NADCA Energy Study: What HVAC Cleaning Can Change
NADCA’s peer-reviewed energy study examined whether professional HVAC cleaning could measurably affect airflow and energy performance.
In the systems evaluated, NADCA’s 2025 study reported measurable changes after professional HVAC cleaning.
- 41%–60% lower fan and blower energy consumption
- 10%–46% higher supply airflow
- Reduced pressure fluctuations
- Improved operational performance
What Was the NADCA Energy Study?
NADCA worked with Dr. Mark Hernandez of the University of Colorado on a multi-climate evaluation of HVAC cleaning.
Researchers measured HVAC systems before and after professional cleaning to evaluate changes in airflow, energy use, and system operation.
What Did the Study Find?
Lower fan and blower energy consumption was reported after cleaning in the systems evaluated.
Higher supply airflow was reported following professional HVAC cleaning.
System Stability
NADCA also reported reduced pressure fluctuations and improved system operation after cleaning.
Together, the findings show that HVAC cleanliness can affect more than appearance. It can influence airflow and the amount of energy fans and blowers require.
Actual results depend on equipment, system condition, contamination level, operating conditions, and other factors.
Why Can HVAC Cleanliness Affect Performance?
HVAC systems depend on unobstructed airflow. Dust and debris can collect on or within components that move or condition air.
- Coils
- Blowers and fans
- Air-handling components
- Supply and return ductwork
When buildup creates additional resistance or interferes with heat transfer, the system may require more effort to move conditioned air.
This Was a Whole-System Cleaning Study
This distinction matters.
The NADCA research evaluated professional HVAC system cleaning, not simply vacuuming a few vents or cleaning one isolated section of ductwork.
The study should not be interpreted as evidence that every basic or limited duct-cleaning service will produce the same results.
What the Study Does Not Mean
The findings are meaningful, but they should not be stretched beyond what was measured.
- Every building will reduce HVAC energy use by 41%–60%
- Every duct cleaning will improve airflow by the same amount
- High utility bills automatically mean the ducts need cleaning
- Cleaning will correct poor duct design, leakage, or mechanical problems
When Is System Cleanliness Worth Evaluating?
An inspection may make sense when there are visible or operational signs that contamination could be affecting the HVAC system.
- Visible buildup inside accessible HVAC components
- Reduced airflow
- Construction or renovation debris
- Heavy dust accumulation
- Contamination on coils or blower components
- A long period without inspection or cleaning
HVAC cleanliness can affect system performance.
Professional cleaning may improve airflow and reduce fan and blower energy use when contamination is creating resistance inside the system. HVAC cleaning is best evaluated as a maintenance decision based on actual system condition, not as a guaranteed energy-savings product.
See How Safety King Approaches Air Duct Cleaning
Learn how Safety King cleans ductwork and related HVAC components as part of a defined system-cleaning process.