Couple renovating kitchen - How to Prevent Damage to Your HVAC During Construction and Renovation

A home renovation is both exciting and a little stressful. On the one hand, you’re going to be getting the upgrade you want. But, on the other hand, part of your home is about to turn into a construction zone.

There are so many other things to think about that you probably haven’t thought about your furnace and air conditioner.

Your HVAC system needs extra protection because of the amount of dirt, debris, drywall dust, and contaminants that a renovation can stir up. No one wants unexpected AC repair or furnace repair in their Toronto home.

It can also be physically damaged if your renovation plans don’t line up with your existing HVAC layout.

Use these tips to prevent damage to your heating and cooling system during renovations.

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1. Make a Plan Well Ahead of the Renovation

When you find the right renovation company and the right plans, you should consult a professional HVAC technician. They’ll be able to help you determine if the plans will work.

For example, will the renovation impact your duct placement? Will you need to make alterations to the plans to accommodate your current HVAC layout? These are answers you should have before the work starts and you end up with a sticky situation.

2. Cover Your Vents

Construction dust and debris, particularly the large particles that renovations can kick up, will have a negative effect on your furnace and air conditioner. The larger the pieces, the more likely it could harm your HVAC equipment.

Head all that dust off right away by covering the vents in the area the renovation is taking place.

Remember: If your furnace is running, you don’t want to close off too many vents – that will restrict airflow.

3. Turn Your Furnace Off When Work is in Progress

When work is going on in your home, you should turn your furnace or air conditioner off. This will help prevent excess dirt and debris from potentially damaging your home heating and cooling systems.

Drywall dust can cause major problems, especially if it gets into the inner workings of your furnace and clogs the secondary coil or other components.

HVAC Dangers During Construction

The danger to HVAC systems during new construction is considerable.

For example, some home builders tend to create a dusty mess and then proceed to crank up a brand new furnace because it’s the cheapest way to heat the space. Unfortunately, actions like these cause extensive wear and tear on the appliance, so much so that repairs and warranty work is common. To combat these practices, in 2017, Canadian furnace manufacturers revised their installation manuals to specifically restrict the use of residential gas furnaces for construction heat.

4. Do the Messy Work Outside

The best way to prevent damage from extra dust during home renovations? Do the messy work somewhere else!

Use your outdoor space or garage as your cutting and sawing spot. This will minimize the amount of sawdust, grit, and overall construction dirt that will get caught in your vents, ducts, and air filter.

5. Clean Regularly

Renovations can be a lengthy process, which means you’re going to be dealing with dirt and debris for a while. Therefore, it’s important to keep your home as clean as possible during that time period. (Not only for the safety of your HVAC equipment but also for your health—particles circulating through the air pose health risks.)

Make it a habit to dust and vacuum at least every couple of days. This is more frequent than usual but will combat the excess dust and dirt that is being kicked up.

Any dust that isn’t cleaned up will get sent through your air filter, which will quickly become clogged. It can also cause your air ducts to get dirty, too.

Clean or Replace Your Air Filter Often

Part of keeping your home as clean as possible is cleaning or replacing your furnace filter more often. If it becomes too clogged, it won’t work properly. As a result, your air will be filled with renovation and drywall dust, which isn’t good for your home and can cause health risks.

Depending on the length of your renovation and the amount of work being done, you will have to use your best judgement when it comes to changing your air filter. We recommend checking it regularly, just to be safe. Another way to ensure it gets changed, and improve air quality, is to schedule a furnace tune up. In addition to changing the furnace filter, an HVAC technician will inspect and optimize all the heating system components.

6. Get a Professional Duct Cleaning Once the Work is Done

When your home renovations are done, you should do one more thing before sitting back and fully enjoying it: have professionals come and clean your entire duct system, as well as your HVAC system.

Even though you closed the vents, kept everything turned off, and cleaned the air filter, dust is persistent. And while it isn’t something you have to do often, there are instances when duct cleaning is needed. After a renovation is one of them.

The dust from the renovation has now settled in your ductwork, making its way towards your furnace, causing massive amounts of buildup. This, in turn, forces your furnace to work harder, which isn’t energy-efficient or safe.

Our team of technicians will come and use the proper tools to clean your duct system thoroughly.

7. Get Furnace and Air Conditioning Maintenance

Your entire HVAC system will be in great shape when your home renovations are complete if you take the proper precautions. But, clearly, running HVAC during construction can cause heating and air conditioning component problems.

So, if you’re at all worried about the health of your home heating and cooling systems, it never hurts to schedule some maintenance.

Furnace maintenance is highly recommended before the winter season, and post-renovation is a great time to check and make sure everything is as it should be. And, annual air conditioner maintenance is essential to keep the system working in peak condition.

We’ll Do the Post-Renovation Maintenance

Do you have renovation plans in the works?

The experts at Husky Heating and Air Conditioning will make sure all your appliances are fully functional and safe. You’ll receive personalized service at an affordable rate, and our work is 100% guaranteed.

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