01/31/2025
Groundbreaking NADCA Energy Study Published: HVAC Cleaning Proven to Boost Efficiency and Airflow
After years of dedicated research, we’re excited to announce that NADCA’s peer-reviewed energy study has officially been published! The study, Impacts of HVAC Cleaning on Energy Consumption and Supply Airflow: A Multi-Climate Evaluation, provides groundbreaking insights into the benefits of routine HVAC cleaning—not just for indoor air quality, but also for energy efficiency and system performance.
A First-of-Its-Kind Study
This research represents the first large-scale analysis of HVAC cleaning as an energy-saving intervention. Conducted in buildings across four different climates, the study assessed HVAC systems before and after professional cleaning, measuring key performance indicators such as energy consumption, supply airflow, and system efficiency.
Four Key Findings
Cleaning reduced fan and blower energy consumption by 41% to 60%.
Supply airflow increased by 10% to 46% post-cleaning.
Cleaning decreased pressure fluctuations and improved overall operational efficiency.
Positive impacts were observed across diverse environmental conditions.
Why This Matters
As the demand for energy-efficient buildings grows, HVAC hygiene is more important than ever. This study reinforces what NADCA has long advocated: routine HVAC cleaning is a critical maintenance practice that benefits building owners, facility managers, and the environment.
Post-pandemic IAQ guidelines now emphasize HVAC cleanliness, and with affordable IAQ and HVAC monitors, building managers can actively track airflow and optimize energy use.
Policy Implications & Next Steps
With these findings, NADCA will continue working to raise awareness and advocate for routine HVAC maintenance as a standard practice. Thoughtful system monitoring and cleaning will help ensure sustained energy savings and improved indoor air quality.
This is a major win for NADCA members and the industry at large—helping professionals demonstrate the true value of their work while contributing to energy efficiency and healthier indoor environments.
