June 7, 2016
Undertaking a home remodeling project could harm your forced-air HVAC system unless you take precautions to minimize the damage that airborne particulates wreak on your equipment. Dust is the leading cause of preventable HVAC breakdowns and repairs. With some planning, you will avoid some costly oversights moving through the project.
First Steps If your project involves adding new space that you want to condition, contact your HVAC contractor while you're in the design phase. He or she can help you determine whether your existing system can be extended, or if you'll need to explore other options. The contractor can also tell you how many registers you can safely close while the work is being done. Dealing with the Dust Removing carpeting and walls are often part of the construction process and create tremendous amounts of dust. If at all possible, it's best to turn off your HVAC system, close all the registers and cover them with clear plastic. If that's not possible, close any supply and return registers near the construction area. Create negative pressure in the space you're remodeling by using a large fan to exhaust the dusty air outdoors well after the work crew has finished the demolition. You can also buy filter media to place inside the return registers that will prevent some of the pervasive dust from entering the air handler. Your HVAC professional may be able to make these for an affordable price. Move It Outside Instead of cutting the materials inside, move it to the yard or the garage to eliminate some of the dust. Use the fan to blow out dust if the work must be done indoors. Change the Filters As the project moves forward, change the HVAC system's air filters frequently. They'll clog faster because the airborne particulate load will increase. After You're Done Have your HVAC contractor inspect and thoroughly your system after the project is over. The remodeling process doesn't have to damage your HVAC system and the pros at Russell's Heating & Cooling can help you through this process. We provided trusted HVAC services to Hampton Roads homeowners. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chesapeake, Virginia 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 Guide or call us at 757-750-1831. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock”
