How to Protect Your HVAC System During a Home Remodel

If you’re having major work done on your home or foundation, including a substantial remodeling project, you’ll want to be careful about protecting indoor air quality. During the project, particularly in an older home, indoor work that involves demolition or replacement of structural components can inadvertently release a variety of toxic substances. They may be hidden above ceilings, in wall voids, and in other nooks and crannies in the home.

At the same time, the work itself can liberate contaminants in the home. Any sort of substantial remodeling project will involve one or more of the following: paint, stain, adhesives, various chemical solvents and sawdust — all materials that can degrade indoor air quality and threaten your health.

To protect the quality of your indoor air, take the following steps during a remodel or other major project that affects the inside of your home:

• At the outset of the project, tour the work area with the contractor to discuss any risks to air quality and how they can be minimized. In general, the better your rapport with a contractor, the better your communication will be throughout the project.
• Make sure the contractor is careful with whatever potentially toxic materials are being used during the project. They should be stored properly when not in use, and removed when no longer needed.
• Any mold or mildew found during an indoor project should be cleaned immediately, with whatever caused the problem being rectified as well. This could be a plumbing leak, a clogged A/C condensate line, or a leaky foundation.
• Any work that involves potentially toxic chemicals, such as paint or varnish should only be done in a well-ventilated area. If the weather permits, open windows and doors.
• Close HVAC vents and registers to prevent sawdust and potentially hazardous fumes and substances from getting into our ductwork. If you decide to run the HVAC system, make sure the filter is a high efficiency one and check it often to replace as needed. Minimize the running so the system does not draw the contaminated air into the system.

For more advice on preserving the air quality in your Corpus Christi area home, please contact us at CCAC, Inc.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about protecting your HVAC system during home remodels and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.

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