Place furnace up on blocks?

[jeffw_00]

Hi - I'm getting quotes on a furnace replacement. The furnace is in my basement, below ground, next to a water heater. On one hand, I've been fortunate to have a dry basement (knock wood), and I've always managed to replace the water heater before it leaked. But, still, the potential for a wet basement floor is there.

Of all the quotes I've had on my furnace (almost 10, because I'm having it done for the second time (see my other thread)), I had one contractor tell me that he always puts the furnace up on blocks to keep it dry.

On one hand, this seems to make a lot of sense. On the other hand, why don't more people suggest it? (I've never seen it anywhere).

Good idea? Or maybe not needed because they're smart enough not to put anything at the bottom a furnace?

Thanks!
/j

[re2ell]

hi jeff, glad to hear you're making headway!

i've personally bailed water out of my furnace and water heater on 2 occasions, but then again, the ground water table is mere inches from the basement floor slab. if not for that, i wouldn't have either one elevated. if your basement is dry, and appears to stay that way, i wouldn't fret.

i believe your best option is installing a sump pit to ensure that if your basement does take on water, the pump will help hold damage to a minimum.

just a thought

[oil lp man]

Keep it on blocks. Or sooner or later you'll be sorry. And it keeps the bottom from rusting out by having an air space.

[t527ed]

every basement furnace at least goes up on rubber pads just to let air get under unit. if basement has signs of water we try to go up on blocks.

[jeffw_00]

mine looks flush with the floor....

[dougfamous]

Code here requires the furnace to be on at least 2" tall blocks. It's always a good idea, can't hurt it any.

[markwolf]

Even if the basement is dry the concrete will hold moisture.Without brick or something under it to allow air under it the bottom will rust out.

[mjk_na]

But an excellent one

[-80guru]

It would be a good thing to have the furnace elevated from the floor.