​​​Protecting your home during HVAC installation: Ti​ps and best practices​

Installing or replacing a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system often requires moving equipment, adjusting ductwork, and making structural changes inside the home. These activities can generate dust and disrupt daily routines.

Working with CenterPoint Energy’s Home Service Plus® (HSP), along with taking a few preparation steps before, during, and after installation, may help reduce disruptions and protect the home.

The importance of protecting your home​

Taking proactive steps to shore up your home before the HVAC installation can prevent damage that may be costly and time-consuming to fix. ​

Sealing off surfaces and furniture may also reduce the time needed for cleanup after the installation.

Pre-installation preparation tasks​

The first step is to have a conversation with your installer to discuss your expectations and learn what precautionary steps they take on every job. 

It’s also the time to let the installer know about any sensitive areas they should be aware of or specific concerns you have.

Installers will typically perform most of the prep work themselves, which may include…

• putting on disposable shoe covers every time they enter the home
• securing heavy cardboard to the floor to prevent scratches
• using guards or padding on walls and corners
• taking doors off hinges, if necessary, to allow access to tight spaces and/or to protect doors
  

If in your discussion you find any of these tasks aren’t usually covered by the installer, ask if they will include them or if you need to perform them yourself. Installers may not move fragile or valuable items. Homeowners should handle those items ahead of time.

You can pack small items in boxes in bubble wrap or newspaper and seal them to protect them during the installation. 

Best practices during HVAC installation​

As work begins, take measures to keep your family and pets secure. If they can tolerate loud noise, keeping them in a designated area of the home may be sufficient. But you may want to keep them out of the house or yard if work is being performed outside during work hours and bring them back in the evening. 

Keep pathways clear by removing obstacles between entry points and the HVAC work areas, including the space around the equipment itself.

While installers often handle daily cleanup, vacuuming during the project can reduce buildup.

Post-installation recommendations

Once the techs inform you they’re finished, do a walkthrough of the home to inspect for damage before they leave. Document any damage you find and inform the installers of the issue and that you will be following up with a supervisor to reach a resolution.

Tips for long-term HVAC care​

Now that the HVAC is part of your home, you’ll want to protect it, too. A professional tune-up is recommended at least once per year for each of the boiler, furnace and air conditioner. 

Scheduled tune-ups can improve performance and efficiency and help extend the life of your appliances. In many cases they are necessary to keep your warranty valid. HVAC professionals can perform inspections, clean components and test system performance and safety.

And while it may be best to leave such tasks to the professionals, there are a handful of things you can do on your own, such as:

• changing HVAC air filters as needed, typically every 1-3 months 
• weed-whacking, weed-pulling or raking to maintain proper airflow to the outdoor unit
• vacuuming air vents to extend the life of your filter and HVAC equipment