Air Conditioning - Drywall around HVAC unit

I am finishing my basment and I have HVAC unit right in the middle. I am planning to built a dry wall around it with a bifold door of 36" in front. How much space I should leave in between the drywalls and HVAC unit. Are there any specific inspection codes. I am short of space and was planning to leave a foot around the unit. As mentioned, I do have a door to do regular maintainance. I am going to pull a permit and I am in Delware.

Thanks

YOu may be best to ask your local building inspector and see what code is in your area on this.

If this an older equipement, make sure you have make up air for the burner..

Welcome fellow Delawarean. If you have the installation manual for the equiipment, follow the guidelines in it. If you don't have the book, post the make & model & I'll see what I can do. Unless you are in New Castle County, there is no HVAC inspection in the rural areas. Some cities & towns have their own inspectors. Just make sure there is room to get the blower out if need be & filters are accessable. If this is a fossil fuel burning furnace (gas or oil), as Jay said, make sure you provide for combustion air. Louvered doors are usually sufficient.

Thanks Grady and Jay. I am new to this. I am in New Castle county and the construction is pretty new - 2 years old.

I am planning to have a false ceiling and door in front. I will provide the make and model as well. Are there any codes around it.

Inspectors will usually abide by the manufacturers specified clearances. If you have questions about codes, it would be best to talk to the county code people. If you are in city limits, I'd start at city hall.