Are the bricks to prevent rusting? There has been water in the basement on several occasions but it only made it to the furnace when the furnace itself was leaking, that is, condensate from the AC was overflowing. And when the water heater leaked, but that's in a pan now. I've learned all the ways water can get on the floor and I don't make the same mistakes anymore. The current furnace about 25 years old only has a little bit of rust at the floor. Why would bricks help?
2) I also read somewhere, "NOTE: If you live in the South, you must seal all joints, and insulate all the new ductwork leaving the furnace." Why just the south? Are joints in hvac ductwork normally sealed with caulk?For that matter, what about joints in the 6" round metal flue pipes?
TIA