CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING HAZARD
Special Warning for Installation of Furnaces or Air Handling Units in Enclosed Areas such as Garages, Utility Rooms or Parking Areas
Carbon monoxide producing devices (such as an automobile, space heater, gas water heater, etc.) should not be operated in enclosed areas such as unventilated garages, utility rooms or parking areas because of the danger of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning resulting from the exhaust emissions. If a furnace or air handler is installed in an enclosed area such as a garage, utility room or parking area and a carbon monoxide producing device is operated therein, there must be adequate, direct outside ventilation.
This ventilation is necessary to avoid the danger of CO poisoning which can occur if a carbon monoxide producing device continues to operate in the enclosed area. Carbon monoxide emissions can be (re)circulated throughout the structure if the furnace or air handler is operating in any mode.
CO can cause serious illness including permanent brain damage or death.
•To avoid possible illness or death of the building occupants, do NOT locate outside air intake device (economizer, manual fresh air intake, motorized fresh air intake) too close to an exhaust outlet, gas vent termination, or plumbing vent outlet. For specific distances required, consult local codes.
•Allow minimum clearances from the enclosure for fire protection, proper operation, and service access (see appendix). These clearances must be permanently maintained.
•The combustion air inlet and flue outlet hoods on the unit must never be obstructed. If used, do not allow the economizer/manual fresh air damper/ motorized fresh air damper to become blocked by snow or debris. In some climates or locations, it may be necessary to elevate the unit to avoid these problems.
•When the unit is heating, the temperature of the return air entering the unit must be between 50° F and 100° F.
GROUND LEVEL INSTALLATIONS ONLY:
•When the unit is installed on the ground adjacent to the building, a level concrete (or equal) base is recommended. Prepare a base that is 3” larger than the package unit footprint and a minimum of 3” thick.
•The base should also be located where no runoff of water from higher ground can collect in the unit.
UNIT LOCATION
IMPORTANT NOTE: Remove wood shipping rails prior to instal- lation of the unit.
ALL INSTALLATIONS:
•For proper flame pattern within the heat exchanger and proper condensate drainage, the unit must be mounted level.
•The flue outlet hood must be at least 12 inches from any opening through which flue gases could enter a building, and at least three feet above any forced air inlet located within ten feet. The economizer/manual fresh air intake/ motorized fresh air intake and combustion air inlet mounted on the unit are not affected by this restriction.
•To avoid possible corrosion of the heat exchanger, do not locate the unit in an area where the outdoor air (i.e. combustion air for the unit) will be frequently contaminated by compounds containing chlorine or fluorine. Common sources of such compounds include swimming pool chemicals and chlorine bleaches, paint stripper, adhesives, paints, varnishes, sealers, waxes (which are not yet dried) and solvents used during construction and remodeling. Various commercial and industrial processes may also be sources of chlorine/ fluorine compounds.
Outside Slab Installation
ROOFTOP INSTALLATIONS ONLY:
NOTE: To ensure proper condensate drainage, unit must be installed in a level position.
•To avoid possible property damage or personal injury, the roof must have sufficient structural strength to carry the weight of the unit(s) and snow or water loads as required by local codes. Consult a structural engineer to determine the weight capabilities of the roof.
5
