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

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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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

Increased energy use due to pressure drop
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.

What is a Green Building: Promoting Sustainability with Indoor Air Quality

Jennifer Crowley
Dec 18, 2023
4 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

ground view of glass corporate office building flanked by a lush green tree — Research shows that green buildings can increase the value of real estate properties, attract and retain tenants, and contribute to the overall well-being of communities.

What is a Green Building?

In recent years, there has been a growing global interest in sustainable buildings that minimize their impact on the environment and provide a healthy indoor environment for occupants. A green building is a structure that is designed, constructed, operated, and maintained in an environmentally friendly manner. Green buildings go beyond energy efficiency and resource conservation to encompass indoor environmental quality (IEQ), including indoor air quality (IAQ).

Green buildings offer numerous benefits, from environmental and economic to social and health-related. Green buildings can help conserve natural resources, reduce pollution, and save money by reducing energy consumption, water use, and waste production. They also help enhance occupant health, comfort, and productivity, by providing clean air, natural light, and comfortable temperatures. Research shows that green buildings can even increase the value of real estate properties, attract and retain tenants, and contribute to the overall well-being of communities.

Benefits of Green Buildings

Green buildings help reduce carbon, water, energy and waste. For example, the Department of Energy reviewed 22 LEED-certified buildings managed by the General Services Administration and saw that CO2 emissions were 34% lower, they consumed 25% less energy and 11% less water and diverted more than 80 million tons of waste from landfills.
According to the EPA, heating and cooling account for about 43% of all energy use in the country, contributing to air pollution and generating the most considerable amounts of greenhouse gases. Green buildings also help reduce indoor air pollutants related to severe health issues by improving energy efficiency.
A 2018 National Institute of Building Sciences (NBIS) study found that each $1 spent on mitigation activities – such as strengthening buildings and improving drainage conditions – saves $6 in response and recovery costs.
Green buildings positively affect public health. Improving indoor air quality can reduce absenteeism and work hours affected by asthma, respiratory allergies, depression and stress and self-reported improvements in productivity. USGBC’s research reinforces that employees in LEED green buildings feel happier, healthier and more productive.
Buildings account for 12% of the total water consumed in the U.S., while the average person uses 80-100 gallons of water per day. Water-efficiency efforts in green buildings help reduce water use, promote rainwater capture, and use non-potable sources.

Key Elements of Green Buildings

The key elements of green buildings are sustainable features and practices that contribute to energy efficiency, water efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Some of the key elements of green buildings include:

Energy Efficiency

Designing and constructing buildings that reduce energy consumption and minimize waste. Energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems, energy-efficient appliances, and equipment can significantly reduce energy costs and contribute to a lower carbon footprint.

Water Efficiency

Designing and constructing buildings that reduce water consumption and minimize waste. Low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and greywater recycling systems can help conserve water resources and reduce water bills.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Designing and constructing buildings that provide clean air, natural light, and comfortable temperatures. By using high-quality building materials, insulation, and ventilation systems, green buildings can sustainably improve IAQ.

Sustainable Materials

This involves using sustainable and environmentally friendly building materials, such as recycled materials, sustainable wood, and low-emitting materials. By using these materials, green buildings can reduce waste and minimize their environmental impact.

Renewable Energy

This involves incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, to generate clean and renewable energy. Renewable energy can help reduce the carbon footprint of buildings and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Site Selection & Land Use

This involves selecting sites that are accessible by public transportation, walkable, and have minimal impact on the environment. Green buildings can also incorporate physical features such as green roofs and rain gardens to minimize their impact on the surrounding environment.

Indoor Air Quality Is a Key Component of Green Buildings

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial element of green buildings, as it directly impacts the health and comfort of building occupants. IAQ refers to the quality of the air inside a building and is affected by various factors, including building materials, ventilation systems, and outdoor air pollution. Poor IAQ can result in health issues, such as allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections, and can negatively impact productivity and overall well-being.

Proper ventilation can help remove pollutants and improve IAQ. Ventilation systems can include air filtration systems that remove contaminants like dust, pollen, and mould spores. HVAC systems are crucial in maintaining a healthy and sustainable indoor environment. Proper design, installation, and maintenance of HVAC systems in green buildings are essential to achieving sustainability goals. In addition, high-efficiency HVAC equipment, such as variable-speed motors, can significantly reduce energy consumption and operating costs.

High-quality HVAC filters can help lower your building’s energy consumption while improving indoor air quality. A great example is the Blade Air – Pro Filter Series. The electrostatic polarized technology is proven to:

Blade Air's Pro Filter being inserted into a typical HVAC system — High-quality HVAC filters can help lower your building’s energy consumption while improving indoor air quality.

Improve indoor air quality by 2.25x and captures particles 40x smaller than standard filters.
2x longer-lasting filter replacement.
Generate zero Ozone.
75% reduction in supply fan motor consumption

The benefits of good IAQ are significant, including improved health, increased productivity, and reduced absenteeism. Studies have shown that good IAQ can lead to a 35% increase in worker productivity. In addition, by prioritizing IAQ in building design and construction, green buildings can provide healthier and more comfortable living and working environments.

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