Heating equipment clearance: Clearances: as a general rule heaters must have at least
30 inches clearance in front of them, for their entire height, for
servicing. Heaters should have at least 6 inches clearance to
combustibles at the front. Clearances at the sides and back are usually
dictated by the manufacturer and is specified in the installation
manual. Without the installation manual the inspector would not be able
to ascertain whether side and rear clearances are acceptable. Vents
should be at least 6 inches from combustibles if single-wall and at
least 1 inch from combustibles if double-wall. Wall heater face grills
should be at least 4 inches from side walls, 16 inches from ceilings or
overhangs and 2 1/2 inches from floors. Doors should not open in such a
fashion as to allow the door to come within 6 inches of the heater.
Floor furnaces should be at least 6 inches from walls. There should be
no doors that swing over the furnace, or come within 6 inches of it.
Floor furnaces which are set into a "hole" under the building
should have at least 6 inches clearance under them. The hole should be
dug so that at least 12 inches clearance is provided all the way around
the heater except that the burner side should be provided with 1 inches
clearance. The draft hood should be kept at least 6 inches from
combustibles since it is usually single-wall metal. You are advised to
have the hvac system reviewed by a heating and air-conditioning
contractor if this item is entered as needing service.