Renovating your home is an exciting undertaking. From creating an open-concept kitchen to adding a home office, it’s all about building your dream space. The only problem is construction can introduce fine dust particles into the air. Don’t let the mess take a toll on your HVAC system or indoor air quality—follow these tips to maintain a comfortable, healthy environment while transforming your home.
Plan for HVAC Upgrades
Some renovations involve changing your home’s layout. If you’re adding square footage, it’s important to consider how that affects your HVAC system.
You have two primary options for maintaining home comfort. First, you can extend your existing ductwork into the new space. Before committing, confirm that your HVAC system can handle the extra load. If your furnace or air conditioner is barely large enough for your existing home, adding more space may lead to poor performance or uneven heating and cooling. In this case, you might need to install larger, more powerful equipment. While this requires an upfront investment, it ensures your home stays comfortable and energy-efficient.
Another option is to install a ductless mini-split. This is a fantastic option for smaller additions or areas that are difficult to reach with ductwork. Ductless systems consist of a wall-mounted unit that connects to an outdoor compressor. Mini-splits are energy-efficient, easy to install, and allow you to control the temperature independently from the rest of the house. Often, installing a ductless system is the most affordable and convenient way to add heating and cooling to a home addition.
Change the Air Filter Before Construction Begins
Starting with a clean slate is always a good idea, and your HVAC system is no exception. Before your renovation kicks off, replace the air filter to prepare it to trap the increased dust and debris generated during construction. Checking the air filter every few days during construction can go a long way to keeping your clean.
Protect Your Furniture and Belongings
Construction dust finds its way into every corner of your home, including soft furnishings, which trap and redistribute particles into the air long after the renovation is complete. To minimize this, remove furniture, rugs, and curtains from the construction zone. If removing items isn’t feasible, cover them with plastic sheets or tarps. Seal the edges of the coverings with tape to keep dust from sneaking in.
Seal Off the Construction Area
Keep any doors leading to the construction area closed at all times. For added protection, seal the edges with painter’s tape and place draft stoppers or towels along the bottom. If the space doesn’t have a door, hang heavy-duty plastic sheeting across entry points, securing the edges with tape to prevent dust from escaping.
Run Air Purifiers
Portable air purifiers use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to trap fine particles stirred up during construction. Place air purifiers in key areas, such as near the construction zone and in bedrooms, to keep the air as clean as possible.
Cover the Air Vents
If you have a forced-air heating and cooling system, block off the vents in the construction area with magnetic covers, heavy-duty plastic, or painter’s tape. This helps keep dust from circulating throughout your home when you run the furnace or air conditioner.
Minimize HVAC System Usage
Even with the vents covered, it’s best to avoid running your HVAC system, especially during high-dust activities like demolition, sanding, and drywall installation. If you absolutely must run your HVAC system, cover the vents in the construction zone first and be prepared to vacuum and dust more often to keep the mess in check.
Replace the Air Filter Again
Even if you diligently protected your HVAC system during construction, some dust and debris likely got inside. Replacing the air filter ensures that any lingering particles are caught before they circulate through your home. A fresh filter also helps your HVAC system operate at peak efficiency.
Schedule Professional Duct Cleaning
If dust has settled throughout your home during the renovation, imagine what your ductwork looks like. Over time, debris buildup reduces airflow, strains your system, and decreases indoor air quality. Duct cleaning removes residual debris so you can start fresh after the renovation. Professionals use special cleaning equipment to dislodge and vacuum out dust, leaving your ducts spotless. This small investment can greatly improve your system’s longevity and your family’s health.
Let Us Help You Protect Your HVAC System
Whether you need help extending your air ducts, adding a ductless mini-split, or cleaning the ductwork after the dust settles, turn to Service Experts for a job well done. We’ll put the finishing touches on your project so you can breathe easy and feel comfortable in your newly renovated home. For help navigating your HVAC needs during and after your renovation, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.
