A study to provide field testing tools for measuring the energy consumption of HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems has been commissioned by NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) and carried out by the University of Colorado. The theory is that HVAC system pressure drops and energy savings go hand in hand.
Researchers have been hard at work developing a computer model of the field testing tool in several ways including the typical HVAC component sizes, whether the Air Handling Unit and associated duct work is in the basement, garage, attic or crawl space and the geographical location by climate zone and other considerations.
At this point the study is graduating from computer model to full scale laboratory work, including individual HVAC components including cooling coil, filter, supply and return air ducts. This lab work has brought credit and validation to the computer model.
So far the results have been staggering, the computer model showed that filter type could effect the energy efficiency of a HVAC system by as much as 5%, well not maintaining your filter and letting it get plugged up caused wallet whopping %20 energy efficient loss. For those who have air conditioning systems and let the coil go for more than one year between cleaning be prepared for a 15% increase in energy loss. The biggest energy waster of the bunch is duct leakage loss on both the supply and return air ducts. A 10% loss was used as the reference but study’s have showed as much as 40% losses in the average home, this resulted in a 45% loss in energy.
Right now The university of Colorado is finishing their laboratory tests and the full report is expected to come out in 2010. The study when completed will include pressure loss, temperature, relative humidity and air flow at multiple essential points throughout the laboratory HVAC system.
This study has already proven that regular cleaning of all HVAC components including your furnace and air conditioning systems has a major effect on the energy efficiency of your home, be sure to watch for updates on this study at Furnace Cleaning .info