Home renovation projects tend to create dust, dirt and turmoil that may damage your home’s HVAC system. Components of cooling and heating equipment can be damaged by a buildup of dust and dirt, or can be knocked out of alignment by renovation work. If the renovation work will affect the operation of your HVAC system, you’ll want to discuss the project ahead of time with your HVAC contractor. This will provide an opportunity to find and address any potential issues that might arise. It’s easier to change the design during planning rather than make expensive changes after completion.
Ways to Protect Your HVAC System
- Don’t run the A/C or furnace during the work – Sometimes it may be necessary to run the A/C on extremely hot days or the heat during cold weather during the renovation project, but limiting use will help keep the air filter from clogging and dust from accumulating in the system.
- Close registers in the work area – If you are running the A/C or furnace, registers in the work area should be closed and sealed to avoid dust and dirt entering the air circulation. Avoid closing too many vents, if possible, however. This can reduce airflow through the system and overwork your HVAC equipment.
- Clean the work area often – Cleaning the work area often will help keep dust and dirt from being dragged to other areas that have open vents allowing dirt to enter the HVAC system.
- Change the air filter often during construction – The air filter may become clogged even if you take precautions. Check the filter often and change if necessary. Install a new filter when the job is completed.
- Inspect the ductwork – You may want to have the ductwork inspected and cleaned by a professional after the renovation is completed. The components of your HVAC system, such as the blower fan, coils and condensate pan and drain, can be checked for a buildup of debris at the same time.
- Use tarps where necessary – Isolate work areas and cover fragile items with plastic tarps. This helps prevent dust from accumulating throughout your home.
Please contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning if you have any heating and cooling concerns during a home renovation project. We have been proudly serving the Twin Cities area since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Waco, Texas and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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