Gas boiler decommissioning
Gas decommissioning is the most straightforward of the three decommissioning types. The homeowner has two choices for what happens to their existing gas boiler.
The two options
Section titled “The two options”Option A — Leave the shell, remove components
Section titled “Option A — Leave the shell, remove components”The boiler shell stays in place. All heating components are removed so the unit no longer functions. This is the default and cheapest path.
Option B — Full removal
Section titled “Option B — Full removal”The entire boiler is removed from the premises. This requires adding a boiler removal adder to the order.
What the order needs
Section titled “What the order needs”- All standard decommissioning permits: electrical + mechanical + plumbing (see Permits)
- The boiler removal adder if going with Option B
- Equipment to cover full-home BTU (heat pump central air defaults to 5 tons on decommissioning — see Central air)
Common questions reps get
Section titled “Common questions reps get”“Can we just leave the boiler completely in place?” No. The heating components must be removed at minimum. Option A leaves the shell; it does not leave a working boiler.
“Can we keep the boiler as backup?” No. Decommissioning means the gas system is retired as a heat source. If the homeowner wants to keep gas, that’s a non-decommissioning job or a hybrid setup.
Pitfalls
Section titled “Pitfalls”Forgetting the boiler-removal adder when the homeowner wants the shell gone. Catch this at the sales appointment so it doesn’t surface as a change order on install day.