Major renovations can make a big difference in your space, but once the construction is done, the cleanup is not always over. Fine dust from drywall, sawdust, insulation, and other building materials tends to linger long after the last contractor leaves. While surface cleaning helps, dust can remain hidden in places you might not think to check, especially throughout your ductwork. That leftover construction dust does not stay put. It can move through your home each time your furnace or air conditioner turns on, affecting both your comfort and your indoor air quality.

In Edmonton, late August brings warmer days, and that usually means your AC is still running. If your ducts are filled with dust from a recent renovation, your HVAC system may not be running as efficiently as it should. Dirty ductwork can cause poor airflow, inefficient cooling, and more wear on your equipment. Breathing in this dust day after day can also irritate allergies or create other issues for sensitive individuals. That is why it is important to know where dust hides and how to remove it effectively.

Why Dust Buildup Happens After Renovations

Renovations are often messy, even when crews try to contain the mess. Sawing, sanding, removing old drywall, and opening up floors or ceilings all create dust. Much of it is not heavy debris. It is lightweight particles like drywall dust, wood fibres, and insulation particles. These settle on every surface they touch and easily enter your HVAC system.

During a home renovation, even if vents are blocked off, dust can still find its way into the ductwork through return air vents or small gaps in the system. Once inside, it can stick to the walls of your ducts, especially if your HVAC system was running during the work. If the ducts were already somewhat dirty from regular use, the new dust will add to the accumulation.

Dust buildup is not only unsightly. It has lasting impacts. Some key things to keep in mind include:

– Dust inside ducts can reduce airflow, making some rooms warmer or cooler than others.

– Extra debris in the system can put strain on your HVAC equipment, making it work harder.

– Fine particles can recirculate into your indoor air, lowering its quality.

– People with allergies or respiratory issues may experience more symptoms due to poor filtration.

We worked with a homeowner in Edmonton’s Highlands neighbourhood who had just completed a basement renovation. After the project ended, they noticed more dust upstairs, and their son’s allergy symptoms worsened. The furnace filter was clogged with dust, and much of it had already moved into the duct system. Experiences like this are more common than people think.

Steps to Remove Dust Buildup

Once your renovation is complete, it is tempting to assume the work is done. However, a focused cleanup strategy can make a meaningful difference. Clearing out hidden dust helps protect your HVAC system and makes your home more comfortable to live in.

Follow these steps to get started on post-renovation cleaning:

1. Start with surface cleaning

– Wipe down all walls and ceilings with a damp cloth
– Clean baseboards, windowsills, and door frames where dust collects
– Vacuum carpets slowly using a vacuum with a HEPA-rated filter
– Mop hardwood or tile floors to remove remaining debris

2. Replace your HVAC filter

– Do not attempt to clean the old filter—replace it
– Use a high-efficiency filter during renovations and change it again after work finishes
– A dirty filter prevents proper airflow and lowers system efficiency

3. Check your vents and registers

– Remove and wash vent covers with soap and warm water
– Look inside vents for visible debris
– Wipe the area behind each register if accessible

4. Use portable air purifiers

– These help reduce airborne particles still lingering from renovations
– Choose units with filters suited for fine dust and allergens

5. Consider cleaning the ducts

– If your HVAC system was running during the renovation, dust likely made its way inside

– Dust clinging to duct walls can travel throughout your home when the system runs

Every home is different. Layout, age, and the kind of renovation all influence how dust spreads. In many Edmonton homes, fine particles end up in hard-to-reach spots. Even after surface cleaning, some homeowners keep noticing odours or fresh dust on surfaces. This is when deeper cleaning becomes necessary.

The Benefits Of Professional Duct Cleaning

If dust continues to appear every day after your renovation is finished, it may be inside your duct system. This is where our professionals can step in. While surface cleaning and filter changes are helpful, they do not remove what has settled inside your HVAC ductwork. That job calls for professional service.

Our technicians use equipment designed to reach the full length of your duct system. These tools can loosen and capture fine dust stuck to duct walls. Unlike regular vacuums, our equipment has enough power to draw in light, airborne particles without pushing them around. This process keeps fine debris from blowing back into your living space.

Here is how professional duct cleaning stands apart:

– Equipment can access hard-to-reach parts of your HVAC system

– Higher suction power clears out more dust and buildup

– Compressed air tools loosen debris while preventing damage

– Temporary seals prevent cross-contamination during the process

Homeowners across Edmonton have seen fast results after duct cleaning. Allergy symptoms can lessen, airflow becomes more balanced between rooms, and AC units do not have to work as hard. If your renovation included areas like the attic or basement, or involved supply or return vents, it is likely some dust made its way into the system.

One family in Edmonton’s Westmount neighbourhood had finished a kitchen upgrade and were cleaning thoroughly. Still, they kept finding fine dust the next day. They had replaced filters and cleaned all surfaces, but the problem kept returning. After booking a full duct cleaning, their daily dusting routine finally stopped, and indoor air felt noticeably fresher.

Maintaining A Dust-Free Home After Renovation

Once dust is cleared and your ducts are clean, you want to keep your home that way. It does not take long for particles to build up again if routine maintenance is skipped. Adding some simple habits to your schedule can help maintain cleaner air and reduce strain on your HVAC system.

Follow these practices to keep dust from returning:

– Check and change HVAC filters every 1 to 3 months

– Keep registers clean and make sure they are not blocked by furniture

– Use entryway rugs or mats to limit dirt brought in from outside

– Seal cracks around windows and doors to keep outdoor debris from entering

– Reduce clutter near air returns or vents

If your renovation changed how rooms are used or affected wall placement, the airflow in your home might have changed too. Some bedrooms might get less circulation than before, or shifts in temperature could now be noticeable throughout the house. These changes can affect how efficiently your HVAC system runs.

To maintain air quality long term, schedule regular inspections. Our technicians can check for signs of new dust buildup and determine if another cleaning is needed. This is helpful after any home project that includes drywall work, sanding, or insulation adjustments.

Dust from renovations can linger far longer than expected. Even if the home looks clean, the HVAC system may still be hiding what you cannot see. Handling post-renovation dust the right way, then staying on top of upkeep, helps protect both air quality and comfort. If you have just completed a renovation in Edmonton, it is worth looking into what might be left behind in your ducts.

Maintaining a dust-free home after renovations is key to protecting your HVAC system, and Acclaimed! Heating, Cooling & Furnace Cleaning is here to help homeowners in Edmonton stay on top of their indoor air quality. If lingering particles are affecting your airflow or comfort, professional services like duct cleaning in Edmonton can keep your system operating smoothly and your home feeling fresh. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.