Updated: May 3, 2024
If you’re getting ready to remodel or renovate your home, one thing you may not have considered is your air conditioning ductwork. Even if you have a fairly new and efficient HVAC system, changing your layout or adding to your square footage can greatly affect the efficiency of your system.
A remodel is a great opportunity to evaluate your current HVAC system and ductwork to make sure your system is big enough, that your ductwork is laid out well and that nothing needs to be repaired.
Reconfiguring Ductwork
Depending on when your home was built and your AC was installed, your ductwork may not be configured in the most efficient way. While planning your remodel, have an HVAC technician look into rerouting your ductwork. A little tweaking can greatly increase efficiency, maintain good airflow and keep your energy costs down.
Inspecting Ductwork for Leaks
If you have an older HVAC system, you’ll want to make sure your ductwork doesn’t have any leaks or holes. According to Energy Star, up to 30% of your air can be lost through worn areas or poorly connected ducts.
Even if you don’t decide to rework your ducting, simply sealing up leaks and holes and checking for loose connections can make a significant difference in the efficiency of your system.
Keeping Dust Out During Remodel
Dirt and dust can be damaging to your HVAC system, so it’s important to seal off your vents and registers during the remodel. This will prevent dust from being sucked up into your system and help you avoid major repairs later.
If possible, it’s also a good idea to keep your system completely off while any particularly “dusty work” is being done.
Remodeling and assessing your HVAC system can be tricky, so we recommend talking to a professional HVAC technician before making any major decisions. Contact Richmond’s Air today to schedule a consultation.