Old Heater System and my feline babies

[Suzy Marlene]

Just don't know where to turn to at this point. We are moving to an apartment within an old house this weekend, and we are concerned about the heating system and our cats.

There is a huge old "Peerless Unimatic" system in the main room which I think is the heater as well as water heater. Problem is, it is very hot on the top of this unit and you can see the flame in the front like a fireplace.

Since I have a Tonkinese who is very athletic and loves to jump on everything, I am scared to death about her paw pads being burned and such. I have sent notes to the Peerless company, and tried to contact HVAC folks to find out if there is someway to insulate this unit without the risk of fire.

In the meantime, I am going bonkers and not sleeping. Please, any suggestions?

Suzy Marlene

[Traci]

I'm no expert in heating systems, but in this case, I would talk to your landlord about it, it sounds like the very location of it isn't up to standards....you might also consider asking a home inspector to find out if this is acceptable, and for ideas on how to safely enclose it (perhaps simple 2x4 framing with sheetrock, and allowed proper ventilation, this is where a home inspector should inspect it for safety)

If you mean this is located in the main living area, this is not a safe area for either a gas furnace or water heater, period. Your landlord, could be in some trouble if he hasn't had this home inspected for safety. Don't wait to find out, get a certified inspector to look at it, or request your landlord do so BEFORE you move in, or else you may be faced with problems going undetected, unnoticed, unresolved for the entire length of your residency there.

[davet]

100 % with Traci.. we just went through two home inspections and they pick up everything.. and re Insulation, there has gotta be a way it can be done but it should be done by a certified heat person cause you may cut off an important draft...it can be rectified and i suspect the land lord is responsible because it also sounds like a hazard for human animals, ie kids and real people....get it checked

[Guest]

Thank you both so much for your replies! My fella is contacting one of the professionals in that area to come by and look at the unit and advise us on what should be done, and if it is even safe to have in the main dining/living area.

So happy to have posted, was just not sure which way to go on this.

Warm Regards,
Suzanne
Upstate NY
http://suzywoo2.homestead.com/WooerPets.html

[Traci]

Suzanne, I love your site....you have verrrrrry beautiful pictures!