Opinions: crawl space furnace location?

[mudball]

We are having a forced air propane furnace replaced and the contractor has suggested the unit could be located in our home's crawl space. This would be good because it will be more centrally located and free up living space. Access, however, will be less convenient and the furnace will be directly beneath a bedroom. The crawl space is about four feet deep, concrete-floored (dry) and at a half-basement level. When you consider this choice, keep in mind the home is located in north central Minnesota. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[flashback]

Re: Opinions: crawl space furnace location?

Well I don't have any expert knowledge here, but my gut feeling is Propane is heavier than air and if a leak develops, the gas will collect in the crawl space and could become a hazard.. that being said, I know lots of folks that have propane furnaces in there basments and it works fine (as long as it doesn't leak). I would find a detection device that would alert you to a leak and shut down the main line if a leak occured ..........guess you figured out, I don't like propane... CNG is a better choice, or total electric but it would cost a lot more where your at........good luck.......

 

[roscoe]

Re: Opinions: crawl space furnace location?

You don't say how difficult the access will be.
Changing filter in mid winter won't be fun if you have to go outside and shovel snow to gain access.

Other than changing filters, the only guy that has to access it, will be the service guy. Go for it.

Is it under YOUR bedroom?

My furnace sounds the same, whether I am directly above it, or on the second story at the other end of the house. I get the same sound, though the duct.

 

[tommays]

Re: Opinions: crawl space furnace location?

Well i have a full basement with the natural gas forced air furnace right below all the bedrooms and a door away from the finished part were we watch TV

The only thing thats loud is the air flow which you allready have NOW no matter were its placed


Tommays

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Opinions: crawl space furnace location?

Have them duct in a filter/return grill and it will be no problem to change the filter...

 

[mudball]

thanks for your opinions

thanks for your opinions

Going ahead with it.

 

[NW Redneck]

Re: Opinions: crawl space furnace location?

As an HVAC service tech/installer I HATE most crawlspace installations!

Yours sounds about the best scenario for a crawl though. I'm assuming crawl access is from inside the house? As long as there is clearance from support beams/posts to access the filter and be able to remove and replace any major components you should be OK.

As far as noise goes, most modern furnaces (mid efficient-80%+) are much quieter than the ones with the old belt-driven blowers. High efficient (90%+) furnaces with sealed combustion chambers are quieter still.

Having the unit sit on bricks on the floor, or suspended from the floor joists with vibration absorbing hangers will keep any vibration from traveling through the house. Also use canvas flex connectors between the supply and return ducting and the furnace to keep vibrations from traveling through the ductwork.

As far as air noise goes, that is a matter of having properly sized and designed ductwork and the choice of grilles/registers used.


If you are concerned about gas leaks, there are several LPG gas detectors you can use. Make sure it is mounted at floor level in the crawl, and that the alarm can be heard from the living space or it won't be much good!

Hope this info isn't too late! Just remember, that filter needs to be checked about once a month while in use. Dirty filters kill furnaces!

 

[mudball]

NW Redneck-

NW Redneck-

The install has begun, so I'll have to get behind your best scenario comment. Access is from inside and we get in there to change water filters on a regular basis. It will be sitting on the concrete floor. Thanks for your response. Better late than never.

 

[NW Redneck]

Re: Opinions: crawl space furnace location?

Hope it goes well! Just ask if you need a second opinion on the install. And I'll repeat the suggestion of making sure they use canvas flex connectors to isolate the furnace from the ductwork. It makes a big difference in noise transmission.

Just a little tip- if you have to crawl more than 5', get yourself a cheapie mechanic's creeper to scoot around on. I use one all the time working in crawls with concrete floors. Your knees will thank you!