How You Can Avoid the Same Problem
One challenge you will find in many basement finishing projects is the original builder placed mechanical systems without regard to any plans you may have. Chances are your furnace and water heater, as well as numerous pipes and ducts, are located in the basement.
Of course, it will be ideal if you might go back and redesign the mechanical systems together with your basement finishing project in mind, but that simply isn’t realistic. So, you’ll have to work with what you’ve been given.
You’ll no doubt must create a separate room that can keep the furnace and trouble heater outside of your project. However, don’t simply close the furnace and think you’re done.
Basement finishing creates some unique challenges on your furnace.
In previous articles within this series on basement finishing, we’ve discussed the have to develop a furnace analysis, and also make sure that your space has adequate heat registers AND returns.
One other important consideration provides your furnace and warm water heater with plenty of oxygen to work (combust) properly. This is done by 1 of 2 methods. In most situations, simply running a 4″ insulated duct from your exterior of the home on the new furnace room is adequate. In rare cases, an in-line fan may be needed inside of the duct to supply enough air.
The requirement for an oxygen duct is nearly always overlooked by unqualified contractors.
If your contractor is often a licensed pro, he’ll likely get a building permit out of your municipality before beginning work. Most plans examiners and building inspectors will point out any potential dependence on more oxygen within your specific project.
Based on experience and also the qualified advice from mechanical professionals, we’ve made the technique of providing for further fresh-air standards in all basement finishing projects. If you’re planning a project, ensure you include one too. Your mechanical room will regard and you will benefit from the comfort of an adequately functioning furnace and water heater.
