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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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

A Step-by-Step Guide to Improving Indoor Air Quality and Reducing SBS Symptoms

Jennifer Crowley
Jul 11, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Jul 30, 2024

Maintenance team male inspecting HVAC system atop scaffolding — Addressing SBS through better IAQ is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of building occupants and maintaining a productive environment.

Improving Indoor Air Quality: The Importance of Addressing Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a significant concern in modern workplaces and living environments. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can lead to various health issues for occupants, including headaches, respiratory problems, fatigue, and cognitive impairments. Addressing SBS through better IAQ is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of building occupants and maintaining a productive environment.

Assessment Phase: Evaluating Current Conditions and HVAC Systems

Male technician testing air quality in a building — Measure levels of common indoor pollutants using professional-grade sensors and testing kits.

The first step in tackling SBS is to evaluate the current conditions of the building and its HVAC systems. This involves:

Air Quality Testing: Measure levels of common indoor pollutants such as dust, mold spores, VOCs, and carbon dioxide using professional-grade sensors and testing kits.
HVAC System Evaluation: Inspect the existing HVAC system for inefficiencies, outdated components, and potential areas for improvement. Check for signs of wear and tear and assess the system’s filtration and ventilation capabilities.
Building Inspection: Look for structural issues that could affect air quality, such as leaks, poor insulation, and areas prone to mold growth. This helps identify underlying problems that need to be addressed during the retrofit.

Choosing the Right Solutions:

Blade Air's Pro Filter — Blade Air's Pro filter uses electromagnetic filtration to capture ultrafine particles.

Once the assessment is complete, it's time to choose the right solutions. Blade Air offers a range of advanced products designed to improve IAQ and mitigate SBS symptoms:

Pro Filters: These filters capture ultrafine particles, including viruses and bacteria, far exceeding the capabilities of traditional pleated filters. By removing these harmful particulates, Pro Filters help prevent respiratory issues, allergies, and asthma, ensuring cleaner and healthier indoor air.
HEPA+ Filters: Ideal for capturing up to 99.97% of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, and mold spores. These filters are especially beneficial for occupants with allergies or respiratory conditions, reducing symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and eye irritation.
UVGI Light Technology: This technology uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses in the air, significantly reducing microbial contaminants and improving overall air hygiene. This is particularly effective in preventing infections and maintaining a healthier indoor environment.
Carbon Filters: Effective for removing odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), enhancing overall air quality and comfort by reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and improving the olfactory environment. Plus, minimize maintenance time and expenses with our patented revolutionary replaceable, zero waste carbon cartridge.
HEPA Air Purifiers: These portable units combine HEPA filtration with activated carbon to provide superior air purification in specific areas. They are perfect for targeted air quality improvements, ensuring that high-traffic or problem areas remain clean and safe.

Implementation: Installation and Integration

Blade Air's Pro filter being inserted into a traditional HVAC system — Expert installation ensures proper integration and maintenance procedure training.

The implementation phase involves a step-by-step process of installing and integrating the chosen air quality solutions:

Preparation: Ensure the building is ready for retrofit activities by addressing any minor structural repairs identified during the assessment phase and performing a thorough cleaning of the HVAC system.
Professional Installation:
1. Pro Filters and HEPA+ Filters: While filter installation is relatively simple, Blade Air recommends having their expert team install the filtration products to ensure proper installation and provide training on installation and maintenance procedures.
2. UVGI Light Technology: Install UVGI light systems within the HVAC ducts or as standalone units in high-risk areas. This requires precise placement and calibration to ensure effective pathogen neutralization - professional installation is strongly recommended.
3. Carbon Filters: Integrate carbon filters into the HVAC system or place them in specific areas where odor control is needed.
4. HEPA Air Purifiers: Place HEPA air purifiers in strategic locations such as high-traffic areas, common rooms, and near HVAC intakes. Ensure they are plugged in and functioning correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
System Connection: Connect the new filters and UVGI light systems to the existing HVAC controls, updating the HVAC control software or adding new control modules if necessary.
Testing and Calibration: Conduct thorough testing to ensure all components are working correctly and calibrate the settings to achieve optimal air quality. This includes adjusting UVGI light intensity and HEPA air purifier settings.
Optimization: Adjust the HVAC system settings to account for the new filters and purification devices, ensuring that airflow and ventilation rates are optimized for the enhanced filtration system.

Maintenance: Ensuring Long-Term Efficiency

Maintenance worker on the roof of a building inspecting and calibrating the HVAC system — Regularly reviews of air quality data identifies trends and issues to inform needed adjustments.

Maintaining the new air quality systems is crucial for long-term efficiency and performance:

Regular Inspections: Schedule routine inspections to check the condition of filters, UVGI lights, and other components. Replace parts as needed.
Filter Replacement: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for replacing filters to ensure optimal filtration and prevent clogging.
System Calibration: Periodically calibrate the smart monitoring systems to ensure accurate air quality readings.
Cleaning: Keep the HVAC system and air quality devices clean to prevent dust buildup and maintain system efficiency.
Data Review: Regularly review air quality data to identify trends and potential issues, making informed decisions about maintenance and system adjustments.

The Importance of Immediate Action

Addressing SBS promptly is crucial for improving indoor air quality and safeguarding the health of building occupants for a productive, comfortable living or working environment. Blade Air is committed to providing cutting-edge air quality solutions that tackle SBS head-on.

By investing in Blade Air's Pro Filter technology and other advanced solutions like UVGI light technology and HEPA air purifiers, you can enhance indoor air quality, comply with regulatory standards, and promote overall well-being. Taking immediate action not only improves health outcomes but also ensures long-term efficiency and sustainability for your building. Contact Blade Air to learn more on how our technology can cure your sick building.

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