HVAC installation - filth everywhere

NYMomof2
Sat, 18 May 2019 02:11:17 +0000

I’m having a new HVAC system put in, replacing an oil burner and radiators. There are systems in the attic and in the basement, with vents and returns in the ceilings of the 2nd floor and the floors of the 1st floor. They started with the 2nd floor; I noticed after the first day that they cut holes in the ceilings that there was fine white dust everywhere, for example on high tile ledges in the bathroom, nowhere near the opening. I assumed that this was from a non-HEPA vacuum cleaner. I explained to the guys that I don’t want them to use the vacuum, but only to sweep, and I would finish cleaning up by wet-wiping. I showed them the dust and explained the problem clearly, and I mentioned it a couple of other times, when electricians were coming in and I wanted them to be sure that no one used a vacuum. Today they cut the holes in the floors of the 1st floor. I didn’t expect much of a problem as gravity would be working in our favor. When I came home from work, there was fine dust everywhere. I have white counters, and when I wiped a small section with a damp paper towel, it was filthy. There is a visible layer of dust all over my black stove. There is dust all over the cabinets, on every ledge.

I was upset enough to text the guy about it; he called and said that they did not use a vaccuum, but the circular saw filled the air with dust.

There are only about 9 floor openings, most of them quite small (something like 8" x 14"). I don’t understand why it was necessary to spew dust throughout the house. Am I being unreasonable? I have had floors refinished and I know that fine dust gets everywhere, but it seems that they could have found a way to make a few small holes in the floors without making the whole house filthy.