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

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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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

Breathe Easy: The Essential Guide to Navigating IAQ Business Regulations in Canada

Jennifer Crowley
Mar 4, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

Building Facilities Manager Reviewing Site Compliance Checklist — Regular monitoring of IAQ parameters ensures ongoing adherence to standards.

Welcome, Canadian business leaders! Let's delve into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of workplace health: indoor air quality (IAQ). The quality of the air we breathe during our workday significantly influences our well-being and productivity. In fact, A Canadian study revealed that nearly one-third of employee sick days are due to symptoms worsened by poor indoor air quality (IAQ). Similarly, a Massachusetts study saw a 35% reduction in sick leave in offices with good IAQ, saving businesses approximately $400 per employee annually. Imagine the impact of saving $400 per employee on your yearly budget.

Fortunately, Canada has robust IAQ regulations to ensure that our indoor environments promote health and safety. However, understanding, achieving, and maintaining compliance with these regulations can be intricate. Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with detailed insights and practical guidance on navigating IAQ regulations and standards in Canada, empowering you to keep your business compliant while prioritizing the health and comfort of your team.

Understanding IAQ Regulations and Standards:

To begin, let's grasp the fundamentals:

Image of textbooks with the title Rules & regulations

1. Health Canada sets forth comprehensive guidelines for IAQ, encompassing parameters such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, and air contaminants. These guidelines serve as the cornerstone for maintaining optimal IAQ in your workplace. If you are not familiar with them, please click the link above to learn more.

2. Many Canadian provinces also impose their own specific IAQ regulations, necessitating familiarity with local requirements. The chart below provides support in locating your Provincial regulations:

Chart outlining Provincial IAQ legislation guidance — Provincial IAQ Requirement Overview

3. Building codes also dictate ventilation systems, air filtration standards, moisture control measures, radon mitigation and the types of construction materials used to uphold IAQ standards in commercial spaces.

Achieving Compliance:

Now, let's strategize.

1. Initiating an IAQ assessment is paramount.

This assessment involves a thorough examination of your indoor air quality to identify potential issues and inform your mitigation plan. Depending on the size, age, and structure of the building, your IAQ audit may include air sample collection, a mould and moisture assessment, HVAC System evaluation and even an occupant survey. Consider engaging professional IAQ consultants for comprehensive and accurate results.

2. Ensure that your ventilation system operates efficiently.

Adequate airflow is crucial for circulating clean air throughout your workspace. Building codes typically specify minimum ventilation rates for various types of spaces within commercial buildings. These rates ensure adequate airflow to dilute indoor air pollutants and maintain acceptable IAQ levels. For example, the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) outlines ventilation requirements based on occupancy type, building size, and specific activities conducted within the space. Implementing a rigorous maintenance schedule and investing in high-quality air filters are key measures to mitigate pollutants effectively.

3. Adopting practices to minimize indoor pollutants, such as utilizing low-emission materials, prohibiting smoking, restricting the use of volatile organic compound emitting products and implementing stringent cleaning protocols, further enhances IAQ.

Furthermore, ensuring HVAC systems are regularly maintained, utilizing high efficiency air filters, and leveraging demand-controlled ventilation systems that adjust airflow based on occupancy levels and indoor air quality parameters all help to keep pollutants at compliant levels.

Maintaining Compliance:

Once your IAQ protocols are in place, maintaining compliance becomes imperative:

1. Regular monitoring of IAQ parameters ensures ongoing adherence to standards. Establish a systematic schedule for assessing air quality and promptly address any deviations from prescribed norms.

2. Equally vital is the implementation of a robust maintenance regimen. Regular servicing of HVAC systems and diligent upkeep of building infrastructure are essential to preserve optimal IAQ conditions.

3. Additionally, staying abreast of changes in IAQ regulations is crucial. Continuously monitor industry updates and engage with regulatory agencies to remain informed about evolving compliance requirements.

Navigating IAQ regulations may initially appear daunting, but armed with the right knowledge and approach, you can ensure a healthy indoor environment for your business. By comprehending the regulations, implementing effective strategies, and prioritizing maintenance, you not only meet legal requirements but also cultivate a workplace that promotes well-being and productivity. Remember, investing in IAQ compliance is an investment in the health and success of your business. Keep breathing easy, knowing that you're making a positive impact on your team and your bottom line.

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