Every building will require upgrades or additions at some point, so make sure your HVAC installation is prepared and ready for the process. If you don’t take the time to prepare your system, it may struggle to meet demand, clog, and cause preventable damage, resulting in costly problems during and after construction.
Why you need to prepare your HVAC system for construction
The installation of a build-out can have a significant influence on an existing HVAC system. Building debris can often find its way into pipes and infrastructure. If corrosion accelerates in new piping, there is a substantial risk of impacting existing piping. Alternatively, if the old plumbing is heavily corroded, it can harm the freshly fitted piping.
These alterations can affect the demands imposed on the HVAC system, resulting in greater demand, damage to existing pipes, or obstruction due to debris if not handled carefully.
Installing an entirely new HVAC system will necessitate thorough cleaning, flushing, and treatment from when water enters it. Failure to appropriately protect new piping will cause the system to fail prematurely, and you don’t want this, do you?
Consider a few things when designing and preparing your HVAC system for a new construction.
First, ensure that you have enough capacity to handle the increased load from the new structure. If you do not have enough capacity, you may end up with an overloaded system that does not function properly and is extremely expensive to repair/upgrade after the fact. Work with your HVAC services provider to determine if your unit can carry the extra load.
Second, ensure that the ducting is appropriate for the additional room. If the ductwork is too small, it will not be able to bear the load, resulting in inefficient air circulation.
Finally, ensure you plan to deal with the excess waste heat generated by the new development. If you don’t plan to deal with it, it will raise your energy bills and may eventually harm your HVAC system.
How to get your HVAC ready for a new construction
Turn off the HVAC system
Running your HVAC system while remodeling allows it to attract dangerous particles, which can cause obstructions and technical problems. To avoid this, turn off your system in construction zones whenever possible.
If turning off the entire installed HVAC system is not an option, close dampers or separate the work area from the rest of the system. For temporary relief, try using portable heaters or fans.
Reducing HVAC activity in construction zones safeguards the system while lowering dust distribution throughout your home.
Seal the vents and registers.
Dust and debris are unavoidable throughout any renovation project. Unfortunately, they can cause havoc on your HVAC system if they enter through unprotected vents. These particles can clog filters, harm internal components of your unit, and lower system efficiency.
Before the building begins, cover all vents and registers in the construction zone with plastic sheeting or vent covers. Remember to uncover them after work to allow for sufficient airflow. If your project requires you to relocate or remove the vents permanently, consult experienced technicians to ensure the system is correctly rebalanced.
Use temporary barriers to contain dust.
Temporary barriers are a game changer for keeping remodeling disasters contained. Plastic sheeting or zippered wall systems help trap dust and debris in the construction zone.
Adding air scrubbers or negative air machines can help filter more airborne pollutants.
Inspect the barriers regularly to ensure that they are secure and gap-free.
Inspect and clean the air filters.
You should clean more frequently during a remodeling project to prevent your air filter from clogging if HVAC installation has already been done. If the filter becomes clogged, it limits air intake and output, putting strain on the system.
You should check your air filter regularly and even more frequently to ensure no dust buildup. Keep track of the most recent time you replaced your air filter so you know when it has to be replaced again. Regularly checking the air filter ensures that everything operates properly and there are no surprises.
Work with a maintenance professional.
Professional HVAC maintenance from a trusted HVAC technician is essential before and after renovation. Before the building starts, have a specialist evaluate your system to ensure it’s running efficiently and ready to withstand the added load.
You should schedule a post-construction check to remove debris and ensure everything works properly. If your redesign entails expanding square footage or dramatically changing the layout of your home, talk to an HVAC professional about system upgrades.
If you have to upgrade your system, ensure that you get a high quality system that will not only give you the comfortable environment that you are after, but also will withstand the test of time.
HVAC best practices after construction
The final thing you should do before relaxing in your newly refurbished house is to hire a professional duct cleaner. Despite your best efforts to cover and clean your vents frequently, dust can always find its way into your HVAC system.
When the professionals clean your system, they will inspect the air filters, clean the ductwork, and ensure no dust buildup in the furnace. This ensures that your unit is functioning optimally at all times.
When your home is restored, various materials are cut and sanded, releasing dust particles into the atmosphere. Advanced air purifiers can help to eradicate hazardous dust particles from your house. They also prevent dust particles out of your HVAC equipment.
Getting an air purifier for your upcoming home improvement job is a smart move. HVAC protection during construction isn’t the only reason to want to clean the air.
Some of these dust particles can be dangerous if inhaled in high quantities. An air purifier will help decrease your exposure to potentially hazardous dust particles.
Parting shot
You must prepare your HVAC before a major renovation to ensure installation is done correctly and everything runs correctly. Even after the project, you still need to prepare your unit to continue enjoying the comfortable air you deserve.
To have an easy time, work with experienced contractors who will help prepare your unit for construction and guide you into knowing what is possible and what isn’t.
