Home Garden

Can You Use a 90+ Gas Furnace in a Confined Space?

Gas furnaces have three requirements to work properly. The first is a supply of fuel -- in this case, natural gas or propane pumped in through dedicated gas lines. The second is a source of air with enough oxygen to efficiently burn the fuel. The third is a connection to ductwork in the house, so the furnace can spread the air it is warming. As long as you have these three things, even a high-efficiency furnace can be installed in a confined space, such as a closet or laundry room. The term "90 plus" simply means that the efficiency rating of the furnace is above 90 percent.
  1. High-Efficiency Furnaces

    • Gas furnaces that are built to reclaim heat from the their exhaust and burn fuel as efficiently as possible have a very high heat ratio. This means that they turn most of the energy they take in directly into heat, with very little spent on operation. The best modern furnaces have efficiency ratings around 95 percent, making them some of the most energy-efficient heating options for your house. While these furnaces may need extra space for reclamation and the right temperature setting, they can typically be installed in attics, closets and other confined spaces without trouble.

    Temperature Concerns

    • One of the main issues with installing a high-efficiency gas furnace in a tight space is temperature. You should not install the furnace in an area where temperatures drop below freezing. In a confined space, this is rarely an issue, but the opposite also holds true. If the temperature in the closet or small room is consistently above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the furnace won't be able to operate efficiently and may wear out more quickly.

    Air Concerns

    • Airflow can also be an issue. The furnace needs vents into the confined space to supply it with combustion air, but another problem may also emerge. Exhaust fans from kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms can all create pressure differences that make it more difficult for the furnace to pull in air of its own, essentially lowering the amount of available combustible air. A confined space installation may not work with a large furnace in a house with many fans and fireplaces.

    Other Materials

    • Basic fire code safety always applies when installing a furnace. Do not allow the furnace to be too close to insulation materials, and keep the confined space clear of any other objects. No furnace should be installed on carpeting or tile, which poses a fire hazard. Also, if an air-conditioning unit is nearby, the furnace should always be installed upstream of the air conditioner to avoid the buildup of condensation.