Originally Posted By: cmccann This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I’m looking at the Code Check book for location on forced air furnaces in garages, and by what I read I can’t tell if it’s really ok. I’m more concerned with supply vent using air from the garage, but all it seems to say is no open ducts. Is that supply or return? Maybe if I had the 2003 IRC that would help.
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
1307.3: Elevation of ignition source.
Appliances having an ignition source shall be elevated such that the source of ignition is not less than 18" (457mm) above the garage floor
Originally Posted By: cmccann This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks guys, That is what I was wondering about the return. As far as the 18" that is clearly in the Code Check Book, also a barrier has to be in place to prevent cars from parking on the furnace after a drunk Xmas party.
Originally Posted By: wrobedeau This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
The pressure in a garage must always be neutral or slightly negative to prevent fumes or exhaust from entering the living space.
Return air must never be taken from a garage due to the possibility of fumes or exhaust.
If you add supply air from the furnace to the garage you cause the pressure to go positive and thus fumes or exhaust can be forced into the living space.
A separate garage heater is recommended if the owner wants a heated space.
Commercially air is used from conditioned systems to heat garage spaces. This is done by adding an exhaust fan, a differential pressure switch and a CO or in the case of diesel CO/NO sensor to require an exhaust fan to operate providing a negative or neutral air pressure condition.
This would be too extensive for the majority of residential applications. There is always the Beverly Hills exception.
Hope this helps
Bill Robedeau P.E.
AIIZ Inspections, LLC
Originally Posted By: cmccann This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Bill,
So your saying in your opinion or are you quoting some building code? Just wondering because it seems some of us think return-bad, supply-ok. I'm going to a home for an inspection on Sunday that was built in the 1950's with base board heat. The now owners put a forced air furnace in the garage I was told. I have not seen this here in Michigan before and the house has a basement. I have that suspicious feeling. I see your point about supply and it makes sense.
Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
All,
My unit is in the garage (electric heat pump system) and I have a supply register in there to cool it down from March through November. That is very common down here.
Originally Posted By: cmccann This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Ok after hearing all this and reading Code Check again, it plainly states “No duct openings in garage” so one can assume that means return and supply…must draw air from outside.(induced air)
Originally Posted By: wrobedeau This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
The information I posted is part of the International Building Code. My copy is at the county. I will try to find the exact paragraphs Monday. Some states do not yet recognize the IBC. More are being added yearly.
Wisconsin just recognized it last year.
If you supply air to your garage where is the makeup air coming from? Even though you do not have returns some air from the garage will find its way into the living space. This occurs sometimes after the blower has shut off and the air can equalize.
If you have runs from a furnace to a garage I would at least insure a fire damper is installed.
Bill Robedeau P.E.
AIIZ Inspections, LLC
West Bend, WI
Originally Posted By: cmccann This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks Bill, I think I will go purchase the IBC and IRC tomorrow. I need them anyway to go with the code checks…I believe they put the furnace in the garage because they did not want to move it down to the basement, but I will see Sunday…Thx again. You got to love the NACHI
Originally Posted By: Joan Becker This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Help!
I have a wood burning fireplace that a freind said I can convert into a vented gas fireplace? The fireplace has a manual damper and a clay tile flue. Can a gas unit be installed in the firebox?
