The decision to renovate is a big one. It is an investment in both time and money. It will cause some inconvenience and disrupt the patterns of everyday life until the project is complete. Remodeling will also raise a lot of dust and debris. This could have a huge impact on homes equipped with an HVAC system and it is important to take some extra care to protect your heating and cooling unit so you can avoid costly air conditioning repair in Los Gatos, CA.
Steps for Protecting the HVAC System
Dust, dirt, and debris are the most common enemies to any HVAC system. Eventually, the infiltration of dust and dirt will leach inside the system and start to impact the operation and efficiency. Here are some steps you can take to help keep your system safe during remodeling:
1. Shut Down the HVAC System
If you have zoned heating and cooling, then simply switch off the zone where construction is underway. This will help keep the circulation of dirt and dust to a minimum. But if you do not have zoned heating and cooling, then it is best to simply shut down the entire system. Otherwise, the HVAC will suck in a lot of pollutants and the buildup will happen so fast you can hardly expect to keep up. The particles will either settle inside the ductwork or reach the inner workings where it can lead to unnecessary wear and tear. It will put a lot of strain on the HVAC system and impact the air quality.
2. Close Registers and Vents
Once the system is shut down you should go from room to room closing all the vents and registers. This will help keep loose dirt and debris from falling into the ductwork during the remodel. That means you will not have to worry about paying for an otherwise unnecessary duct cleaning later.
3. Complete Tasks that Generate Particle Matter Outside
Tasks like sanding, sawing, and cutting as well as mixing concrete or mudding can generate a lot of particle matter. Talk to the contractor and make sure they plan to complete as many of these tasks as they can outside. That is the best way to reduce dust and keep the indoor air as clean as possible.
4. Cordon Off the Renovation Areas
Not all renovation tasks can happen outside. Things like breaking down a wall or taking up the floor will happen inside and generate a lot of construction dust. But you can cordon off the work area by hanging protective covers to close off the construction space. This will help limit the number of particles circulating to other areas of the house. That way the rest of the dwelling can remain dust-free.
5. Clean the Work Area
It may seem ridiculous to clean up when you just plan to get back to work the next day. But cleaning up at the end of each workday will help keep things safe and organized. It will also make it less likely for people to accidentally track debris to other areas of the house. It also can allow you to turn on the HVAC system at night and run it until work starts anew the next day.
6. Check the Filters
During construction, you want to regularly check your air filters to make sure they do not get overly clogged. Blocked filters will put unnecessary strain on the HVAC system. And once the remodeling is complete you will probably want to let the system run for a few days before checking again and replacing all the filters.
Remodeling your home to add a new room or increase square footage? You should reach out to an HVAC technician to see if the current heating and cooling unit is the proper size for the new area. And once the project is complete, call for routine air conditioning repair in Los Gatos, CA to make sure your system is ready to run safely and efficiently after your renovation.
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