I have a high efficiency gas furnace and an electric water heater (both are less than a year old). I would like to enclose the two in a room. I was wondering what the minimum clearance would be for this room. I would like to make it a small as possible because the two sit in the middle of my basement which itself is quite small. I have heard that because the furnace a sealed combustion unit I can go very close to it as long as there is access to servicing and changing the filter. Any advice would be appreciated.
Answer:
The spacing is the same for both units and to enhance air circulation, I've always ensured that as much of the wall surface on all sides is comprised of louvered doors. Ownership manuals for these units normally dictate this sort of thing but I've always found that both furnace and hot water tank have been well supplied where at least two 18" (wide) louvered doors were installed rather than solid walls.
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