Major renovations can generate dust and debris that isn’t too friendly to your HVAC system. Plus, when you run your furnace after the work is done, you don’t exactly want the system to circulate that dust back into the air you and your family breathe. So, how do you protect your HVAC system during renovations? For in-depth renos, but ones without specific airborne health risks, you can take a few smart steps to ensure the work doesn’t impact your HVAC system.
For renovations with specific risks like mould or asbestos removal, the professionals conducting the work should have comprehensive solutions to ensure these safety concerns don’t end up in your indoor air. That may involve using air purifiers, carbon filters, or other equipment to remove the contaminant before you return home.
For less serious renovation projects, follow the steps below.
1. Don’t Run the System
When possible, you should turn off your HVAC system during renovations. Of course, this is not always feasible. If the weather is quite cold or hot, it could even be a safety concern for those working in your home not to have a comfortable environment. Still, for some well-planned renos in spring, early summer, and early fall, the weather may be right to turn the system off entirely. When you can, this is a good idea as it will limit the amount of dust that can gather in the vents.
2. Protect the Furnace Vents
Of course, due to the power of gravity, dust will settle down into some vents anyway. If you can, cover the vents with plastic drop cloths taped down. The plastic will collect the dust instead; you just have to be careful not to drop the dust when moving them
Having renovations done in your home? Talk to our HVAC experts to understand how you can protect your HVAC system so it isn’t damaged during your renovation project.
3. Change the Filters More
What if you can’t turn the HVAC system off during major renovations? If the best way to protect your HVAC system during construction isn’t available, then you have to use its built-in protection as much as possible. Dust and debris will get into the system and, hopefully, get caught in the filter. Changing the filter regularly is a good way to ensure that the dust and debris don’t restrict the airflow of the system and don’t harm it.
4. Clean Routinely
If the dust has been vacuumed or otherwise collected, it can’t get into the system. Regular vacuuming should be a part of your renovation plan. Ideally, you’d use a vacuum with a HEPA filter as it captures more particulates instead of sending them back into your air.
5. Barriers and Dust Management
Your contractor can also use plastic barriers and other methods to contain dust.
Do you need help keeping your HVAC system running during your renovations? Or do you have other questions about your system in general? The team at Cedarwood is here to help!
