Protecting your HVAC system during a renovation is an important part of your homeownership. Construction work can damage or destroy an HVAC system. Knowing how to keep an HVAC system from damage during a renovation can save you costly repairs and replacement to your HVAC system.
1. Talk to an HVAC Professional
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Before you renovate your home, speak with an HVAC professional about your plans. The professional will inspect the unit and give you advice about the ducts, blower, and indoor coil of the unit. An inspection also gives you a record of the HVAC condition before renovation in case disputes arise with contractors.
2. Fit Your HVAC System Correctly
The first question that you need to ask before a renovation is whether your HVAC system is the right size for your home. A too big or too small HVAC system can be costly if it doesn’t efficiently heat and cool the rooms in your home. Measure the area needed for the HVAC system before you renovate your house so that you don’t have to make adjustments later.
3. Cover the Vents
Cover the vents of your HVAC system. Dust can move into the HVAC system and cause damage to the unit. More importantly, dust moving into the HVAC system can negatively affect quality of the air you breathe. Put airtight tarps over the HVAC unit to prevent debris from entering the system through HVAC vents and registers.
4. Turn Off the System Completely
Turn the air conditioner or heater off during renovations. Renovations can create dirt and debris that can be trapped in air ducts if the heater or air conditioner is running. Debris in air ducts can negatively affect indoor air quality.
5. Keep Construction Work Outside
Sawing, cutting, and sanding can cause dust and debris to enter into your HVAC system and your home. Keep construction outside and away from the HVAC system. Ask workers to regularly clean up their work and dispose of the debris properly.
6. Keep Your House Clean
For renovations indoors, use a vacuum with a HEPA-rated filter to remove dirt after the workers have gone. Keeping the renovation area blocked off with plastic room dividers is useful to prevent dirt from escaping into where you live during the renovation.
7. Check Your HVAC Filter Often
Even with tarping your HVAC system and other precautions, dirt and dust may enter the unit. Check your HVAC system filter for debris. Replace the filter frequently during the renovation. When the renovation is finished, ask an HVAC professional to see if you need ducts cleaned.
8. Schedule an HVAC Inspection Afterwards
Schedule an HVAC inspection after the renovation to see if the unit still works. If you have questions about your furnace or air quality, a Dalton Heating & Air certified HVAC professional can help answer your concerns.
With regular maintenance and inspection of your HVAC unit, your HVAC unit should be safe during house renovation. You’ll thank yourself later for taking these precautions in protecting your system.