Dirt and dust building up in residential HVAC systems is one of the major causes of damage and repair issues. If you have ever lived through the home remodeling process, you know how dusty your whole house can get. Protecting your HVAC system when remodeling your home can prevent damage caused by the dust and debris that are byproducts of a home remodel.
Your first step should be reviewing your remodel plans with a trusted HVAC contractor. If you do not have a regular service provider, find one before the project begins. This way you can prevent costly mistakes instead of having to pay for them.
Your next move should be to avoid running your HVAC system as much as possible during the dusty parts of the remodel – for example during sawing, planing and sanding – and closing off all of the registers in the area where work is taking place.
Sealing off your registers will prevent dust and dirt from being pulled back into the HVAC system when remodeling is taking place. Closing off too many vents, however, can cut down the airflow in your HVAC system. If you are not sure about the best way to handle your home venting during a remodeling project, contact your HVAC contractor for advice.
Keep the dust down in your home by keeping the sanding and cutting work outside or in the garage as much as possible. Isolate any construction areas from the rest of the house using tarps, and make sure your remodel contractor is using proper dust control procedures at all times. Any area of the house that is being remodeled should be kept at negative air pressure to keep dust from circulating throughout the house.
Clean all work areas often. Cleaning throughout the project, instead of just at the end, will keep dirt and dust from being tracked through your home. Do not use your registers as a receptacle for dust when you sweep, and do not let anyone else do this either.
For more information on protecting your HVAC system when remodeling your Fresno area home, please contact us at Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Fresno, California area 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 Resource guide.
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