If you have an exposed furnace in the middle of the basement, you may want to hide it. To do this, you have to first prepare and assemble a frame and then put this frame around the furnace, and then finish the process by cutting out holes for the furnace door and air vents. This summarizes how to hide a furnace, but you must look at it in detail to understand what you’re doing.
Before we delve into the step-by-step process, let’s first look at the materials needed for the construction required to hide furnaces in basements.
Material and Tools
- PVC fittings and pipes
- Corrugated cardboard
- Drill
- Fiberglass insulation for the interior of the furnace room
- Screw, adhesive, or nails
- A couple of drywall for the top and bottom board panels to hide the furnace from view
Steps
Follow the simple steps below:
Decide on the Size of the Frame
The frame size should depend on exactly how much space the furnace or shaped partition will fill.
- First, cut the PVC piping to dimensions (height, width, and length) that are a bit less than that of the furnace. For instance, if your furnace’s dimensions are 40 inches by 28 inches by 20 inches, the PVC pipe should be cut to 37 inches by 25 inches by 17 inches.
- Use the drill to put holes where these pipes will be joined.
- Put holes in the middle of the pipe’s length as well. Ensure these holes are big enough for the flanges on the base of the furnace to go through.
Cut the Cardboard for the Frame
- Cut the corrugated cardboard to the same dimensions as the PVC piping to cover it.
- Next, drill holes at the center of its length, just like you did with the pipe.
- Use tape or adhesive to join a couple of pieces of this cardboard to create a box around the exterior edges of the frame.
- Measure a couple of drywall pieces for closing off the top and bottom panels of the furnace’s enclosure.
- You can use either nails or screws to join them. You may want to cover one side of the drywall with fiberglass insulation before you attach it into place, but this can wait till later if it is an obstacle.
Frame Assembling
- Install the PVC piping within the frame to give it a rectangular or squared shape.
- Install a piece of drywall on each side and ensure the flat edge is facing upwards.
- Attach the drywall to the frame by using adhesive, nails, or screws, depending on your preference. Ensure there’s a little allowance around the frame’s perimeter.
Put the Frame Around the Furnace
- Install the furnace within the frame you’ve created and inspect each side and the structure for spaces while adjusting the furnace till it properly fits.
- Close off any gaps with fiberglass insulation to prevent light from shining through once you install the drywall panels.
Cut Holes for Air Vents and Furnace Doors
- Trace the furnace doors with a pencil.
- Drill holes along the pipe and cardboard to guide you with the cut along the traced line
- Make your cut and ensure it’s an inch extra for each door. The extra space will be fitted with drywall pieces to ensure an air-tight seal between both walls.
- Repeat the process for air vents, but bear in mind that the hole should be smaller. The hole size should depend on the type of vent you want to create.
- If you can’t remove these holes without unscrewing anything, let the traced area be until drywall panels are installed.
Attach Drywall Panels
You may need an extra hand for this.
- Ensure you don’t overlap frames when attaching the panels between two ends.
- The panels should be well-fitted with each other. Depending on which one will be easier to remove, you can opt for screws or nails to attach.
- After the drywall is in place, consider contacting Furnace Repair Services to inspect and ensure that your heating system is not affected by the construction work.
- Proper clearance and ventilation are crucial for furnace safety, so it’s wise to have a professional check these aspects once the drywall installation is complete.
Frame Completion
After adding all the drywall panels and securing them around the furnace to ensure there are no gaps, put some latch on the side or front of the frame to make it easier to get your furnace in or out without hassle when doing heat pump repair and maintenance. This is a very important step.
Cover the Sides with Drywall Boards
- First, install the drywall panels on the side that faces your house.
- Put the panel around the opening and ensure it fits well into every corner.
- Use screw, adhesive, or nails to join the panel to the piping on both sides. If you opt for screws, ensure you’re creating holes through all three for secure attachment. If adhesive is your choice, be careful to make sure excessive adhesive doesn’t go to areas that the heating will get to later.
- Repeat this process with another board of the same shape and size. Continue adding boards till every space is covered.
Cover the Other Side
- This is similar to phase 8, but you have to overlap the boards so that it will display like one large board covering the entire structure when seen from within.
Last Words
Concealing your basement furnace not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your space but also ensures safety and efficient operation. For optimal results and regular maintenance, seeking the best furnace services is crucial. These professionals can advise on the suitability of your concealment method and ensure your furnace operates at peak efficiency.
Additionally, remember that timely furnace repair is key to prevent any disruptions. A well-maintained and properly concealed furnace contributes to a comfortable, safe, and efficient home environment.
