[Paramount]

Dh has just come home with 2 large bookcases that he wants to put near our gas furnace. They would be approximately 2 1/2 feet away from the furnace and he will put files on the shelves. He thinks as long as he is at least 16 inches away it would be safe. I am not sure about the distance and wondered if anyone has advice for us. I sure don't want a fire starting!!
Thanks

 

[hunter63]

Sholdn't be a problem if the furnace is in good repair.

 

[watcher]

For years we book shelves right next to the furnace. The books never got much more than warm to to the touch. I can tell you this the encyclopedias did fine but the paper in the cheaper books got brittle. I think it dried them out.

 

[snoozy]

They won't get moldy!

 

[mdharris68]

look in the installation manual for clearence from combustable materials.

 

[thehoffs]

I would call your local fire department and ask them. We had a fire, and everything we owned burned...its not fun.

 

[Ross]

The clearances might be on the furnace its self. 2 1/2 feet is more than I've ever seen required though.

 

[NostalgicGranny]

As an amateur book collector, I wouldn't want them that close to the furnace. Any extremes in temp will be harmful to the books.

 

[Ross]

Typical clearances would be something like 1-6 inches for the cabinate and plenums and 9-18 inches of clearances to combustables for venting and 24 inches as a service clearance. 24 inches is not to be ignored but its not a problem of too much heat. Humidity is another matter, and generally not one associated with proximity to the furnace.