NADCA Energy Research Project

Fouled Coil: This photo shows the upstream side of a heavily fouled A-Coil, which is essentially matted over with dust and other contaminants.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning a home or small commercial building is a big job that requires a lot of energy. In fact, this activity accounts for 30 percent of the energy used in an average home or small building. In addition, heating and cooling larger buildings is an even tougher job and accounts for up to half of the energy use in such buildings. On the whole, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are by far the largest sources of energy use within a home or building. Ironically, heating and cooling systems tend to be poorly maintained. These systems, which are used every day of the year, get dirty and can become heavily contaminated with dirt, dust, animal dander, and more. Further, heating and cooling systems in new homes and buildings are often heavily fouled – even before occupants move in. Contaminated heating and cooling systems can be problematic for occupants. These systems contribute to poor indoor air quality in the form of increased airborne particulate and reduced thermal comfort. Fouled systems are also prone to failure. And from a cost perspective, these systems also use more energy than clean systems.

The Importance of Air Flow

Dirty Duct: Accumulations of dust and debris within HVAC ductwork can contribute airborne particulate within a home or commercial building, while also reducing air flow and increasing energy consumption and related costs.

When it comes to having a productive, energy-efficient heating and cooling system, air flow is everything. Increased air flow equates to better performance. But when systems become fouled, air flow is reduced. Dirty filters, clogged coils, fouled blowers and other components – all of these things impede air flow and lead to increased energy costs. The solution is to have the heating and air conditioning system professionally cleaned. You may be familiar with the term air duct cleaning, but this is actually a bit of a misnomer. Professional cleaning for a heating and air conditioning system entails cleaning not only the ductwork, but also the vents, registers, blower, coils, and other components – the surfaces that are exposed to the air flow within the system. Complete cleaning of the heating and air conditioning system is a highly specialized cleaning service that differs from the routine maintenance provided by the technician sent out to clean and adjust the furnace. Complete cleaning of the heating and air conditioning system is an important aspect of keeping the system operating at peak efficiency.

The NADCA Energy Savings Research Project

Clogged Air Duct: In extreme cases such as this, ductwork can become totally clogged, totally restricting air flow.

So how much does it cost to operate a fouled heating and cooling system? That is the question asked by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), a not-for-profit trade association representing companies around the world that inspect, clean and restore heating and air conditioning systems. In 2008 NADCA initiated a project with researchers from the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU) to conduct an in-depth study of this issue. The University has extensive research experience and is home to the Larson Building Systems Laboratory, one of the world’s most technologically advanced facilities for researching heating and cooling systems. The purpose of the NADCA research study was to correlate the substantial energy savings that can be attained through complete cleaning of fouled heating and cooling systems.

Research Overview

Dirty Fan: Blowers such as this can become heavily contaminated and require cleaning for maximum efficiency.

Researchers started this project by scouring the Internet and other sources to find literature produced through similar research. Using available literature, researchers developed a computer model designed to quantify the energy savings that could be attained through cleaning heating and cooling systems. From there the researchers conducted a laboratory analysis – they experimented on a house that is contained completely within the Larson Lab – as part of an effort to fine-tune and confirm the computer model. Finally, researchers conducted two field trials to assess the accuracy of the computer model. Through this process, researchers came to realize that there was no comprehensive data available to quantify the savings that can be achieved through cleaning of heavily-fouled systems – the types of systems regularly encountered by NADCA members. (For purposes of this research, “Heavily-fouled” systems are defined as systems where complete cleaning results in a pressure change of at least 30 percent. Pressure change is simply an easier way to measure air flow.) Because of the data limitations, the calculations in the computer model were based on data collected from lightly-fouled systems – systems that are not very dirty.

Key Findings

According to the results of the study, cleaning even lightly-fouled systems can produce substantial energy savings. These findings are based on complete cleaning of heating and air conditioning systems in accordance with NADCA’s ACR 2006 Standard, which includes cleaning ductwork, coils, blower, other air-side system components, and changing the filter. Based on the initial research, cleaning a lightly-fouled system provides, on average, an 11 percent savings off of the energy used for heating and air conditioning.

Next Steps

Cleaning heavily-fouled systems is expected to produce an even greater savings than cleaning systems that are essentially clean. Given the critical importance of air flow, this could be construed as common sense. However, in order to confirm this expectation, NADCA has initiated a broader research effort to quantify the energy savings that can be achieved by complete cleaning of heavily-fouled heating and cooling systems. This research involves collecting data on systems before and after cleaning, and using this data to calculate energy savings.

Summary

It takes a lot of energy to heat and cool a home or building and in fact, the systems used for this purpose account for the majority of energy use.  These systems – even in new buildings – tend to be dirty, and become more heavily fouled through everyday use. Fouled heating and cooling systems can also be problematic for occupants, contributing to poor indoor air quality, system failure and increased energy use. Researchers have proven that cleaning even lightly-fouled heating and cooling systems can result in energy savings of 11 percent. In addition to these savings, consumers who have their heating and cooling system cleaned can benefit from improved indoor air quality, reduced maintenance costs and extended life expectancy for the heating and cooling system. While not yet confirmed, cleaning heavily-fouled systems is expected to produce even greater energy savings.

Dangers of Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals

Air duct cleaning service providers may tell you that they need to apply a chemical biocide to the inside of your ducts to kill bacteria (germs), and fungi (mold) and prevent future biological growth.   Careful consideration should be taken before allowing the application of chemicals within your air ducts.  Due to the varying ranges of temperature, humidity and air turbulence there are very few chemicals that are approved for the use within ventilation systems.

Chemical Off Gassing

Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in cleaning and sanitizing products.  Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids.   Even a nearly odorless material can cause significant problems when re-circulated through air ducts in a closed environment.  VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.

NADCA’s Position Regarding the Use of Antimicrobials

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association’s new position regarding the use of antimicrobial chemicals is as follows: “At this point in time, until EPA clarifies their position, NADCA does not recommend the use of any sanitizer or disinfectant products in air ducts.” This position was adopted to generate awareness among NADCA members of the potential legal liabilities they face by selling and applying antimicrobial chemicals. This is strictly a matter of managing legal risks. NADCA’s position deals specifically with sanitizers and disinfectants, not with any other product claims. Also, this position covers only air ducts, not HVAC components such as coils

No EPA Registered Products for Fiberglass Air Ducts

There are no products that are currently registered by EPA as biocides for use on fiberglass duct board or fiberglass lined ducts so it is important to determine if sections of your system contain these materials before permitting the application of any biocide.

If  You Choose to Use Chemicals in your Air Duct Cleaning Project

  • Review the product sheet showing usage and application of the product.
  • Review the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to understand if chemicals will cause any health or property concerns.
  • Review the Fact sheet on the product classification being applied.

If You Have a Problem Related to Chemicals Applied Within Your Air Ducts

  • Open doors and windows to ventilate the area with fresh air.
  • Operate the fan of the HVAC system
  • Exit the premises if negatively affected.
  • Contact and Industrial Hygienist to discuss the problem.  Be sure to have a copy of the MSDS.

Energy Saving Tips for your Heating and Cooling System

We are all looking for ways to save money, one way to save money is to reduce energy consumption.  Did you know that in a typical home 45% of the energy cost go to Heating and cooling?  The US Department of energy estimates that 25 – 40% of the energy used for heating and cooling a typical home is wasted.

Whether your heating or cooling system uses natural gas, fuel oil or electricity it is a good idea to make it as efficient as possible.  Using less energy saves money and is better for the environment.

  • Install a programmable thermostat: these thermostats automatically turn down your system during periods when your typically away from home.
  • Change your air filter: Make sure to change your air filter regularly.  A clogged  filter will restrict air flow and cause your system to work harder and use more energy.  Most experts reccomend changing your air filter every two months.
  • Seal your air ducts: Sealing your ducts will also save you money in the long run.  You could be loosing nearly all your heating and cooling before it reaches your vents.
  • Clean your heating and cooling system: This is more than just duct cleaning, it involves cleaning all the components that the airstream touches in your heating and air conditioning system.  NADCA recommends cleaning the furnace, cooling coils, blower motor, and the ductwork.  Every part of the system is checked and cleaned, not just the ducts.

So how does cleaning your heating and cooling system save you money?

A dirty cooling coil reduces efficiency:  to cool your home air is blown across cold metal coils.  When the coils get clogged with dirt, airflow is restricted and air can no longer contact the metal.  This blocks airflow and limits the coils ability to properly cool the air.  Even in the winter months these dirty coils contine to reduce air flow through your furnace.  This means that the system losing efficiency all year long.

Duct Cleaning

Proper cleaning of an entire heating and cooling system takes technical skill and attention to detail, that is why it is important to rely on a company that is specifically trained and experienced in this type of cleaning.  NADCA members specialize in optimizing the efficiency and life of your system.

Remeber clean systems use less energy and clean systems last longer saving you money now and in the years to come.

Indoor Air Quality and Your Homes Heating and Cooling System

What Does the EPA say about Indoor Air Quality?

The US Environmental Protection Agency states that poor indoor air quality is one of the top five environmental threats to our country. So why does the EPA feel so strongly about indoor air in homes and workplaces? Well, according to the EPA, indoor air is on average a staggering three to five times more contaminated than outdoor air and in some instances as high as seventy times.

So why is indoor air so much worse in our home than outdoor air?

The answer is in modern day construction practices. Homes are being built more air tight in an effort to be more energy efficient and environmentally conscious. Older homes are being re-insulated and getting air tight window upgrades. The result is less drafty homes that no longer have natural ventilation to bring in fresh air.

Normal everyday living provides an ongoing source of airborne contaminants like dust, dander, chemicals and other allergens. These pollutants become trapped in your home due to this poor ventilation and then are re-circulated by your heating and cooling system.

So what does this mean for you?

The average American family now spends ninety percent of their time indoors. That means that the bulk of our days is spent breathing in these irritants and pollutants and the health effects are significant. Dust, pollen, household chemicals and smoke can create an unhealthy situation in your home for everyone, but especially for people with compromised respiratory systems such as children, the elderly, and people with asthma and allergy sufferers.

So what can you as a homeowner do to improve your air quality?

Today doctors agree that one of the healthiest things to do is to minimize your exposure to these indoor pollutants, allergens and irritants in your home. One of the most logical places to address indoor pollutants is in your heating and cooling system. Think of this system as the lungs of your home. It takes in air and breathes it out; it circulates all the air and everything in the air throughout your home. In fact, on average all the air in your home passes through your heating and cooling system five to seven times each day.

Begin by making sure that you regularly change furnace filter. While these filters do not eliminate airborne contaminants they can help reduce pollutants from entering your furnace and circulating through the house. Most experts recommend replacing your filter every two months.

Another important step to take to improve the quality of the air in your home, and one that many overlook is having your heating and cooling system thoroughly cleaned. As polluted air is re-circulated through your heating and cooling system dust, dirt, and contaminants are deposited throughout the system overtime. These subtle particles are then picked up by the airstream and are then pushed back out into the living areas of the house to be breathed in by family members. In a large number of homes the heating and cooling system has never been cleaned. Even in newer homes or homes undergoing renovation contaminants such as sawdust and drywall dust left over from construction process are deposited in your ducts.

So how clean is the heating and cooling system in your home? Here is a quick way to check. Remove a vent cover and use a mirror and flashlight to look inside. Or use a small digital camera to take a picture of the inside of your duct. If your ducts are dirty it is time to have your air ducts cleaned.

Choose a NADCA Certified Company

All NADCA members must meet a strict set of requirements:

  • Comply with NADCA’s International cleaning standards
  • Comply with NADCA’s code of ethics.
  • Comply with NADCA’s general liability insurance requirements
  • Maintain at least one certified Air System Cleaning Specialist (ASCS) on staff at all times

The Air Systems Cleaning Specialists Certification verifies that they have successfully completed rigorous testing on heating and cooling system components and cleaning techniques.

Giving your homes heating and cooling system a little attention will keep it and the air in your home cleaner and healthier for you and your family.

Ventilation System Mold Remediator

Local HVAC System Cleaning Contractor Achieves Prestigious Certification

WASHINGTON, DC – Local contractors Edward Frisk, and Jason Erb of Ductworks, Inc. have successfully completed the training and examination process to be certified as a Ventilation System Mold Remediator. The certification, which is administered by NADCA – The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association, is recognized worldwide as the hallmark of the HVAC industry’s most qualified and reliable mold remediation professionals.

“While achieving the VSMR certification takes commitment on the part of an HVAC professional, the certification itself is a commitment to consumers of reliable, best-in-class service,” explained NADCA Executive Director John Schulte. “NADCA membership and the VSMR certification mean that a professional is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art service to their customers.”

Edward Frisk, and Jason Erb are now one of roughly 250 VSMR-certified professionals in the world.

HVAC system cleaning is the process by which heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems are cleaned to remove excessive accumulations of dust, debris, and biological contaminants. Ventilation system mold remediation specifically addresses cleaning and removing biological contaminants within an HVAC system. With heightened public awareness of the dangers of indoor air pollution and the need for home energy efficiency, the demand for professional HVAC system inspection and cleaning has increased dramatically. The NADCA Certification Program helps to ensure that members of the association possess the required knowledge and expertise to perform these services in a competent and professional manner.

NADCA recommends that homeowners and building managers have their HVAC systems inspected annually and cleaned as needed. For more information regarding the benefits of professionally performed HVAC inspection and maintenance, contact Edward Frisk, and Jason Erb of Ductworks, Inc.

About Ductworks, Your Air Duct Cleaning Expert

Ductworks, Inc. “Your Air Duct Cleaning Expert” is a Denver-based company founded in 1990 to improve indoor air quality for homes and businesses. Their patented system of scraping and vacuuming is the most effective process for air duct cleaning. They have more technicians certified by the NADCA than any company in Colorado and provide customers with before and after photos to insure top quality performance.

About NADCA:

NADCA – The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association was formed in 1989 as the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, and has since expanded its mission to become a trusted advocate for consumers and the industry on environmental and health issues surrounding heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. NADCA was the first organization to develop industry-standard best practices and its standard for “Assessment, Cleaning & Restoration of HVAC Systems” is in use in more than 30 countries worldwide as a best practice and/or basis for national law. NADCA has more than 1,000 corporate members and more than 1,500 individuals certified as Air System Cleaning Specialists, Ventilation Inspectors or Ventilation System Mold Remediators. For more information or to find a NADCA-certified contractor near you, visit www.NADCA.com.

Certified Ventilation Inspector

Local HVAC System Inspector Achieves Prestigious Certification

WASHINGTON, DC –  Local contractors Donald Kaufman, Paul Frisk, Edward Frisk, and Jason Erb of Ductworks, Inc has successfully completed the examination process to be named a Certified Ventilation System Inspector (CVI). The certification, which is administered by NADCA – The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association, is recognized worldwide as the hallmark of the HVAC industry’s most qualified and reliable inspection professionals.

“While achieving the CVI certification takes commitment on the part of an HVAC professional, the certification itself is a commitment to consumers of reliable, best-in-class service,” explained NADCA Executive Director John Schulte. “NADCA membership and the CVI certification mean that a professional is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art service to their customers.”

The CVI designation recognizes the knowledge and understanding of various HVAC components and systems and the proper methodology for conducting a comprehensive inspection that meets the intent of NADCA’s Standard for Assessment, Cleaning & Restoration of HVAC Systems (ACR).

Donald Kaufman, Paul Frisk, Edward Frisk, and Jason Erb are now four of roughly 250 CVI-certified professionals in the world.

HVAC system cleaning is the process by which heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems are cleaned to remove excessive accumulations of dust, debris, and biological contaminants.  With heightened public awareness of the dangers of indoor air pollution and the need for home energy efficiency, the demand for professional HVAC system cleaning has increased dramatically.  The NADCA Certification Program helps to ensure that members of the association possess the required knowledge and expertise to perform these services in a competent and professional manner.

NADCA recommends that homeowners and building managers have their HVAC systems inspected annually and cleaned as needed. For more information regarding the benefits of professionally performed HVAC inspection and maintenance, contact Donald Kaufman, Paul Frisk, Edward Frisk, and Jason Erb at Ductworks, Inc.

About Ductworks, Your Air Duct Cleaning Expert
Ductworks, Inc. “Your Air Duct Cleaning Expert” is a Denver-based company founded in 1990 to improve indoor air quality for homes and businesses. Their patented system of scraping and vacuuming is the most effective process for air duct cleaning. They have more technicians certified by the NADCA than any company in Colorado and provide customers with before and after photos to insure top quality performance.

About NADCA:
NADCA – The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association was formed in 1989 as the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, and has since expanded its mission to become a trusted advocate for consumers and the industry on environmental and health issues surrounding heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.  NADCA was the first organization to develop industry-standard best practices and its standard for “Assessment, Cleaning & Restoration of HVAC Systems” is in use in more than 30 countries worldwide as a best practice and/or basis for national law. NADCA has more than 1,000 corporate members and more than 1,500 individuals certified as Air System Cleaning Specialists, Ventilation Inspectors or Ventilation System Mold Remediators. For more information or to find a NADCA-certified contractor near you, visit www.Nadca.com.

NADCA Safety Award

Ductworks Awarded NADCA 2009 Outstanding Safety Award

(Washington, D.C.) NADCA – The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association has named Ductworks, Inc. as a recipient of the 2009 Outstanding Safety Award.  Winners of the Outstanding Safety Award have maintained workplaces with little or no instances of employee injuries for three or more consecutive years.

Matt Mongiello, co-chair of NADCA’s Education & Safety Committee, said, “The success of a company depends not only on production and sales, but also how safely each job is performed. There is no job so important – nor any service so urgent – that we cannot make time to work safely.

“Establishment of a safe environment is the shared responsibility between a contractor and its employees at all levels of an organization. Achieving the goal of accident prevention and health preservation is an admirable feat and shows the commitment of a company dedicated to excellence,” added Mongiello, of Interior Maintenance Company in Lansdowne, Pa.

The requirements for NADCA’s Safety Awards are based on standards from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In order to complete the Safety Awards Application, a company must maintain an OSHA #300A Log in accordance with record keeping requirements under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association created the NADCA Safety Awards Program to recognize those companies that have sustained superior employee safety and health program results. The NADCA Safety Awards Program is offered every year.

About Ductworks, Your Air Duct Cleaning Expert

Ductworks, Inc. “Your Air Duct Cleaning Expert” is a Denver-based company founded in 1990 to improve indoor air quality for homes and businesses. Their patented system of scraping and vacuuming is the most effective process for air duct cleaning. They have more technicians certified by the NADCA than any company in Colorado and provide customers with before and after photos to insure top quality performance.

NADCA Energy Research Study

For decades the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), has been educating consumers on the process and benefits of air duct cleaning. Currently there is research study underway to measure the correlation between energy pressure drop and energy savings.

NADCA Energy Research Study

In February 2008, NADCA entered into a partnership with the Colorado University to conduct a research project that will provide members with a tool for estimating the energy savings associated with HVAC cleaning and restoration projects. The research project was also commissioned to develop a field-testing protocol for NADCA members that will facilitate collection of data to provide broader support for linking HVAC cleaning and restoration to energy savings.

Current Findings and Test Results

NADCA presented the current results of the test at the 2010 Annual Meeting.  Comparisons were made by testing air flow rates when the filter, furnace, and evaporative air conditioner coil were fouled and again when the components were clean.

It was found that a dirty filter increased the filter pressure drop, system pressure drop and reduced the air flow of the ventilation system.

Surprisingly, a clean furnace and evaporative air conditioner coil increases initial energy consumption, but lessoned the amount of time that the furnace an air conditioner had to operate to achieve the desired room temperature. Though there was initial higher energy consumption, there was a net gain in overall energy efficiency.

While further data and testing is required, the current the findings show that proper exchange rate and selection of the furnace filter, routine cleaning of the evaporative air conditioner coil, and sealing of air ducts offer the greatest benefits to energy savings.

Further Testing Underway

Currently NADCA is receiving further test results from companies engaged in the assessment, cleaning, and restoration of HVAC systems.  These test results are being sent to the University of Colorado for further interpretation.

Ductworks Featured In NADCA DucTales

NADCA Member Ductworks Appears on Cable TV Show

Many Companies within the HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Industry have seen a dirty HVAC system, but what about on filled with 5,000 pounds of sand and black powder?  Recently Ductworks Inc. of Arvada, Colo., a long-time NADCA member, participated in the Do-It-Yourself  cable network program “Disaster House.”

The show damages a house to then show viewers how to prevent the damages, how to clean them up, and then what to know before filing an insurance claim. In the particular episode, a six foot sand-foot tall, 5,000 pound sand castle was blown up to simulate an extreme case of dirty air ducts and Ductworks was called in to clean the mess up.  They got the system back up to pristine conditions after a full day of hard work.  Although most homes do not see 5000 pounds of dust and debris, it goes to show that even the dirtiest residential air ducts can be cleaned.

SOURCE: NADCA DucTales January / February 2010