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What must be done to a gas-fired furnace located in a garage to meet safety standards?

  1. Raised at least 12" off the ground

  2. Raised at least 18" off the ground

  3. Covered with a safety guard

  4. Insulated properly

The correct answer is: Raised at least 18" off the ground

To meet safety standards, a gas-fired furnace located in a garage must be raised at least 18 inches off the ground. This requirement is in place primarily to minimize the risk of potential ignition from gasoline vapors that may accumulate on the garage floor. Gasoline is heavier than air and can settle around appliances; by positioning the furnace at a height that is above these vapors, the likelihood of a fire or explosion is significantly reduced. This height requirement is part of the safety codes established to protect both property and personal safety in environments where fuel vapors may be present. Other options, such as covering the furnace with a safety guard or insulating it, do not directly address the specific safety concerns associated with the placement of gas appliances in automotive garages. Insulation can be important for energy efficiency but does not mitigate the risk of vapor ignition as effectively as raising the furnace does.