Can I Inclose My Furnace And Water Heater?
I have a small utility room that serves as a laundry room, which also houses the furnace and hot water heater. Can I inclose the furnace/water heater with a wall with strategic points of acess in order to make the room have a cleaner appearance?
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October 13, 2009 @ 9:09 pm
If they are both electric appliances that do not need combustion air you can enclose them as much as you like. Please, please, please leave room for easy access to filter, elements, controls, drains, etc.
If either or both is a gas appliance you MUST ALLOW COMBUSTION AIR TO ENTER FREELY. And the air source can not come from a bathroom or laundry room. The available cubic feet of air is too small. Check your local codes or your appliance manufacturers for the minimum cu. ft. as a source and the required unrestricted opening for incoming combustion air. Several dangerous scenarios exist if you choke off the room.
Example: I am currently working on a project exactly as you describe. The water heater and furnace are gas in an enclosed room that requires a 2′ X 2′ louver covered opening directly from the family room in the basement even though the bathroom and laundry room are the closest and simplest areas.
I hope your’s are electric. Good Luck!
October 14, 2009 @ 2:25 am
Check local codes for clearance requirements.
but most importantly you have to think more of the future.
what if they need serviced and/or replaced?, and they will eventually.
will there be enough access to make the necessary repairs.
one step further– you are finishing your basement with nice painted sheetrock ceilings. and 13 years later you have water coming out of the light fixture on the north end of the basement but the “leak” is on the south end…. you have a big problem
moral of the story— DROP CEILING
always think ahead. looking “nice” is not always best. but if you have money coming out of your rear then whatever
October 14, 2009 @ 5:17 am
No appliance lasts forever. What do you do when it’s time to replace them.
October 14, 2009 @ 6:53 am
yes w/ vented door low & high, or attic/outside air supply!
October 14, 2009 @ 11:07 am
Check with your local utility company for clearances. If you place combustibles too close or don’t allow for proper ventilation, you may have problems.
October 14, 2009 @ 11:20 am
duct tape and insolation
October 14, 2009 @ 5:34 pm
Absolutely, but before you do there are two things to consider, 1 clearance to combustibles, you will find these in the equipment owner’s manual, 2 you have to provide ventilation for combustible air for those appliances 1 square inch per 1 thousand BTU’s will do or install a louver door.
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