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Wide Clearance Required
There are a few areas that require wide clearance for proper and safe operation.
Be sure your electrical panel is kept accessible and clear of all storage. As a rule of thumb I recommend a 3′ by 3′ by 3′ by 3′ space in front, beside, above and below the panel. I had one inspection some years ago that had 2×4 supports screwed over the cover for garage shelving. Another recent inspection had a cabinet installed on the edge preventing my removing the cover to check for proper wiring.
Garages are constant storage areas and there is no limit to the creative places that items can be put. Exhaust duct working above the furnace is piping the hot combustion fumes out of the house. These are double walled pipes but they get extremely hot. No items should be stored above and around the furnace. Furnace draw air from the garage for the burners and depend on proper air flow for proper operation.
Heat pump units, including the new mini-ductless systems, require clearance for proper air flow and operation. It is popular hiding these units behind vegetation. This can significantly reduce their efficiency and actually damage these units. At least four feet should be clear and ideally more! The larger compressor units require clearance on all sides and above. If vegetation is planted within 6-8 feet regular trimming maintenance will be required.
