Remodeling is often an exciting and rewarding project. However, many homeowners don’t consider upgrading their HVAC units as well.
If you are expanding or renovating your home, including finishing unfinished areas like the basement or attic into living spaces, upgrading may be necessary to accommodate additional square footage.
Expanding your home during a remodel might require HVAC upgrades; for insights and assistance with your HVAC needs in West Fork, check out Anderson Air’s services at https://andersonair.com/service-areas/west-fork/.
Here are five considerations before undertaking a remodel:
1. Remove debris
Renovation projects generate dust that can make its way into your ductwork and HVAC system, clogging air filters and straining the system to the point that it runs inefficiently.
When installing ductwork, have the contractor close all vents in the area where they will be working to prevent dust from blowing into new ducts and clogging them up with debris. Furthermore, they request they close doors and windows as much as possible during their work to minimize airflow disruptions and ensure smooth service during installation.
Ask your professional to perform any cutting or sanding outside, whenever possible, to reduce dust entering your house. If they can’t bring this work outside, consider blocking off areas where cutting/sanding work is being conducted with plastic sheeting or vent covers to protect yourself and keep out dust.
If your system seems less efficient than usual, consider cleaning its coils with a no-rinse cleaner. These are available at most hardware stores and have special chemicals designed to dislodge dirt and debris from coils safely – much safer than trying to use a brush!
2. Clean the area
Home renovations generate dust that can spread throughout your home and enter the HVAC system, negatively affecting air quality and shortening its lifecycle. Furthermore, this dust can contribute to allergies and asthma attacks. It’s wise to cover vents while renovating and cleaning around its location as part of any remodeling effort to limit dust.
Clear a path indoors or outdoors for the installer to access equipment and remove anything else that might hinder their work, such as furniture or any obstacles, such as pets that might get in their way during construction works. If applicable, keep them somewhere safe until the construction work has concluded.
adding remodels often involve adding additional living space, like building out an attic or closing in a sunroom, which may mean your current HVAC system cannot keep up. Talk to an HVAC specialist about whether your current system meets the size requirements for your home and upgrade if necessary.
3. Change the air filter
Home renovation projects generate dust, particulates and debris, which could enter your HVAC system and affect its functioning. To protect it from this happening, change out the air filter in the area to ensure its cleanliness throughout your renovation project.
Most single-home residential systems allow you to locate the filter by looking in vents that distribute return air into rooms or on an HVAC cabinet where the return duct connects directly with the furnace blower. Sometimes, you may even be able to slide it in through an opening on an air vent itself.
Before removing an old filter, be sure first to switch off the system’s power. Locate it, noticing which direction its arrows point as this will ensure you insert a new one in a similar direction.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most hardware and big box stores. Be sure to select one explicitly rated for your area to effectively filter out particles, smells, smoke, pollen and other irritants from the air.
4. Turn off the system
Remodeling projects can add immense value and living space to any home, but before undertaking one, it’s essential that you carefully consider how the changes may impact the HVAC system.
At the start of any renovation project, one step to protect your HVAC system is turning it off in order to reduce dust intake into the system and redistribution throughout your home. Close vents in areas where work is being conducted to limit the redistribution of dust throughout your home.
If you can’t switch off your system completely, at least cover its vents with plastic sheets or tarps to reduce dust from entering your home, entering your ductwork and spreading throughout your entire residence. This will also help lessen wear and tear on your system.
5. Schedule an inspection
Construction debris can devastate your HVAC system during home renovation projects. To safeguard your investment and ensure an enjoyable renovation experience, be sure to schedule an inspection before beginning any remodeling or reconstruction efforts.
Professional installation companies will be able to explain in detail what will be involved and provide an estimate of cost. They should also include any required permit fees within their price rather than tacking on extra fees as additional hidden costs.
Ensure the contractor you hire is licensed, insured, and has liability insurance. Operating without the proper credentials could put your home at risk, resulting in property damage or incomplete job completion. Furthermore, in certain areas, bonded licensed contractors may be necessary.
