The requirements for a furnace in a mechanical room is based on the manufactures requirement for clearance to combustable materials. If you have a furnace typically that is one inch on sides and back. A few inches on top from the duct to ceiling and at least the same distance as the debth of the furnace to access for service. Hot water heaters Clear space in front of firebox 30" min Remain accessible for service, inspection and removal for replacement Room door should be large enough to remove fixture.
If you have a boiler you need complete access all the way around it. If its oil fired you should have at least two feet clearance on all sides.
Also do not forget the flue pipes. If you have single wall pipes going to the chimney. You need at least six inches of free space on all sides of the pipe. Be sure to construct this area with plans to remove when the flue pipe requires replacement as they will rust out.
You will also need combustion air for the equipment. Ideally using a louver door is best. If that does not suite you you need at least one vent at ceiling hight and one near floor. The size of each vent must be one free square inch per each 100,000 BTU input combined both hot water heater and furnace.
As far as a wine bar I do not belive there will be an issue with that. However I would check with your local code office to be sure that they do not have any special issues with what your planning. Remember if you decide not to get permits and your insurance company has a claim against it, they will check to see that everything is up to snuff with the code. If not you may find that your insurance company will cancle you and not pay out the claim if any damage is caused by construction not approved by the town.
Posts: 1001 | Location: New Jersey | Registered: 31 January 2006
