches for enough airflow and avoid mold growth.

Step 4

If your boiler still needs ventilation, cut out holes in each box at about 6 inches above floor level. Make sure you place them so they are not too close together or right next to each other. You can also buy dryer vents made for basement installations instead of boxes.

Step 5

Attach the boxes to both walls. It is best to use drywall screws and drill them in slightly. If you’re an amateur do-it-yourself project, this is nice for you. Also, attach each box securely, so they don’t shift or fall apart. You can even use glue if necessary.

Step 6

Install your light fixture. It should be high enough so there’s no shadow on any of the boxes, which would make them look weirdly shaped instead of like dividers. Then plug your cord into an electrical socket and screw the bulb into place just below the fixture itself. Make sure that all cords are hidden between wall studs and floors. How to Hide Boiler in Basement

Method 2: Hide a Boiler with a Cabinet

Step 1

Put down your flooring. It has to be flat, sturdy, and level to not cause the cabinet to wobble. Check under the floor for any pipes or wires that could potentially get cut by your saw as you’re cutting out.

Hide a Boiler with a Cabinet

Step 2

If you didn’t already purchase studs prior, go ahead and do that now. Put two framing squares together on centers and screw them into place on either side of where the wall will be installed between boiler room and furnace room walls.

Step 3

Cut out the baseboard molding around floor level. This step is relatively simple because it only includes cutting the baseboards to fit where you want your cabinet to be so there’s no gap between them and the wall.

Step 4

Put the cabinet together with screws or nails. You can use a hammer or drill to do this step, whichever is more comfortable for you. Screws are recommended to prevent cabinets from constantly loosening themselves over time, thus creating an unsafe area for people walking by.

Step 5

Hang the cabinets on the newly installed studs. They must be placed at least 16 inches apart, which is the standard distance when hanging cabinets. Make sure to balance out the space, so one cabinet isn’t hanging over a boiler while the other is too distant from the wall.

Method 3: Hide Boiler With Curtains

Step 1

Measure out the window sill so it can fit over the boiler. After figuring out how far you want your curtain rod extended, mark where your screw holes should go with a pencil.

Hide Boiler With Curtains

Step 2

Put up the towel bar or curtain rod you purchased. Screw it into place on either side of your window sill, ideally right across from each other.

Step 3

Put up the curtain you purchased, preferably a long one that doesn’t have a pattern. If it does have a pattern, ensure that it doesn’t resemble fish scales or any geometric shapes to give off the impression of boxes.

Step 4

Close your curtains if you want, or leave them open.

Method 4: Hide a Boiler with Shelving

Step 1

Measure out the base of your boiler and how wide you want each shelf to be.

Step 2

Drill two holes on either side into which you will insert a dowel or small pipe that can be used as a makeshift rod to support the shelves.

Hide a Boiler With Shelving

Step 3

Put up brackets on either side of where you’ll put the shelves. How far they go down is determined by how close together/apart you want them, but make sure it’s enough for your rods to fit securely inside the brackets (which should ideally be able to hold 100 pounds or more safely) after screwing them in place drill screws through both sides, so they are attached better and don’t come apart.

Step 4

Put up the shelves and screw them in place.

These methods will help in how to hide boiler in basement.

Tips and Warnings

Tips

  • Make sure you have a clear space where you plan to place the boiler as you have to connect the pipes from this machine to your home.
  • You can also wear some clothes and old newspapers just in case the area is dusty.
  • Ensure that all connections are tightly closed so no water gets inside.
  • Use a clean towel to wipe the dust gathered on the machine before starting.
  • Check if there is any leak after you hide the boiler in the basement and make sure that everything is dehydrated around it.
  • You can use some container or box to place your machine inside.

Warnings

  • When you’re doing the installation, you mustn’t enlarge any of the damp areas around your building.
  • You also have to properly connect the pipes and wires so there will be no leaks and accidents once you start using them.
  • Ensure there are no open flames around as this can cause a fire accident if something goes wrong during installation.
  • Do not touch any electrical items like switches or plugs when there is moisture on your hands as this can lead to electrocution, which can be fatal and cause fires.

Is It Safe to Put the Boiler in My Basement??

The boiler can be put in the basement, but it’s preferable if it isn’t. Of course, the safest place to keep your heating system is inside a closed utility room or an attached garage.  But let’s say that you’ve already got the thing in your basement and don’t feel like going up and down two floors every time you want to adjust the thermostat.

Put the Boiler in My Basement

If you have a finished basement, there is a chance that at least part of your boiler system has been set up in an unfinished portion of the basement.  In this case, the best option is to finish off that section.  This will give you easy access to your heating unit for necessary maintenance and repairs.

It will also allow you to monitor the boiler’s performance so that it doesn’t have to work harder than required to heat your home. But let’s say that you’ve already got the thing in your basement and don’t feel like going up and down two floors every time you want to adjust the thermostat.

Conclusion

We believe that when you have a boiler in the basement, it is best to keep it out of sight. This will provide a neat look to your basement and make the area more appealing. How to hide boiler in basement is not at all problematic. All you need are some simple tips and tricks which are listed above. By following these tips, hiding your boiler will be a piece of cake!

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