If you have a gas furnace, you are aware of its dangers—when you install it indoors, there is the risk of releasing large amounts of carbon monoxide that put your life and that of your loved ones at risk.
Can a furnace be installed outdoors? Yes, you can do it. Although it will be less convenient for HVAC companies to repair and service it, it will give you peace of mind as you are sure you aren’t in any danger of inhaling harmful gases.
Installing the furnace outdoors also means more space for your valuables. You can install an additional closet, a piece of furniture, or any other thing in the space.
What should you consider when installing the furnace outdoors?
For the best experience, you need to consider plenty of factors such as:
Air intake: The furnace needs air to function efficiently, so when installing it, install it in an area where there is ample fresh air in circulation.
Venting: For a great experience, install the furnace in an area with a pre-existing furnace vent or where there is a capacity to install one in the ceiling.
Energy intake: The furnace can’t work if there is no power source, can it? So, locate the furnace in an area with a natural gas line connection or sufficient electrical connection.
Enough space: Obviously, the furnace needs to fit into the area you want to install it physically. The site should be large enough to accommodate the furnace and large enough to allow air to flow freely. The location should also be large enough for technicians to move around when repairing or servicing it.
How to install the furnace outside
The best way to install the furnace is to construct a shed for it. Cover it properly so that it’s away from weather elements such as water, wind, sun, and others.
If you don’t want to construct a shed for your furnace or don’t have the finances, you can always use what you already have. Some of the other places you can install the furnace include:
Garage: If you are like other homeowners, your garage is separate from the main house, making it a perfect place to install the gas furnace. If your garage is newly built, chances are it has a special “alcove” to hold the furnace without sacrificing the space for parking your vehicle. If your house is old, you may have to build an alcove.
Large laundry room: As mentioned above, you should avoid installing the furnace in a small room, so if you have a large laundry room separate from the main house, you can always install the furnace here.
Servant quarters: If you are one of the lucky people that have a large house and a servant quarters they aren’t using, you can place the gas furnace here.
What if you don’t mind having the furnace in the house?
While installing the furnace outside puts you away from risk, it exposes it to extreme temperature changes.
The furnace becomes a nesting site for insects and rodents during the summer, and you are forced to keep cleaning the area. In winter, the furnace is at the risk of being exposed to a lot of cold, which can interfere with its working.
If you don’t want your appliance to go through this, consider having it in the house. Some of the best places to install it in the house include:
Basement: Does your home have a basement? You can use it to place the furnace. The dangerous furnace will be out of the way, and at the same time, it will have enough space and allow adequate airflow.
When installing the furnace in the basement, heating service repair VA professionals recommend ensuring the furnace is elevated off the ground. This is to protect it against potential basement flooding.
Utility room: If your house doesn’t have a basement or garage, the chances are high that it has a utility room. If the room isn’t crumpled up, place the furnace here.
