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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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.

7 Daily Habits to Improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

  • Writer: Jennifer Crowley
    Jennifer Crowley
  • Aug 1, 2023
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

Backside of a woman with arms stretching to the sky at a window
Poor indoor air quality can adversely affect our health, leading to respiratory issues, allergies, and other related problems.

Maintaining a healthy living environment is crucial for our overall well-being, and one aspect often overlooked is the quality of the air we breathe indoors. Poor indoor air quality can adversely affect our health, leading to respiratory issues, allergies, and other related problems. The good news is that you can adopt several simple yet effective daily habits to improve the air quality in your indoor space. In this blog, we will explore some of these habits you can incorporate into your daily routine to ensure cleaner and fresher indoor air.


1. Keep Your Space Clean

Regular cleaning is essential to remove dust, dirt, and other pollutants that accumulate over time. Dust surfaces, vacuum carpets and rugs, and mop floors to eliminate allergens and improve indoor air quality. Remember to clean curtains, upholstery, and bedding regularly to reduce the presence of dust mites and other allergens.


2. Ventilate Your Indoor Space

Proper ventilation is key to maintaining good air quality. Open windows and doors whenever possible to allow fresh air to circulate throughout your space. Additionally, consider using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms to remove pollutants generated from cooking, showering, or using cleaning products.


3. Avoid Smoking Indoors

Cigarette smoke contains a wide range of harmful chemicals that can linger in the air and negatively impact indoor air quality. If you or someone in your household smokes, it is essential to enforce a no-smoking policy indoors strictly. Encourage smokers to do so outside, away from open windows and doors.


4. Use Natural Cleaning Products

Many conventional cleaning products contain chemicals that can release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Opt for natural or eco-friendly cleaning products that are free from harsh chemicals. Alternatively, you can make your own cleaning solutions using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.


5. Control Humidity Levels to improve indoor air quality

Excessive humidity can lead to mould growth and the proliferation of dust mites, both of which can negatively impact indoor air quality. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas of your indoor space, such as basements or bathrooms, to keep humidity levels in check. Additionally, fix any leaks or water-related issues promptly to prevent mould growth.


6. Maintain Indoor Plants

Indoor plants not only add aesthetic value but can also help purify the air by absorbing certain pollutants. Consider incorporating air-purifying plants such as spider plants, peace lilies, or snake plants into your indoor space. Be sure to care for them properly by watering them adequately and keeping them free from pests.


7. Regularly Change Air Filters

Air filters in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system play a vital role in trapping dust, allergens, and other particles. Over time, these filters can become clogged, reducing their efficiency. As per the manufacturer’s guidelines, it is recommended to change your air filters regularly to ensure optimal performance and cleaner indoor air.

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