Any remodeling job in your Dayton area home, regardless of size, can generate a large amount of dirt, dust and debris, and if you are not careful, the excess particles in the air may hinder the performance of your HVAC system, or even damage sensitive components. The following tips can help you protect your HVAC system during the remodeling process and prevent costly service calls down the road:
- Consult Your Contractors: Learn what methods your remodeling contractor will take to control the dust and dirt that result from remodeling, and explain what steps you plan to take. Consult your HVAC contractor to learn the best methods to protect your HVAC equipment during the remodel process.
- Close the Registers: Close the dampers on registers that are in the work area, and cover each opening with plastic sheeting secured by masking tape, especially floor registers that easily fill with debris.
- Isolate the Work Area: Close any doors between the work area and the rest of the home, then cover them and any other passageways with plastic sheeting or tarps.
- Minimize HVAC Usage: Avoid using forced-air heating or cooling as much as possible during the remodel process, to prevent dust from being sucked into the HVAC system.
- Check the Air Filter: Clean the air filter regularly during the process, and replace it if necessary, especially after the remodel has been finished.
- Use Negative Pressure: Make sure your contractor is using fans to push air outdoors, creating a negative pressure that will prevent dust from traveling out of the work area.
- Move Dusty Work Outdoors: Cutting, sanding and other dusty jobs should be moved outdoors or into a garage, if possible.
- Clean The Work Area: Make sure the work area is swept or vacuumed at least once a day by the contractor to minimize dust.
- Clean the Ducts: Remove excess dust from the ducts and the blower fan when the job is complete. Consider having the system professionally serviced for the best results.
For information about protecting your HVAC system during a remodel, contact our team at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. We have been serving the Dayton and Springfield areas since 1978.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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