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We are remodeling our basement and our water heater / HVAC unit (no fuel, all electric) is awkwardly placed in the middle of the room.

We are enclosing those items in a closet space, but would like the closet to be as small as possible. Contractor says the perimeter needs to be 24" minimum from all appliances on all sides, but that is creating a rather large closet/eating up a lot of basement space.

Is he correct or can I ask him to shrink this?

I thought we just needed 24-30" clearance at control panel sides, and couldn't we achieve that with a door (that when opened would provide much more than 30" clearance)?

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DavidRecallsMonica
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ObiJuan2015
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3 Answers3

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The problem is those things usually break down at one point and need work on more than one side.

It makes people cranky when they have bend their bodies in painful ways to undo something in the back and maybe scrape their hands doing it.

Most heating appliances do have minimum spacing on a label listed on them, an inspector will check and make you fix it before you can use it again. If the spacing requirements not listed on the appliance, then it will be listed in the instructions and/or local regulations.

crip659
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You'd have to check the AC/Heatpump documentation for required clearances. Make sure that all normal servicing is not impeded (filter changes, for example. Or blower motors, as a comment below indicates.)

ICC plumbing code Section 502.5 (which may or may not be your plumbing code) requires a 30x30 inch level space in front of the control side of the appliance, and that the appliance (water-heater) can be serviced and replaced without removing permanent construction, or piping and ducts not connected to the appliance being serviced or replaced. So 2 feet all around the water heater is either local idiocy (whacky code modifications,) or made up foolishness. If local idiocy, you're stuck with it. So, check with your LAHJ.

It is perfectly normal and usual for water heaters to be in a small closet-like space - they can be removed and replaced via the door, and all parts needing access for services other than replacement are on one side and the top. For replacement you disconnect the pipes and wires and roll a hand-truck through the door to pick it up.

Ecnerwal
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The Code stipulates the minimum size of “habitable spaces” not storage rooms or mechanical rooms. (It’s 7’ except in basements it’s 6’-8”. See R305)

Likewise, it requires minimum room sizes for habitable rooms, but says nothing about stage rooms, etc. (See R304)

Lee Sam
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