all about | mechanical rooms
MIKE SAYS “Create a utility MECHANICAL room that has everything: the plumbing manifold, the hot-water system, the furnace ROOM RUNDOWN and the electrical breaker box. Organize it so that it’s The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but the well-set-up, and leave it unfin- mechanical room is where the action really is. Here’s ished so that in the future you can add in anything else you what to consider when planning yours. TEXT NANCY WON might need.”
22194_BWC_HP_HighPerf_CANADA.qxd 5/11/09 12:58 PM Page 1
Incredible hot water delivery from a space-saving, convenient package. 1 FURNACE 2 WATER HEATER 3 ELECTRICAL Requirements for the venting and clear- Water heaters should be placed on a level Also located in your mechanical room is When the application calls for lots of hot water, call on the ance of your furnace vary depending on surface to ensure efficient water and gas your home’s electrical system. While there High Performance Series™ from Bradford White. The High
the type of furnace you have, and the fuel flow. Most manufacturers recommend in- ™ is no specific requirement for the location Performance Series , available in 25 and 55-gallon it uses. stalling it near a power source so that the for the electrical panel, you must ensure Mid-efficiency furnaces vent out wiring is as short as possible. The water that it has at least one metre of working capacities, combines some of the best aspects of tankless through the chimney, but newer high- heater should also be placed near a floor clearance—meaning no furniture shoved and tank-type water heaters: A small footprint and high drain so that if it ever springs a leak, water efficiency furnaces are vented directly up against it. “And be sure to properly volume hot water deliverability. through the wall. will go down the drain instead of spoiling insulate piping and protect wires so that High-efficiency furnaces have built-in your basement. any water that comes in won’t short out High Performance models achieve their tremendous output ) combustion air intakes that bring fresh A gas water heater should be installed your electrical system,” advises Oborne. with the help of high BTU inputs, a specially designed
air in to the burners, but medium- and in an open space or you must provide Any modifications to the electrical room ( Helical Fin flue, the High Performance Temperature Control low-efficiency furnaces require a supply adequate ventilation. To make sure it’s panel should be performed by a licensed of air from the room to function properly. ventilating properly, check that the size professional, otherwise your homeowners System and the Hydrojet2™ Total Performance System. images So if the room is to be closed off from the and length of the venting runs follow the insurance may become void. Find out how the High Performance Series™ can help your
rest of the basement, a louver installed manufacturer’s recommendations. “Try to getty in the door or wall between the mechani- place your water heater so that mainten ; customers get all the hot water they need. Visit cal room and the living area will allow air ance and routine inspections can be per- www.bradfordwhite.com or talk to your Bradford White schuldt to circulate into the room to keep your formed without difficulty, and with easy HIGH PERFORMANCE SERIES™ FEATURES sales representative. furnace working properly. access to all panels,” says John Oborne alex
of Oborne Contracting Inc. in Toronto. ™ • HIGH INPUT- • Hydrojet2 Total Performance System - 25 gallon (GX2-25S) – 78,000 BTU/Hr Designed for higher input applications 55 gallon (GX1-55S) – 80,000 BTU/Hr • Standard 4" Venting SERVICE CALL Your mechanical room and doors should be adequately • Helical Fin Flue - Maximizes heat • Side Tappings For Space Heating sized to allow for inspections, service or replacement of any of the units, exchange capabilities Built to be the Best™ such as the furnace or hot water heater. • High Performance Temperature Control www.bradfordwhite.com • 866.690.0961 System - Bradford White's integrated mixing device ©2009, Bradford White Corporation. All rights reserved. 68 September | October 2010 holmesmagazine.com