From kitchen renovations to home additions, remodeling your house can be full of excitement and anticipation. However, in the midst of the chaos that comes with remodeling, your HVAC system can be an afterthought. When you start your remodeling project, keep in mind that the dust and debris that come from remodeling paired with the possibility of changing the layout of your home can threaten your current HVAC system if it is not planned for in advance. To keep your HVAC system protected and running smoothly, here are four things to consider about your HVAC system when remodeling.
1. Keep the area around the AC unit and vents clear
With tarps and other construction materials lingering around your home remodeling site, it is important to always check that the materials are not covering your vents and that dust and debris are not clogging your vents. If possible, it is best to close vents entirely, so these factors do not accidentally hinder the air flow. As for your outdoor HVAC unit, make sure that no materials that are left outdoors are blocking your system. If you are changing the layout of your house and need to move your HVAC system entirely, be sure to keep it in a clear area with trees and bushes trimmed accordingly.
2. Keep your air conditioner out of the sun
If your home remodeling project requires you to move your HVAC unit, it is best to place the unit out of the sun. The ideal location for an HVAC unit is on the north side of the home. If your house is situated near many trees and bushes, this landscape can be useful to keep the HVAC unit out of the sun and to help it operate most efficiently. Keep in mind that trees and bushes that surround your HVAC unit should be regularly trimmed and planted at a safe distance from your unit, so they do not obstruct the unit’s airflow.
3. Check your filters frequently
Checking your air filters should become a regular task during your home remodeling project. With so much extra dust that can be generated from cutting and sanding materials, your air filters will need to be changed more frequently than normal. Before you start your project, remember to change the air filter and keep an eye on it for the duration of the remodeling project. You might end up needing to change the filter more often than normally. You should also check the dust buildup on your motor if you have visible access to it. If you discover that there is excessive dust buildup, contact a company like Canady’s Heating • Air • Plumbing Conditioning & Heating to assess the issue.
4. Schedule routine maintenance and checkups
Regular maintenance and a tune-up of your AC unit after a home remodeling project will allow a technician to check for any accumulation or damage that your HVAC system may have endured from the process. If you increased the square footage of your home, a trained technician will also be able to tell if your unit is still running at its top performance despite the changes. An un-serviced cooling system will be forced to work harder and longer to provide the expected degree of home comfort which reduces its efficiency and increases your utility bills, so remember to schedule these routine maintenance and checkups after your home remodeling project is complete.
By keeping these four tips at the front of your mind during the remodeling process, your HVAC system is more likely to be protected and continue working at its fullest potential after the remodeling project is complete. At Canady’s Heating • Air • Plumbing Conditioning & Heating, our trained technicians work with clients to ensure that their HVAC units are always maintained and running efficiently. For more information on the services we provide, contact us today.