Whether you’re upgrading the kitchen, opening your floor plan, or expanding your home, the renovation process tends to get a bit messy. Excessive dust and debris from home remodeling can cause major damage and expensive repairs to your HVAC system. Take steps to protect your HVAC with these five tips.
1. Shut Down Your HVAC System During Your Remodel
If you want to keep your HVAC system in great working order, you’ll need to shut it down before renovations begin. Wait to turn your system back on until after you’ve cleaned the dust and debris from your home.
You may be tempted to cover or close the vents to the room where the renovations are taking place and continue to run your HVAC. Beware; this can cause the system’s pressure to be thrown off balance, which, in turn, can contribute to leaks and damage.
2. Cover Your Vents
Keep as much dirt, dust, and debris out of your vents and ducts as possible by keeping the supply and return vents covered during renovations. Remember to ensure that you’re HVAC is turned off while the vents are covered to prevent damage to your unit.
3. Take the Messy Work Outside
Limiting the messy tasks, such as sawing and sanding, to outside work can help keep your HVAC system from becoming clogged. Not only can it help protect your unit, but it can also minimize the potential health hazards associated with wood dust and other particles and chemicals.
4. Replace Your Air Filters More Often
Clogged and dirty air filters cause your HVAC system to run harder and less efficiently. Generally, your HVAC air filters should be changed at least once every three months or less for an effective air conditioning. With the persistence of dust and other particles from your remodel, however, your air filter will require replacement more often (about once every two weeks). Hold your air filter up to the light. If you can’t see through it, it’s time for a replacement.
5. Try to Keep Your Home Clean and Dust-Free
Although you’re taking the messiest work outside, indoor dust and debris from your home renovation are unavoidable. Once you’ve finished for the day, be sure to clean as thoroughly as you can before uncovering the vents and turning your HVAC system back on.
Post-Renovation Maintenance
It’s likely that no matter how careful you had been to keep your system clear of dust and debris, some snuck through your vents. Once you’ve finished with your remodeling project and cleaned your work areas for the last time, call in a heating and AC company to conduct the maintenance on your HVAC system and clean out your air ducts.
Preventative maintenance increases HVAC efficiency and saves you money on your electric bill. Keeping it well-maintained can minimize long-term issues, prevent major breakdowns, and prolong the lifespan of your unit.
If any damage is found during maintenance, they can repair or replace your unit, update your controls, and provide advice and insight on how to preserve your unit during future projects.
