Access space around furnace etc

RatLabGuy

RatLabGuy

You look like a monkey and smell like one too
Joined
May 18, 2005
Location
Churchville, MD
I'm starting plans to finish off part of my basement.

HVAC guys - how much space is generally needed around a furnace for working on it, replacement, etc?
Gas furnace, I have the classic deal where they just kind of stuck the furnace and water heater in the center of the basement, tucked behind a fireplace/chimney (whcih is also in the center of the house) but generally just out in the open.
I'd like to box it in and make rooms around it, but I want to be sure to leave enough room that it is all accessible and such.
if it needs to be replaced, are they typically assembled in-place? Would, say, double-doors to get in there be worth it?

On one hand, I could just make a sort of utility room, but that leave less space for "real" rooms.
 
General Contractor here

Yes they are or can be assembled in place. The units are designed to go through attic accesses in the ceiling of 24" x 24". So double doors would be ok. Code says you need a free and clear work area in front of the unit 30" out.

Be careful not to affect the intake of combustable air to the furnace and water heater if it is gas. Typically a larger vent in the wall or one of the doors works good. You just don' t want to sufficate the equipment. Hope that helps
 
JeepTruck said:
General Contractor here
Yes they are or can be assembled in place. The units are designed to go through attic accesses in the ceiling of 24" x 24". So double doors would be ok. Code says you need a free and clear work area in front of the unit 30" out.
Be careful not to affect the intake of combustable air to the furnace and water heater if it is gas. Typically a larger vent in the wall or one of the doors works good. You just don' t want to sufficate the equipment. Hope that helps
Click to expand...
x2 .gas man here..also if ur eqpmnt is gas dont put any combustible materials near the vent pipes.for double wall vent pipe maintain 1" clearance and for single wall vent pipe maintain 6" clearance.if your furn is a newer model(90 plus) with plastic vent clearances to combustibles are not an issue.also if the eqpmnt is gas and this eqpmnt room is connected to a bedroom there are a lot of codes that must be followed to prevent a dangerous situation.
 
30" is the code minimum...be nice to your service guy...a little more room is always good. Might make the difference between "get in and get out" service call in cramped spaces, and taking time to do it 100% right, and then some, if ample room and light to work. That's just the way it is -- whether others want to admit it or not, there are techs like that out there. Not just in HVAC, but in any service industry.
 
So on that 30" of space, you mean like it front of it, or is it supposed to be all around?
For instance IIRC the gas furnace at Mom's house is in a hallway closet (with a vented oor, now I see why!), you open the door and it is right there, just barely inside the door and not much room on either side of it. So you'd stand in the hallway and work on it.

And yeah I'm all about making things nice for the HVAC guy.. .esp since I' ma cheapskae and almost always 1st try and do stuff myself, lol.
 
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