Renovating a home is a thrilling time at the thought of getting the upgrade you’ve been wanting. The process, however, comes with some stress and frustration as you live in a virtual construction zone. Being mindful that critical systems are well protected is essential.

A renovation can stir up a large volume of dust, dirt, and debris, leading to unexpected heating and cooling repairs. Reaching out to a reputable HVAC repair company for guidance is wise.

Quality and qualified technicians like those with 123 HVAC will instruct homeowners on how to prevent physical damage to their HVAC equipment during a home renovation.

We’ll explore ways you can keep your heating and cooling system protected as you navigate household upgrades.

 

Protecting Your HVAC System Through Home Renovations

When renovating your house, the focus is dedicated to those upgrades. The notion that the heating and cooling system might be susceptible to damage from the construction is often overlooked. It’s important to take the necessary precautions to avoid physical damage and costly repairs.

Visit - 6 HVAC Maintenance Tips to Avoid Costly Repairs - At Home in the Future - for tips on avoiding costly HVAC repairs. Consider these tips before proceeding with a home renovation to assure the protection of your HVAC equipment.

 

Talk to the contractor

The contractors handling the project will be aware of the potential for damage to the heating and cooling system as they will plumbing and electrical hazards. Talking with the contractor before the work starts is a priority to learn the steps that will be taken to protect the system.

Typically, contractors will consult with homeowners to describe the work that they’ll do and protections that will be put in place. It’s also a good idea to speak with your HVAC technician who will offer guidance on the best safety precautions to take.

 

Shut off the system

Much renovation and remodeling work is done in the warmer months because it’s recommended to shut off the heating and cooling system to reduce the amount of dirt, dust, and debris that accumulates in the vents and overall in the system.

This helps to prevent the likelihood of damage and preserves the life of the air filter.

 

The grilles/registers

Dirt, debris, and dust can collect in the vents quickly. This is unlikely to cause damage unless the debris is heavy, sharp, or large. However, it can impact the air quality in the space.

When the ducts accumulate dust and debris, it can find its way into the air conditioner and furnace regardless of whether these are off or operating during the renovation process. By closing the vents and keeping a window open, the HVAC will operate as it should with less chance of damage.

 

A clean space

The contractor performing the renovations will be vigilant about keeping the space clean using tarps and vacuuming at the end of each day. Still, it’s important to inspect each area when the day is done on your own to ensure there’s no dust or debris remaining.

You can go back over these areas to keep the particles from making their way into the ducts or vents.

 

Check the air filters

Air filters generally need to be changed roughly every 90 days; however, when major renovations are happening, it needs to be changed more frequently.

Clogged or dirty filters are hazardous to the HVAC system for several reasons. These hinder the efficiency of the air conditioning and furnace, increasing energy consumption and raising utility costs. The blower motor must also work harder when a filter is clogged.

This leads to voltage surges, resulting in a tripped breaker. It will keep tripping until the filter is replaced, but the strain and stress on the blower can lead to premature wear shortening the unit’s lifespan.

HVAC Inspection