How would I enclose my furnace in a finished basement?
#1
04-04-00, 05:46 AM
I'm planning on finishing my basement and want to enclose my (oil fired) furnace and hot water heater into what will become a "utility" room. Assuming I leave reasonable space for maintenance on these systems what other things should I be concerned with? I plan on using 2x4 walls, a louvered 36" door and leaving the inside walls unfinished with unfaced R13 bat insulation.
#2
04-04-00, 06:29 PM
Sounds like you have a good plan to proceed with.
Just make sure that you leave "plenty" of maintenance space.
Why unfaced? Kraft faced insulation is easier to put up.
------------------
MTAC - Van Buren,MO
www.carpenter.cjb.net
Home repair & Construction
"Where the character and work are always upright"
Anything worth cutting down a tree for, is worth doing right.
www.toolreview.cjb.net
Just make sure that you leave "plenty" of maintenance space.
Why unfaced? Kraft faced insulation is easier to put up.
------------------
MTAC - Van Buren,MO
www.carpenter.cjb.net
Home repair & Construction
"Where the character and work are always upright"
Anything worth cutting down a tree for, is worth doing right.
www.toolreview.cjb.net
#3
04-04-00, 07:50 PM
Hi:Glennyho
My two cents worth.
When you enclose the appliances, be sure to allow for primary air! By primary air I mean having air vents built into the cabinet or enclosure.
It is not only code but needed for proper combustion. Have at least 2 square inches for every thousand btu's of all the appliances inside the cabinet.
Half the air space must be at or near the top and the other half near the bottom. This error of leaving out those air vents happens all too often.
To determined the amount of needed ventilation, add the total btu's then multiple the total by 2 <better yet 4, if space allows.> Then install the vents.
Check with the building and safety department in your town for the exact code if not sure.
Good Luck
------------------
Sincerely,
TomBartco
TomBartco Enterprises.
Trade:Natural Gas Energy Consultant & Technician.
Appliance Service & Repairs Rep.
Vocations:Saw & Tool Sharpening. Small Engine Repairs.
Accurate Power Equipment Company.
Personal Quote:
"Drive Safely. The Life You Save, May Be Your Own."
My two cents worth.
When you enclose the appliances, be sure to allow for primary air! By primary air I mean having air vents built into the cabinet or enclosure.
It is not only code but needed for proper combustion. Have at least 2 square inches for every thousand btu's of all the appliances inside the cabinet.
Half the air space must be at or near the top and the other half near the bottom. This error of leaving out those air vents happens all too often.
To determined the amount of needed ventilation, add the total btu's then multiple the total by 2 <better yet 4, if space allows.> Then install the vents.
Check with the building and safety department in your town for the exact code if not sure.
Good Luck
------------------
Sincerely,
TomBartco
TomBartco Enterprises.
Trade:Natural Gas Energy Consultant & Technician.
Appliance Service & Repairs Rep.
Vocations:Saw & Tool Sharpening. Small Engine Repairs.
Accurate Power Equipment Company.
Personal Quote:
"Drive Safely. The Life You Save, May Be Your Own."
#4
04-05-00, 04:23 AM
Glenn:
Stop right there. The above two replys are very good, and need to be followed especially Tom's. But the very first thing you will need to do is check with your local planning department, and get the wall set backs for your furnace. This is of prime importance. No set universal code, each state has their own. Check with fire marshall if your local permit dept does not have any info. You will probably also have to use blackboard on the furnace side of your walls It is a special sheetrock, with black paper. Very fire resistant. You will not be able of have any insulation showing on the furnace side of your room. At least I have never run across this. Follow your local code, or your fire insurance will be null and void. Good Luck
------------------
Jack the Contractor
Stop right there. The above two replys are very good, and need to be followed especially Tom's. But the very first thing you will need to do is check with your local planning department, and get the wall set backs for your furnace. This is of prime importance. No set universal code, each state has their own. Check with fire marshall if your local permit dept does not have any info. You will probably also have to use blackboard on the furnace side of your walls It is a special sheetrock, with black paper. Very fire resistant. You will not be able of have any insulation showing on the furnace side of your room. At least I have never run across this. Follow your local code, or your fire insurance will be null and void. Good Luck
------------------
Jack the Contractor
