Case Study:
Chemical-Free Coil Cleaning at Augusta University Research Center

HVAC Performance Transformed: $21,000 in Annual Savings. 33% Better Airflow.

Key Outcomes

Category Pre-Cleaning Post-Cleaning Difference Improvement
Airflow Capacity Increase (per Air Handler) 42,800 CFM 44,400 CFM 1,600 CFM 3.70%
Chilled Water Coil Air Differential Pressure 0.237 inches 0.155 inches 0.082 inches 34.60%
Steam Coil Coil Air Differential Pressure 0.105 inches 0.074 inches 0.031 inches 29.50%
Total Coil Pressure Drop 0.342 inches 0.229 inches 0.113 inches 33.00%
Chilled Water Coil Temperature Differential (Delta T) 11.4 °F 12.2 °F 0.8 °F 7.00%
Supply Fan Energy Costs $190,900 $177,800 $13,100 6.80%
Exhaust Fan Energy Costs $60,000 $58,200 $1,800 3.00%
Cooling Energy Costs $81,700 $75,600 $6,100 7.50%
Sub-Total Energy Costs $332,600 $311,600 $21,000 6.70%

Additional savings potential: up to $28,000 with static-pressure control optimization; ≈ $46,000 at typical utility rates.

Client: Augusta University Cancer Research Center (CRC), Augusta, GA

167,000 sq ft research facility with seven 100% outside-air AHUs serving laboratories and a vivarium; VFD supply/exhaust fans with energy recovery, monitored 24/7 via BAS.

Industry: Healthcare and educational/research

Service Provided: Sustainable HVAC Coil Cleaning

GA Case Study challenge Augusta University Research Center

The Challenge

Over time, lab AHU coils accumulated debris and biofilm, raising coil resistance and forcing fans toward maximum speed to hold building pressure – adding fan energy and heat while limiting airflow and heat-transfer effectiveness.

The Solution

Green Air performed steam-only, chemical-free coil cleaning on the chilled-water and steam coils for all seven AHUs. Testing and BAS trend data were collected before and after cleaning under similar conditions for independent measurement and verification by Performance Engineering Group (PEG).

GA Case Study solution Augusta University Research Center

Measurement & Approach

Static measurements (TAB) of coil differential pressure and airflow at comparable fan speeds; fan-curve correction used to normalize pressure drop at equivalent airflow.

BAS trend analysis: fan speed vs. outdoor air temperature to assess post-cleaning performance.

Energy modeling for annualized fan and cooling impacts; weather-normalized where applicable.

Results

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Airflow & Coil Resistance

  • Average airflow capacity (per AHU) increased from 42,800 to 44,400 CFM (+1,600 CFM; +3.7%).
  • Chilled-water coil ΔP: 0.237 → 0.155 in. w.g. (–34.6%).
  • Steam coil ΔP: 0.105 → 0.074 in. w.g. (–29.5%).
  • Total coil pressure drop: 0.342 → 0.229 in. w.g. (–33.0%); a meaningful reduction in fan workload and heat gain.

Thermal Performance

  • Chilled-water ΔT improved 7% (11.4°F → 12.2°F), indicating better heat-transfer efficiency and dehumidification.

Energy & Cost Impact

  • Supply fan energy costs: $190,900 → $177,800 (–$13,100); average fan demand down 4.7 kW; annual fan consumption down 214,000 kWh.
  • Exhaust fan energy costs: $60,000 → $58,200 (–$1,800).
  • Cooling energy costs: $81,700 → $75,600 (–$6,100).
  • Subtotal annual energy cost savings: $21,000 (–6.7%).
  • Fan performance vs. weather: post-cleaning, fans reached max speed only at higher outdoor temperatures and showed tighter correlation – evidence of immediate efficiency gains.
  • Savings headroom: Optimizing static-pressure control could raise annual savings to ~$28,000, and to ~$46,000 at typical utility rates.
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Are you ready to improve your facility’s airflow and cut energy costs – without chemicals?