Check your furnace, possible hazard

[SHobbs]

I had to change out the control board on my furnace yesterday and found something very interesting, possibly a fire hazard. After I got everything back together and the furnace up and running I found that the part of the furnace where the ducts attach gets very hot so hot it will burn your skin. The funace is sitting directly on the wood flooring under it. Now if the furnace is hot enough to burn my skin what could it do to the wood substrate. Fire maybe?



I raised the furnace about 1/4" off the floor to provide some airspace and also had to make a seal for the duct that comes out of the bottom of the furnace as well. I have a Suburban that is not accessible from the outside and was very tricky getting it out of its little cubby hole. I feel more comfortable now knowing that a possible hazard might be avoided. I thought I would pass along what I found to my fellow members and maybe save someone from a potential problem.

 

[daytripper63]

Thanks I will have to check mine

 

[Forrest Nearing]

Plywood usually will ignite in the 400-500*F range. Metal that is 300* will be very hot to the touch and can/will burn you.



While I applaud your search for safety, be sure you aren't creating a source for oxygen that can fuel a fire in the name of preventing one that probably will never start.

 

[MLee]

you might try a Asbestus panel in that 1/4" space to protect the heat on the wood. just a thought.

 

[SHobbs]

The furnace is now sitting on a more suitable surface other than the plywood. Put the 2 bedroom vents on their own source instead of being tied to the living area vents, have a better flow in the bedroom now. The spots where other vents can be added I sealed off to stop all the air being wasted. Also made the seal between the bottom of the furnace and the floor duct better to stop all the leaking.



I now have what I feel is a balanced flow throughout the coach and the little cubby hole where the furnace is located is not gettin most of the heat like before. Not real easy gettin the darn thing in or out but it was a worth while project.



Forrest,

Not saying that the plywood would ever catch fire but, I just was not comfortable with the set up.



The shower is next on my improvement list.