Tips to Protect Your HVAC During Home Remodeling
Home remodeling is both exciting and stressful. While you may be happy with the upgrades, your home will quickly become a construction zone. Whether you want to change your kitchen cabinets, replace the flooring, or add built-in shelves in the bathroom, you should prepare adequately for the renovation project.
One common thing with all renovation projects is dust, which affects occupants and household appliances, especially heating and cooling systems. Home renovation projects can take a toll on the central air conditioning system. While you should schedule regular air conditioner service, you should protect your HVAC from these damages.
The following tips can protect your heating and cooling equipment from damage during remodeling:
1. Plan the Remodeling Process
With the help of local AC repair professionals, you should begin by drafting a protection plan before you start the project. Raise your HVAC concerns with the renovation contractor and ask for their suggestions on how best they can contain or minimize dust.
Depending on the renovation project, dust containment may not be viable, especially for large-scale projects. However, contractors can contain dust using plastic barriers or advanced power tools in moderately-sized renovations. The renovation contractor should also discuss with HVAC experts to determine if the project will affect your HVAC system components, such as ductwork.
2. Switch Off the System
Your heating and cooling professional will recommend switching off the system anytime your renovation contractor is actively on site. While some heavy constructions that produce a lot of dust can be taken out, most are better done in the house. Dust particles can enter the system components if the unit is switched on. Turning the system off during renovation minimizes dust that circulates within the system.
Similarly, you should cover the vents during this period. Close the vents using a plastic cloth to minimize the entry of dust particles produced by various remodeling activities.
However, don’t cover the vents when the system is turned on. The HVAC unit will strain and develop various system problems that shorten its lifespan.
3. Clean Regularly
It may take several weeks to complete the remodeling project. This means you will have to deal with debris, dirt, and other air contaminants for this while. During this period, you should keep your indoor environment as clean as possible for the safety of your HVAC
and your health. Air pollutants pose serious health risks, so be sure to clean, dust, and vacuum your house regularly.
4. Replace Your Air Filter Regularly
Apart from cleaning, you should replace your HVAC filters regularly. Even after switching off your unit and closing the vents, some dust particles will be trapped in the filter. If the filter becomes excessively clogged, it won’t function optimally and exert strain on the unit.
Your indoor environment will also be filled with drywall and renovation dust, degrading indoor air quality.
To avoid these problems, clean and replace furnace filters more regularly than required. You should also get professional duct cleaning after the renovation project is completed.
Work with professionals to ensure that dust and dirt that might have settled in the ductwork won’t make their way to the furnace.
Endnote
Renovation exercises can take a toll on your HVAC unit, causing various problems that necessitate repairs or complete replacement. You shouldn’t forget your heating and cooling unit when preparing your home for renovation. Protecting your air conditioner mitigates common problems, the need for regular repairs, and lengthens its lifespan.
- by Matt Watts
