The furnace room is a space that should be closed off from the rest of the home to protect against any dangerous gases that may be emitted from the furnace. But can you use a regular door for the furnace room to keep children and pets out? Let's take a look at what the best option is.
A furnace room needs a louvered vented door. The louvered door allows venting to get combustion air into the furnace room. When the furnace pushes air into the home, it needs an equal amount of air to go back into the furnace room to work efficiently.
A louvered door may not be on everyone's radar when it comes to doors, but they are essential for a furnace room. This article will take a closer look at why a louvered door is important for your furnace room. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about furnace rooms and louvered doors, so keep reading!
Does A Furnace Room Need A Louvered Vented Door?
A louvered door is a door that has panels that are open to allow air to flow through. This type of door is ideal for furnace rooms since it allows air to enter the furnace room.
When air is pushed out of your vents from the furnace, the furnace needs an ample amount of airflow to return for it to work efficiently.
Without a louvered door, it will be tough to smell any gas leaks in the home. If the room is sealed, then the harmful gasses will build up, which could cause an explosion if not addressed. In addition, the room could become too hot, which could lead to a fire.
In addition, if you have the furnace room sealed, then moisture can build up, leading to mold and mildew. So, a louvered door is the best way to keep your family safe and healthy while ensuring that the furnace room functions appropriately.
Typically, a louvered door is required by code if the units have atmospheric burners. This is because the burners are not sealed, and combustion air is drawn in from the room in which the unit is installed.
However, even if your furnace room does not have atmospheric burners, installing a louvered door is still a good idea.
How Close Can A Door Be To A Furnace?
If you install your furnace in a smaller space, you need to have enough front accessibility to the furnace for maintenance. In this case, the door can be as close as 24 inches from the front of the furnace.
If you don't have enough front accessibility, your home may not pass inspection. In addition, the furnace may not work properly if it doesn't have enough room to get ventilation.
It is also essential to give a minimum of 3 inches from the combustion air intake on the furnace to any wall or door. This is so the furnace can get the air it needs to function properly and not overheat.
What Should Not Be Put In A Furnace Room?
If your furnace room is larger, it may seem like a good place to store belongings. However, there are some things that you should avoid putting in the furnace room. Let's take a look at them below:
Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes can be a fire hazard in your furnace room. Therefore, it is a good idea to store the boxes elsewhere or recycle them.
Paint
Paint cans can explode if they get too hot, so it's best to keep them away from the furnace room.
Flammable Liquids
Gasoline, kerosene, and other flammable liquids should never be stored in the furnace room. Not only are they a fire hazard but they can also explode if they get too hot.
Electrical Devices
Any electrical devices should be kept out of the furnace room to prevent potential fires.
Cleaning Materials
Chemicals used for cleaning can be dangerous if stored in the furnace room. Therefore, it is best to store them elsewhere in your home.
Rubber And Plastic
Rubber and plastic products shouldn't be put into a furnace. They could melt and ruin the products which could cause a fire.
As you can see, there are a few things that you should avoid putting in your furnace room. By following these tips, you can help to keep your family safe and your furnace running properly.
What Should Be In A Furnace Room?
Now that you know what should not be in a furnace room, let's look at what should be in the room. Here are some of the most important things:
Fire Detectors
It is important to have fire detectors in the furnace room in case of a fire. Ensure that they are working properly and are placed in a spot where they can be easily seen.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
A carbon monoxide detector is also a must-have in the furnace room. This will help keep you and your family safe from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Install the carbon monoxide detector 5-20 feet from the furnace to prevent false detection.
Fire Extinguisher
It's always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher in your furnace room. This could help to put out a fire if one were to start.
First Aid Kit
It's also a good idea to have a first aid kit in the furnace room in case of an accident.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Make sure that you have emergency contact numbers posted in the furnace room. This way, you will know who to call if there is a problem.
By following these tips, you can help to create a safe and functional furnace room in your home.
How Do You Install A Louvered Door?
Installing a louvered door is a relatively straightforward process. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. Let's take a look at the steps below:
- Start by measuring the opening of the door. You will need to know the width and height to purchase the correct door size.
- Once you have the door, you will need to install the hinges or tracks. Make sure that you put the hinges on the right side so that the door opens and closes properly. If you have louvered bifold doors, then you will need to put in the pivot holes in the door so they can be placed on the track.
- After the hinges are in place, you will need to install the handle. Again, make sure that you put it on the correct side so that the door opens and closes properly.
- Once the handle is in place, you can now install the door. Make sure that you put it in the correct position to open and close properly.
- Now that the door is installed, you will need to test it to ensure it works properly. Open and close the door a few times to ensure that everything is working correctly.
You can easily install a louvered door in your home by following these steps.
Can You Put A Freezer In A Furnace Room?
It is not recommended to put a freezer in a furnace room. This is because the temperature in the room can fluctuate which can cause the freezer to break down.
If you decide to put a freezer in a furnace room, check the temperature frequently to make sure that it is staying at a consistent temperature.
You can opt to put your freezer in the basement or garage as an alternative. These are typically more stable environments for a freezer.
Should I Insulate My Furnace Room?
Insulating your furnace room will not only help your furnace run more efficiently but it will also save on energy costs. You can either do the insulation yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
If your furnace has been working inconsistently, it could be due to the room not being sealed. You will seal the room; it will help prevent this from happening in the future.
Homeowners can use rigid foam insulation, fiberglass batting, or spray foam insulation. These options will insulate the room and keep the furnace running correctly.
Is It Safe To Have A Furnace In A Closet?
It's not the best idea to have a furnace in a closet. Since furnaces produce toxic gas, it's important to have them in a well-ventilated area.
If you cannot move the furnace to a more appropriate location, you can install vents in the closet to help improve air circulation.
In addition, furnaces should be as far away from the air you and your family breathe. Therefore, it is not recommended to put a furnace in a closet attached to your living space.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, a louvered door is a great way to improve the ventilation in your furnace room. It's an easy process and can be done in a few simple steps. If you aren't sure if your furnace room has the correct amount of ventilation, then be sure to contact a professional.
Thanks for reading! Here are some other related articles to check out:
Why Is My Rheem Furnace So Loud?
I understand the concept of this, but if you have a Tankless HWT and a HE furnace that both have pipes for exhaust and intake from the outside, those don’t require air from your house to operate. Old tanked HWT and older furnaces that need air from the room, yes, that I agree on. But if your home has return air ducts from bedrooms, living rooms or rec rooms that feed into the cold air return, than why does the room need air from a louvered door for the furnace to run, since it is an enclosed system. Many homes in Canada have their furnace rooms in the basement, usually off a used space, a rec room or the like. With an open or louvered door you hear all what the furnace does when watching TV or using the area. Or am I missing something completely about leaving a non-louvered door shut?