Remodeling your home is no small feat and requires a lot of planning and decision making. Envisioning how your home will be transformed to better fit your family’s lifestyle can easily overshadow some of the smaller but equally important aspects of a renovation project. One of these aspects might be taking the necessary steps to protect your HVAC system.
Accumulation of dirt and dust can hinder your HVAC system from working safely and efficiently. And during a home renovation the dirt, dust and debris are everywhere! About to embark on a home renovation project? Use these five tips to help protect your HVAC system.
Tip 1: Move prep work outside
Work with your contractor or project manager to make sure that any prep work of sanding or cutting wood and tile is completed outside. This will have a significant impact on keeping dust from settling in your HVAC system.
Tip 2: Turn your HVAC system off
When work that can create a lot of dust can’t be moved outside, you can turn off your air conditioner or furnace to keep dust from getting in your HVAC system. This can lead to the indoor temperature becoming too hot or cold, depending on the time of year and your geographic location, but it’s one step that will help keep your HVAC system safe.
Tip 3: Close off registers and use vent protectors
Either closing or covering the registers and vents in your home will help keep dust and debris out of your HVAC system. You don’t want to close or cover too many vents, so focus on the ones that are closest to the area in your home that is under renovation. You can purchase magnetic vent protectors from Home Deport or Amazon, which makes it easy to cover and uncover vents as needed.
Tip 4: Change your furnace air filter
Changing your furnace air filter regularly is always a good idea and one of the best ways to keep your HVAC system running efficiently. All of the air in your home passes through the furnace filter, so it’s especially important to change or clean the filter during and after your home renovation. A dirty filter can restrict proper airflow in your home and impact the indoor air quality. If you’re HVAC system is turned on during construction, we recommend changing your filter weekly or daily depending on the amount of dust being created.
Tip 5: Schedule HVAC cleaning and inspection
When your renovation project is done, contact a local HVAC contractor to clean and inspect your air conditioner and furnace. The contractor will make sure your system is free of dust and debris and working safely. We also recommend having your ducts cleaned. Having this service performed will provide five years of clean air for your family and is a great investment in your family’s health.
If you’re preparing for a home renovation project and have more questions about how to keep your HVAC system clean and protected connect with us online or call 515-244-8911.
