If you are about to begin a home remodeling project, congratulations! You are probably very excited to get the project started. But before you or your contractor start tearing down walls, drilling holes, or sanding wood floors, make sure to prepare your home’s HVAC system for all of the dust and debris that will inevitably be airborne in your home for the duration of your remodeling project.

There’s little debate that a home remodeling project creates a lot of dust. The dust that is generated by a remodeling project flies through the air and eventually settles on a surface. That surface might be a bookshelf, a table, a chair, or your carpet. But some of the dust will inevitably end up in your home’s air ducts and within your home’s furnace and/or air conditioning system. Excessive dust that results from a home remodeling project can cause damage to your home’s HVAC system. This is why it’s important to prepare your HVAC system before your project begins. You will want to do everything possible to avoid the need for air conditioner repair or emergency furnace repair that can result from construction dust and debris.

How to avoid problems with your air conditioner and furnace during a home construction project:

Cover the air vents in rooms where construction is taking place. If possible, cover all air vents so that dust and debris cannot seep into the vents. Dust and debris inside of air vents may eventually make its way into your HVAC system. It will likely get caught by your system’s air filter, but the filter will quickly become full and ineffective. This can lead to damage to your HVAC system.

Even if you block air vents in rooms where construction is taking place, change your air filters frequently. No matter how hard you try, dust and debris is likely to make its way to your furnace filter. By changing the air filter more often than normal, it will help ensure the air filter does not restrict proper air flow.

Use your vacuum or a shop vac every day. If the construction project is causing a significant amount of dirt and dust, make sure to clear the debris as often as possible.

Get your air ducts cleaned after the project is complete. Once your home remodeling project is officially complete, you might want to hire an air duct cleaning service to clear all remaining debris from your air ducts. This is a great way to ensure there is no lingering dirt or dust.

Home remodeling projects can be dirty and dusty. Don’t let all of that dirt and dust make its way into your home’s HVAC system. To avoid the need for air conditioner repair or emergency furnace repair, plan in advance. By following the tips mentioned above, you will have a great chance of saving your HVAC system from the risk of costly damage