What can Construction Dust do to your Air Conditioning Coils?
Construction dust can have a significant impact on HVAC air conditioning coils. If your Central HVAC system has recently been running during construction or renovation work in your Ballground, Canton, Woodstock, or North Georgia home, it is essential to understand how the dust can affect the AC coils in your cooling system.
Examples of Construction Dust getting in your Air Conditioning Coils
Construction work can be a messy business, and one of the side effects is the amount of dust that gets kicked up into the air. Unfortunately, this dust can find its way into your air conditioning system and cause a variety of problems. One of the most common issues is that saw dust, drywall dust and other construction related dirt and debris can get pulled into your air conditioning system, which can clog up your AC coils, resulting in your cooling system to work less efficiently or even prematurely breaking down.
When dust accumulates on your AC coils, it acts as an insulator, which means that it can prevent your system from properly transferring heat. This fine-grained caked-on dust can cause your AC to work harder to cool your home, more wear and tear on other parts of the system, and lead to higher energy bills ultimately causing and a shorter lifespan for your cooling system. Additionally, the dust and debris can cause your AC coils to corrode or rust, which can lead to refrigerant leaks and further damage to your cooling system.
What does Construction Dust Consist of?
Construction dust refers to the particulate matter that is generated during construction activities such as drilling, sawing, sanding, and crushing of materials like concrete, wood, and stone. The composition of construction dust can vary depending on the materials being worked on, but it often contains a mixture of silica, wood dust, asbestos fibers, cement, and metals such as lead, cadmium and nickel.
Exposure to construction dust can cause a range of health effects, including respiratory problems, such as bronchitis, asthma, and silicosis, which is a serious and incurable lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust.
Construction dust is typically composed of small particles that can easily infiltrate your HVAC system. These particles can clog air filters and accumulate on HVAC coils, reducing the efficiency of your HVAC unit and potentially causing it to malfunction.
When construction dust accumulates on your HVAC coils, it can create a thick layer that prevents air from flowing through the coils properly. This can cause your HVAC system to work harder to cool or heat your home, leading to higher energy bills and potentially causing damage to your HVAC unit over time.
Add humidity to the mix and those particles turn cement-like!
Additionally, construction dust can contain harmful substances, such as asbestos or lead, which can pose a serious health risk if inhaled. It is important to have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned thoroughly after any construction work to ensure that your home's air quality is not compromised.
How to Prevent Construction Dust from Entering your Air Conditioning Coils
To prevent construction dust from getting into your AC coils, it's important to take a few precautions.
First, If at all possible, do not run your Air Conditioner during reconstruction in your home.
If construction work is taking place nearby outside your home, keep your doors and windows closed.
You can also use air filters to trap dust particles before they make their way into your system.
Clean Often, When starting a remodeling project, it's important to know that you'll need to clean more frequently throughout the process. Even though your house will likely get dusty again the next day, cleaning regularly will prevent a buildup of dust in your air filter. By dusting and vacuuming every few days, you can minimize the amount of dust in the air and reduce the risk of clogs.
It's a good idea to have your AC coils cleaned periodically to remove any accumulated dust and debris. Learn more about our Maintenance Plans.
Get a Professional Duct Cleaning. Before you can fully enjoy your renovated home, it's important to schedule a professional duct cleaning. Even if you've taken precautions like covering your vents and cleaning regularly, dust can still find its way into your HVAC system. During the cleaning process, the technicians will check your air filters, clean your duct system, and make sure there's no dust buildup in your furnace. This buildup can cause your furnace to work harder, putting stress on your heating and cooling system. Protecting your HVAC system during construction is crucial, and this final step will help ensure its longevity. Schedule Duct Cleaning Today with Top Quality Heating & Cooling!
In summary, the accumulation of construction dust on HVAC coils can lead to reduced efficiency, increased energy costs, and potential health hazards. Having your HVAC system inspected and cleaned regularly is essential for maintaining proper air quality and ensuring the longevity of your HVAC unit.
Top Quality Heating & Cooling a Ballground, Georgia HVAC Contractor Servicing Canton, Woodstock and All of North Georgia.678-928-1728 Providing Top Quality AC Repair, AC Replacement, Air Conditioner Services, Furnace Repair, Furnace Replacement, Heating Service, HVAC Maintenance, Duct Cleaning, Indoor Air Quality, Air Purification, HVAC Home Automation
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