The Down and Dirty on Cleaning in Virus Season
Industry Report Reveals Burnout Prevalence Among Cleaning Professionals
How Surfactant Use is Expanding in Commercial Cleaning
Clean Buildings Conference
Recent research highlights the significant impact of professional HVAC cleaning on building energy efficiency and indoor air quality (IAQ). The study, conducted across multiple climate zones, reveals that cleaning HVAC ducts and coils can reduce fan and blower energy consumption by 41-60% while increasing supply airflow by up to 46%.
Researchers discovered that dirty HVAC systems often suffer from instability, with variable airflow valves (VAVs) constantly adjusting to maintain proper airflow. Cleaning the ductwork significantly improves VAV response time and system stability, leading to smoother operation and more consistent temperatures and ventilation rates. This improved stability translates to energy savings and enhanced occupant comfort.
A parallel study in Denver Public Schools is examining the effect of duct cleaning on IAQ and respiratory exposures. Researchers selected schools with poor ventilation performance and observed that shutting down HVAC systems overnight can lead to dramatic spikes in airborne pollutants when the systems restart. This is due to settled dust and contaminants becoming re-suspended. The study aims to quantify how proper cleaning can mitigate these pollution spikes.
The research suggests that regular HVAC cleaning is a crucial, cost-effective tool for building decarbonization. Unlike expensive upgrades, duct cleaning is a straightforward maintenance intervention. The benefits scale with system size, with larger ductwork systems showing greater improvements in airflow.
The emergence of affordable Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring technology allows facility managers to precisely measure the impact of cleaning on system performance. This data-driven approach provides concrete evidence of the benefits of regular HVAC maintenance.
This research underscores the importance of maintaining existing HVAC systems for both energy efficiency and IAQ. It challenges the notion that only flashy upgrades can significantly impact building performance. By integrating regular HVAC cleaning into building management strategies, facilities can achieve substantial energy savings and create healthier indoor environments.
For more information, see the study here.