A floor furnace shall not be placed closer than how many inches to the nearest wall?

The correct answer is that a floor furnace should not be placed closer than six inches to the nearest wall. This clearance is crucial for safety and operational efficiency. Maintaining this distance allows for proper airflow around the furnace, which is essential for effective heating. If the furnace is too close to the wall, it can obstruct the heat distribution and potentially lead to overheating, which could pose fire hazards.

Additionally, the six-inch clearance facilitates easier access for maintenance and repairs, ensuring that technicians can safely work on the furnace without the risk of damaging surrounding structures. This spacing is generally established in building codes and manufacturer's guidelines to ensure that floor furnaces operate safely and maintain the integrity of both the heating system and the surrounding environment.