Churches are being advised by our Church Buildings Team to check their boilers, which may not have been needed to run heating in these warm summer months.
Every autumn, as temperatures start to cool, many churches turn on their heating for the first time to find that their boiler has broken, leaving them without heat.
This can be very stressful since, depending on which solution is best for a church’s needs, the process of obtaining permission might require full faculty approval.
This will take time, depending on the date of the next meeting and how long it takes to compile all the necessary supporting documents.
This can be prevented by testing boilers early on and identifying any potential upcoming issues, so churches have more time to explore and implement possible solutions.
The Church Buildings Team strongly advises churches turn on their boiler and test their heating as soon as possible.
Churches may want to arrange a boiler service, if possible, to be prepared for the colder months ahead.
The Diocese of Leeds website has recently been updated with information on heating options and permissions, but a brief summary is also provided below.
What to do if your boiler has failed or is failing:
Can your boiler be repaired?
Depending on costs, repairing your boiler might be the most financially and environmentally responsible solution. Repairing your boiler, even temporarily, might also relieve immediate pressure and buy you time to consider options for a replacement heating solution in the future.
Repairing an existing boiler (whether oil, gas or electric) usually falls under List A1.6a, provided specific conditions are met. If you are unsure, contact Gemma Shearwood or the Church Buildings Team.
Does your boiler need replacement?
If your boiler cannot be repaired or the costs of repair are too high, there are several options for replacement:
Like-for-like replacement of a non-fossil fuel boiler usually falls under List A1.7a, provided specific conditions are met. If you are unsure, contact Gemma Shearwood or the Church Buildings Team.
Replacement of a fossil fuel boiler with a new non-fossil fuel boiler usually falls under List B1.5, which requires permission from your archdeacon before work can be completed. If you are unsure, contact Gemma Shearwood or the Church Buildings Team.
Like-for-like replacement of a fossil fuel boiler requires a full faculty, and should be considered only as a last resort, where all other non-fossil fuel options have been considered. If you are unsure, contact Gemma Shearwood or the Church Buildings Team.
Do you need a boiler?
The National Church has a commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. As part of this, all churches are asked to evaluate their heating solutions. If your boiler is failing or has failed (or even if your boiler is currently working well), you should consider this an opportunity to review your heating. Where appropriate and possible, you should try to move towards renewable energy options. The Church Buildings Council has issued the following guidance on practical paths to net zero and on heating.
As always, the Church Buildings Team is here to help. If you are concerned about your heating or want to begin exploring new possibilities for more environmentally friendly heating solutions, don’t hesitate to be in touch.