Published: July 29, 2025 | Reading Time: 8 minutes
If you live near the Mountain Avenue and Plainfield Avenue intersection in Berkeley Heights, you're already experiencing the overnight construction that began July 28. The emergency storm repairs from the July 14 flooding will continue for 7-10 nights, with heavy equipment operating from 8 PM to 6 AM.
While the township works to repair the severe damage—including sections where water literally gushed from the roadway "like a geyser" according to Mayor Angie Devanney—your HVAC system faces serious risks from construction dust, vibrations, and power disruptions.
⚠️ Immediate Action Required:
With night work already underway, residents within 1/4 mile of the construction zone should take protective measures immediately. The combination of heavy excavation, emergency repairs, and overnight scheduling creates unique challenges for your home's HVAC system.
Why Night Construction Threatens Your HVAC System
1. Concentrated Dust and Debris (8 PM - 6 AM)
Unlike daytime construction where dust disperses with normal air circulation, nighttime work creates concentrated dust clouds that settle directly onto HVAC equipment. The Mountain Avenue emergency repairs involve:
- Heavy excavation to repair storm-damaged infrastructure
- Removal of large boulders that rolled down Mountain Avenue
- Underground utility work creating fine particulates
- Concrete cutting and road surface grinding
2. Vibration Damage from Heavy Equipment
The overnight quiet amplifies vibrations from construction equipment. Homes along Mountain Avenue, Plainfield Avenue, Horseshoe Road, and near Connell Park are experiencing:
- Continuous vibrations from excavators and pavement breakers
- Shock waves from boulder removal and road demolition
- Low-frequency rumbling that travels through foundations
- Intermittent high-intensity impacts during emergency repairs
3. Power Quality Issues During Night Work
Emergency construction often requires temporary power configurations. Berkeley Heights residents may experience:
- Voltage fluctuations from heavy machinery startup
- Brief outages for utility relocations
- Power surges when equipment cycles on/off
- Interference with smart thermostats and control boards
Your 7-Day HVAC Protection Plan
Days 1-2: Immediate Protection (Now)
Upgrade Your Filter
Install MERV 13 or higher immediately. Standard filters won't catch construction dust.
Create Outdoor Unit Barrier
Use landscaping fabric (not plastic) to shield your AC condenser from dust while maintaining airflow.
Install Surge Protection
Protect against power fluctuations with a whole-home surge protector or dedicated HVAC surge device.
Days 3-7: Ongoing Maintenance
Daily Tasks (5 minutes)
- Check outdoor unit for dust accumulation
- Listen for unusual vibration noises
- Monitor thermostat for error codes
- Note any power flickers or outages
Every 3 Days
- Rinse outdoor coils with garden hose
- Check and tighten electrical connections
- Inspect ductwork for vibration damage
- Replace or clean air filter
Special Considerations for Berkeley Heights Neighborhoods
Mountain Avenue Residents
Closest to excavation work with maximum vibration exposure:
- Check HVAC mounting bolts daily
- Monitor refrigerant lines for loosening
- Watch for ductwork separation
- Consider vibration dampening pads
Plainfield Avenue Area
Near intersection work with dust and traffic concerns:
- Focus on air filtration upgrades
- Seal gaps around windows/doors
- Run system on recirculate mode overnight
- Consider portable air purifiers
Post-Construction: Days 8-10
Once the Mountain Avenue and Plainfield Avenue construction concludes, don't assume your HVAC system escaped unharmed. Vibration damage and dust infiltration effects may not appear immediately.
Critical Post-Construction Inspection Checklist:
- Professional coil cleaning (dust penetrates deeply)
- Refrigerant level check (vibrations can cause slow leaks)
- Electrical connection inspection and tightening
- Ductwork integrity assessment
- Complete system performance test
- Indoor air quality evaluation
Why Berkeley Heights Homes Are Especially Vulnerable
The July 14 storm that necessitated these emergency repairs revealed infrastructure vulnerabilities throughout Berkeley Heights. The same flooding that damaged Mountain Avenue also affected many residential properties:
- Older homes near Passaic River tributaries: Already stressed HVAC systems from flood moisture
- Hillside properties: Experienced the boulder runoff Mayor Devanney described
- Connell Park area: One-lane traffic restrictions increasing local pollution
- Downtown district: Commercial HVAC systems running longer hours due to detours
Real Cost of Ignoring Construction Impacts
Typical Repair Costs from Construction Damage:
Prevention Investment: Professional protection assessment and preventive measures typically cost competitive pricing-500
Take Action Before Tonight's Construction
With construction continuing nightly through early August, every day of delay increases the risk to your HVAC system. Berkeley Heights residents have already dealt with enough from the July 14 storms—don't let construction damage add to your troubles.
Professional Construction Protection Service
Our Berkeley Heights emergency response team can implement comprehensive HVAC protection before tonight's 8 PM construction start:
- Same-day surge protection installation
- MERV 13+ filter upgrades
- Vibration dampening solutions
- Outdoor unit protective barriers
- Post-construction inspection scheduling
Frequently Asked Questions
How can overnight construction at Mountain Avenue affect my HVAC system?
The 8 PM to 6 AM construction work creates several risks: heavy equipment vibrations can loosen HVAC connections and damage ductwork, construction dust infiltrates systems even at night, power fluctuations from heavy machinery can damage electronics, and diesel exhaust from equipment can be pulled into fresh air intakes. The 7-10 day duration means prolonged exposure to these risks.
Should I turn off my AC during Berkeley Heights night construction?
Don't turn it off completely - instead, switch your system to 'recirculate' mode during the 8 PM to 6 AM work hours to prevent construction dust and diesel fumes from entering. Set your thermostat to maintain temperature earlier in the day (4-7 PM) when construction isn't active. Consider running a portable air purifier in bedrooms during overnight hours.
What construction dust protection is most important for the Mountain Ave project?
With emergency storm repairs involving heavy excavation, upgrade to MERV 13 or higher filters immediately. The broken water mains and road excavation create fine particulates that standard filters can't catch. Change filters weekly during the 7-10 day project, not monthly. Create a barrier around outdoor units using landscaping fabric, and rinse outdoor coils every 2-3 days.
Will the Plainfield Avenue overnight work cause power issues for my HVAC?
Yes, emergency construction often requires temporary power shutoffs or causes fluctuations. Install a whole-home surge protector (especially important for systems with smart thermostats or variable-speed motors). Note any flickering lights between 8 PM and 6 AM - this indicates power quality issues. Consider having your HVAC contractor install a delay-on-break timer to protect your compressor.
What HVAC damage signs should I watch for after Berkeley Heights construction ends?
After the 7-10 day project, watch for: unusual noises (rattling or vibration sounds), reduced cooling efficiency, higher than normal electric bills, dusty air from vents despite filter changes, and frequent on/off cycling. Schedule a post-construction inspection if you notice any of these issues, as vibration damage may not be immediately apparent.
About Dimatic Control: Serving Berkeley Heights and surrounding Union County communities for over 15 years, we specialize in protecting HVAC systems from environmental challenges. Our emergency response team is available 24/7 during construction projects to ensure your home comfort isn't compromised.