top of page

The Hidden Cost of Poor Airflow in High-Performance Commercial Buildings

Poor airflow in commercial buildings leads to higher energy bills, reduced indoor air quality, and HVAC wear. Learn how to identify and solv

Ava Montini

Mar 24, 2025

Written by 

Published on

Tags

Why airflow inefficiencies drive up costs, compromise indoor air quality, and create hidden challenges for facility managers


Most commercial and institutional buildings today are designed with performance and efficiency in mind. Energy benchmarks, ESG goals, and occupant well-being are often front and center. But despite those efforts, one critical element of building performance is consistently underdiagnosed: airflow.


Poor airflow can silently affect every corner of your building’s operations — from higher energy consumption and HVAC maintenance costs to reduced indoor air quality (IAQ) and missed sustainability opportunities. It rarely shows up as a red flag on day one, but over time, it chips away at performance in ways that are both measurable and avoidable.


Inefficient Airflow Increases Energy Use — Even in “Efficient” Buildings

In many commercial buildings, HVAC systems account for roughly 30–40% of total energy consumption, according to Natural Resources Canada and ASHRAE. But when airflow is restricted, that percentage can climb significantly.


The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans. These conditions increase static pressure, which forces HVAC fans to work harder and longer to achieve required airflow levels.


According to a study by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), buildings with airflow-related HVAC issues can see energy use increase by up to 30% compared to optimized systems. [1]


Even minor issues can have an outsized impact. A 100,000 sq. ft. office building experiencing elevated fan energy use due to clogged filters or inefficient duct design could face annual utility costs tens of thousands of dollars higher than necessary. For building owners managing multiple sites, that inefficiency compounds quickly.


Airflow and Indoor Air Quality Are Closely Linked


Buildings are dynamic systems, and air quality tends to suffer when airflow is compromised. Insufficient airflow can lead to poor ventilation, uneven air distribution, and pockets of stagnation in rooms or zones. These areas often experience elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter — especially in high-occupancy spaces.


A 2015 study from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that employees working in well-ventilated buildings performed 61% better on cognitive tasks than those in typical buildings with poor ventilation and air quality. [2]


In schools, researchers have found that students in classrooms with improved ventilation perform better on standardized tests. [3] In healthcare facilities, inadequate air movement can increase the risk of airborne illness transmission.


Common complaints like “stuffy rooms,” temperature inconsistencies, or fatigue can often be traced back to airflow and ventilation issues — even when temperature setpoints and filtration standards are technically being met.


Poor Airflow Wears Down HVAC Systems Faster


Inefficient airflow costs more on your energy bill and accelerates mechanical wear and tear. When fan motors, compressors, and dampers are forced to operate under continuous load, components degrade faster than expected.


This leads to:

  • More frequent repairs and service calls

  • Shortened equipment lifespan

  • Greater downtime and occupant discomfort during peak seasons


A study from the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) notes that air distribution restrictions are a key factor in premature HVAC failure and reduced system capacity. [4]


The cost of replacing a rooftop unit, for example, can range from $10,000 to $25,000, depending on building size and complexity — not including indirect costs from temporary system downtime.


Sustainability Targets Can Be Quietly Undermined


Many facilities today are pursuing ESG goals, LEED certification, or local emissions reduction mandates. But airflow inefficiencies can quietly work against those targets by increasing Scope 2 emissions (energy-related emissions) and filter waste.


High-resistance air filters, mainly traditional pleated filters, can contribute to this in two ways:

  1. Increased energy use due to pressure drop

  2. Frequent changeouts, leading to more waste and landfill contribution


According to a 2021 study in Building and Environment, filter pressure drop is one of the most overlooked contributors to unnecessary HVAC energy use — especially when filters are overused or under-maintained. [5]


If a building claims progress in sustainability, it’s important to ensure that filtration and airflow practices align with those claims—both from an energy and waste standpoint.


Missed Opportunities for Incentives and Cost Recovery


One of the lesser-known downsides of inefficient airflow is the lost opportunity to qualify for energy retrofit incentives.


Many utility and government programs across North America offer rebates, grants, or low-interest financing for businesses upgrading HVAC systems, controls, and low-pressure filtration. But to be eligible, buildings often need to demonstrate quantifiable improvements in system performance.


For example, Ontario’s Save on Energy Retrofit Program offers up to 50% of project costs for energy-efficiency upgrades, including those related to ventilation, air handling units, and demand control ventilation systems. [6]


Without data on airflow improvement or energy reduction — or without addressing underlying airflow inefficiencies — buildings may fail to qualify, leaving funding on the table.


Practical Steps to Address Airflow Challenges


The good news is that improving airflow doesn’t require a major capital project. Many impactful changes can be made within existing operations and maintenance cycles.


Here’s where most facilities can start:

  • Conduct a static pressure and airflow assessment to identify bottlenecks

  • Replace high-pressure filters with low-pressure, high-efficiency alternatives

  • Balance and tune your HVAC system, especially if zones have changed due to new usage patterns

  • Install real-time IAQ monitors to detect issues as they emerge, not after complaints arise

  • Track filter changeouts and energy use to capture data for future incentive applications


These strategies are already being implemented in facilities across North America — and in most cases, they deliver measurable improvements in energy efficiency, equipment reliability, and occupant satisfaction.



Airflow may not be the most visible part of your building, but it’s one of the most influential. When ignored, it quietly drives up energy costs, reduces system lifespan, and compromises air quality.


For facility managers and business owners focused on performance, sustainability, and operational clarity, airflow should be on the radar — not just as a maintenance metric but as a lever for long-term efficiency and resilience.


Addressing airflow challenges is a straightforward, high-ROI step that supports healthier, more cost-effective, and future-ready buildings.

5 Common Indoor Air Pollutants and their Sources

  • Writer: Jennifer Crowley
    Jennifer Crowley
  • Aug 2, 2023
  • 6 min read

Updated: Jul 10, 2024

Open office floorplan with various employees sitting and/or standing at their desk working away
Indoor air quality is affected by pollutants from within and outside an enclosed space.

We tend to think that the indoors are safe than outside. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that the air in homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air. Indoor air pollutants can cause significant health problems.


People who may be exposed to indoor air pollutants for the most prolonged periods are often those most at risk of the effects of indoor air pollution. This includes children, older adults, and people with long-term (chronic) illnesses. Indoor air quality is affected by pollutants from within and outside an enclosed space.


Common indoor air pollutants include:

  1. Indoor Particulate Matter

  2. Carbon Monoxide

  3. Volatile Organic Compounds

  4. Asbestos

  5. Biological Pollutants


1. Indoor Particulate Matter

A graphic depiction size comparison for particulate matter (PM) in mircrometers
PM exposure is linked to a variety of health impacts

What is Indoor PM?

Particulate matter is a complex mixture of solid and/or liquid particles suspended in the air and is found in all indoor environments. However, particles, especially 10 micrometres in diameter or smaller, are exceptionally concerning because these particles are inhalable.



Common Health Effects

Exposure to inhalable particles can affect both your lungs and your heart. Small particles, less than 10 micrometres in diameter, get deep into your lungs and possibly into the bloodstream. People with heart or lung diseases such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), children and older adults may be at greater risk from PM exposure.


PM exposure is also linked to a variety of health impacts, including:

  1. Eye, nose and throat irritation

  2. Aggravation of coronary and respiratory disease symptoms

  3. Premature death in people with heart or lung disease


Sources of Indoor PM

It’s important to understand that the PM found indoors includes particles that come from outdoor air and particles. Common sources of Indoor PM include:

  1. Indoor dust

  2. Cooking

  3. Combustion activities:

  4. Burning candles

  5. Use of fireplaces

  6. Use of unvented space heaters

  7. Kerosene heaters

  8. Tobacco

  9. Other smoking products

  10. Printers

  11. Biological contaminants

  12. Mould

  13. Plants

  14. Pests

  15. Animals


How to reduce exposure to Indoor PM

The best way to reduce PM indoors is by removing its sources. Examples are:

Outdoor air:

  1. Keep windows closed when outdoor pollutants (i.e. car exhaust, smoke, road dust, pollen, factory emissions, wildfires) are high

  2. Use portable air cleaners

  3. Install higher efficiency filters in your HVAC and ventilation system


Indoor dust:

  1. Frequently clean and ventilate

  2. Regularly change HVAC filters

  3. Upgrade HVAC filters


Cooking:

  1. Improve ventilation and filtration during cooking can reduce exposure to indoor PM

  2. Ensure to turn on a wall or ceiling exhaust fan and open windows or doors (when safe)

  3. Vent the range hood to the outdoors


Combustion:

  1. Prohibit indoor smoking

  2. Ensure proper ventilation when burning candles

  3. Do not use wood-burning appliances indoors


Biological contaminants:

  1. Keep windows closed on high pollen days

  2. Frequent cleaning

  3. Prevent mould, dust mites and cockroaches


2. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Carbon dioxide/monoxide alarm affixed to the ceiling
At higher concentrations, CO2 can be fatal.

What is Carbon Dioxide?

Carbon dioxide is an odourless, colourless and toxic gas; and is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes. Effects of CO2 exposure can vary significantly from person to person depending on age, health, concentration and length of exposure.



The average outdoor air concentration of CO2 is in the order of 300 to 400 ppm. Indoor levels are usually higher due to the CO2 exhaled by building occupants. Indoor combustion appliances, particularly gas stoves, can also increase CO2 levels.


Common Health Effects

Depending on the extent of exposure to CO2 and the level of concentration, various health effects are possible.


At low concentrations, it is common for healthy people to feel fatigued. For people with heart disease, it is common to experience chest pain.


At moderate concentration, individuals can experience the following;

  1. Angina

  2. Impaired vision

  3. Reduced brain function


At higher concentrations, CO2 can be fatal. Individuals can experience the following;

  1. Impaired vision and coordination

  2. Headaches

  3. Dizziness

  4. Confusion

  5. Nausea

  6. Flu-like symptoms that clear up after leaving home

  7. Fatal at very high concentrations


Sources of Carbon Dioxide

Indoors, CO2 is mainly produced through the respiration (breathing) of occupants, but can also come from:

  1. Cigarette smoking

  2. Unvented or poorly vented fuel-burning appliances

  3. Leaking chimneys and furnaces


Outdoor sources of CO2 that are also found indoors include;

  1. Forest fires

  2. Combustion of fossil fuels

  3. Animal and plant respiration

  4. Organic matter decomposition


The level of CO2 in indoor air depends on three main factors:

  1. Ventilation

  2. Indoor sources of CO2

  3. The outdoor CO2 concentration


How to reduce exposure to Carbon Dioxide

You can lower levels of CO2 indoors by increasing ventilation and controlling the sources of CO2.

  1. Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an unvented one

  2. Install and use an exhaust fan vented to the outdoors over gas stoves

  3. Opening windows when possible


3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Body shot of female wearing a blue apron, and yellow gloves while using cleaning products to disinfect a countertop
Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to 10x higher) than outdoors.

What are Volatile Organic Compounds?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them and, to some degree, when they are stored.


Common Health Effects

The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies greatly from those highly toxic to those with no known health effects. As with other pollutants, the extent and nature of the health effect will depend on many factors, including the level of exposure and length of time. Among the immediate symptoms that some people experience soon after exposure to some organics includes:

  1. Eye and respiratory tract irritation

  2. Headaches

  3. Dizziness

  4. Visual disorders and memory impairment


Exposure to some VOCs can cause:

  1. Fatigue

  2. Nausea

  3. Dizziness

  4. Headaches

  5. Breathing problems

  6. Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat


Children, seniors, pregnant people and people with existing health conditions, such as asthma, chronic pulmonary disease or bronchitis, are at greater risk.


Sources of Volatile Organic Compound

  1. Cooking, especially frying

  2. Cigarette smoke

  3. Candles and incense

  4. Composite wood products, such as some furnishings and flooring materials

  5. Building materials such as paint, glues and varnish

  6. Household products, such as air fresheners and cleaning products

  7. Infiltration from attached garages, such as from vehicle exhaust

  8. Combustion sources such as improperly vented fireplaces, wood stoves, gas stoves and furnaces


How to reduce exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds

You can reduce exposure to VOCs in your home by:

  1. Increasing ventilation when using products that emit VOCs

  2. Meeting or exceeding any label precautions

  3. Use integrated pest management techniques to reduce the need for pesticides

  4. Use household products according to the manufacturer’s directions


4. Asbestos

Asbestos filled corrugated roof panel with greenery draped overtop
Asbestos is hazardous when its fibres become airborne and are inhaled

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre that was commonly used in building materials for insulation and fireproofing due to its durability and resistance to heat. However, it is hazardous when its fibres become airborne and are inhaled, which can lead to serious respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.


Common Health Effects

Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause cancer and other diseases, such as:

  1. Asbestosis - Scarring of the lungs, which makes it difficult to breathe

  2. Mesothelioma - A rare cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity

  3. Lung cancer


Sources of Asbestos

Asbestos is found in:

  1. Building materials:

    1. Roofing shingles

    2. Ceiling and floor tiles

    3. Paper products

    4. Asbestos cement products

  2. Friction products:

    1. Automobile clutch

    2. Automobile brake

    3. Transmission parts

  3. Heat-resistant fabrics

  4. Packaging

  5. Gaskets

  6. Coatings


How to reduce exposure to Asbestos

In a workplace setting, you should report any damage to materials containing asbestos to the appropriate authority, such as your occupational health and safety manager. Additionally, Public and commercial building owners should keep an inventory of asbestos-containing materials to inform tenants, management and contractors.


In your home, you can reduce your risk of exposure by hiring a professional to test for asbestos before doing any:

  1. Renovations or remodelling

  2. Demolitions

  3. Additions


If a professional finds asbestos, hire a qualified asbestos removal specialist to remove it before beginning work.


5. Biological Pollutants 

Microscopic view of bacteria molecules tinted with a green filter
Biological pollutants can trigger allergic reactions

What are Biological Pollutants?

Biological contaminants include bacteria, viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, house dust, mites, cockroaches, and pollen. Relative humidity of 30-50 percent is generally recommended for homes. Standing water, water-damaged materials or wet surfaces also serve as a breeding ground for moulds, mildews, bacteria and insects. House dust mites, the source of one of the most powerful biological allergens, grow in damp, warm environments.


Common Health Effects

Biological pollutants can trigger allergic reactions, such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Common health symptoms caused by biological pollutants are:

  1. Sneezing

  2. Watery eyes

  3. Coughing

  4. Shortness of breath

  5. Dizziness

  6. Lethargy

  7. Fever

  8. Digestive problems


Children, the elderly and people with breathing problems, allergies, and lung diseases are particularly susceptible to disease-causing biological agents in the indoor air.


Sources of Biological Pollutants

Biological contaminants are or are produced by living things. For example, biological contaminants are often found in areas that provide food, moisture, or water.

Common sources:

  1. Bacteria are carried by people, animals, and soil and plant debris

  2. Mould

  3. Pollens, which originate from plants

  4. Viruses, which are transmitted by people and animals

  5. Household pets, which are sources of saliva and animal dander (skin flakes)

  6. Viruses and bacteria


How to reduce exposure to Biological Pollutants

To reduce exposure to such biological contaminants, maintain good housekeeping and regulate heat and air conditioning equipment. Adequate ventilation and good air distribution also help. The key to mould control is moisture control.


Other tips include:

  1. Install and use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms that are outdoors

  2. Ventilate the attic and crawl spaces to prevent moisture build-up

  3. Keep the house clean

Explore expert insights, stay up to date with industry events, and gain a deeper understanding of the cutting-edge developments that are revolutionizing the indoor air quality landscape within Blade Air's comprehensive Insights Hub.

You can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter below for exclusive early access to Blade's Insights content, uncovering tomorrow's air quality advancements before they hit our Hub.

Insights Hub

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consec tetur adipiscing elit. Sit quis auctor 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet cotetur 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consec tetur adipiscing elit. Sit quis auctor 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet cotetur 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consec tetur adipiscing elit. Sit quis auctor 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet cotetur 

bottom of page