From central to independent heating: how to convert

Converting heating from central to independent is the choice by which the condominium decommissions the single boiler and each dwelling installs its own generator, typically an individual boiler or heat pump. Unlike the disconnection of a single owner governed by Article 1118 of the Civil Code, here the decision is collective and goes through the owners' meeting. It involves modifying the common system and must be approved with the required majorities, carefully weighing costs, technical feasibility and effects on expenses.

Difference between disconnection and conversion

These are two mechanisms that should not be confused. Disconnection is the individual choice of a single owner who waives use of the central system while keeping it running for the others, under the conditions of Article 1118 of the Civil Code. Conversion, instead, is a decision by the whole condominium that removes the central system to replace it with independent systems in each unit. In the first case the common system remains and keeps serving those who do not disconnect; in the second the common system is decommissioned.

The required majorities

Conversion affects the common system and must be approved by the meeting. The classification of the work, between an act of managing the system and an improvement, determines the applicable majority; for measures aimed at energy saving and efficiency, the Civil Code and sector rules provide for reduced majorities compared with ordinary improvements. In any case it is essential that the meeting be convened with a clear agenda, that owners receive quotes and technical reports and that the resolution be properly reasoned, to reduce the risk of challenge.

The preliminary technical assessment

Before deciding, the condominium must obtain a technical assessment verifying the feasibility of the conversion. Several aspects must be considered:

• Availability of space and flues for individual independent systems
• Adequacy of gas or electrical connections for each unit
• Work needed on the common areas and its cost
• Effects on the building's energy class
• Managing the decommissioning of the old boiler room

A thorough technical report is the basis on which the meeting decides with full knowledge, and it protects the manager from future disputes.

Consequences on costs

With conversion each owner bears the costs of their own independent system and pays their utilities directly, without the central fuel allocation. However, some common expenses remain tied to decommissioning the central system and any work on the common areas, which must be split according to condominium rules. It is also necessary to properly manage the disposal or decommissioning of the old boiler and the pipes no longer in use.

The role of the condominium manager

The manager coordinates the whole process: collects the quotes, convenes the meeting with the correct agenda, records the resolution, follows the execution of the work and updates the accounts and the thousandths tables that change when the common system is decommissioned. The manager must also ensure that the technical requirements and certifications for the new systems are met, keeping the documentation. It is a complex intervention that demands traceability and orderly records.

When it is worth considering

Conversion can be attractive when the central system is old and would need costly refurbishment, or when most owners want to manage their own comfort independently. It should always be compared with the alternative of refurbishing the existing central system, often more energy-efficient thanks to economies of scale. The decision requires clear figures and a calm discussion at the meeting.

AmministraPro supports the manager in handling resolutions, quotes and updating the tables following the system conversion, with an archive of minutes and technical documentation. Discover the tools for meetings and accounting on /funzioni and choose the plan that suits you best on /prezzi.