Can I add an 120v outlet for an whole house air filter to the existing switch for the furnace?
Adding a hepa air filter and it needs a 3-prong 120 v outlet within 3 ft…due to placement the furnace switch is the closest power source but i wasnt sure if it would be enough to power both at the same time or would i have to find a junction box and pipe it back?
Code wise furnace is supposed to be a dedicated circuit . For resale anyway if that matters
check the voltage tag on your furnace blower motor and add to the voltage of the air filter.
I doubt it,however you may be able to increase your breaker size but both running together drawing that much current tends to heat the supply wires to dangerous levels(especially in homes with older wiring. a heavy duty Extension cord to the next closest outlet on another breaker.
I would buy a 20 amp breaker for the box and run a dedicated circuit to a new outlet, with just 1 plug in for your hepa filter. That is the correct way.
this is common practice in new installations of gas furnaces with electronic air cleaners.
you have three options: you can put in a combination switch/plug device in the existing location.
you can replace the existing switch box with a double box to accommodate a standard plug next to the switch.
you can put an “expansion” box on the existing box to add the space.
which option you do will depend on shat is already there, and who does the actual work. (I don’t know if this is a DIY project or if you are having it done for you)
if you have an electric furnace, then you may not have 120V power available at the furnace, in which case, you would have to find power someplace else. It doesn’t sound like that is your situation, though.