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

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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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

Cost-Effective Solutions for Improving Indoor Air Quality in Senior Living Facilities

Jennifer Crowley
Jul 2, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

Senior living facility common room with various residents seated. A male is playing chss with an unseen man, a woman is knitting on the couch while a Doctor takes the blood pressure of a female in a rocking chair — Indoor air pollutants such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and biological contaminants can exacerbate chronic conditions like asthma and COPD in seniors.

Ensuring optimal indoor air quality (IAQ) in senior living facilities is paramount for safeguarding resident health and well-being. However, balancing high-quality air purification with budget constraints can be challenging. In this blog, we’ll explore cost-effective strategies to improve IAQ without compromising on effectiveness.

Understanding the Impact of Poor Air Quality

Indoor air pollutants such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and biological contaminants can exacerbate chronic conditions like asthma and COPD in seniors. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), poor IAQ is linked to numerous health problems, including respiratory infections, heart disease, and lung cancer. Addressing these issues is crucial for maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment.

Cost-Effective Air Quality Solutions for Better IAQ

Male maintenance worker changing HVAC air filter during maintenance — Dirty or clogged HVAC filters can reduce system efficiency and increase energy costs.

Regular Maintenance and Filter Replacement

Routine maintenance of HVAC systems and timely replacement of filters are essential for maintaining IAQ. Dirty or clogged filters can reduce system efficiency and increase energy costs. Regular maintenance can also extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, improve air filtration efficiency and, according to Energy Star, reduce your HVAC energy consumption by up to 40%.

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters

Facilities using HEPA filters report up to 60% fewer respiratory issues among residents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, HEPA filters can capture up to 99.97% of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, and mold spores resulting in a significant reduction in airborne contaminants and improving overall air quality and resident health.

The Blade Air HEPA+ Filter retains the core qualities of traditional HEPA filters while introducing next-gen improvements in efficiency and design. With a 99.99% particle capture rate and 30% lower static pressure, it offers enhanced air purification and energy efficiency.

Portable Air Purifiers

Portable air purifiers are a flexible and scalable air purification solution, that reduces localized pollution and enhances resident comfort. When equipped with HEPA filters and activated carbon, they can be strategically placed in common areas and resident rooms to reduce airborne particulate matter by up to 70%, as noted by the American Lung Association.

The Blade Air Portable HEPA Air Purifier features one cubic foot of HEPA that is certified and independently lab-tested to remove 99.97% of airborne particles at 0.3 microns and does not release any by-products, including harmful ozone.

Refreshed senior female opening a door in her room to let in the fresh air — The use of exhaust fans and opening windows can help dilute indoor pollutants.

Proper Ventilation

Ensuring proper ventilation through the use of exhaust fans and opening windows can help dilute indoor pollutants. According to research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, adequate ventilation can improve IAQ by up to 50%.

Overall, proper ventilation reduces the concentration of indoor pollutants, promoting a healthier indoor environment.

Use of Low-Emission Cleaning Products

The California Air Resources Board notes that using low-emission products can reduce indoor chemical pollutants by up to 90%. Switching to cleaning products with low VOC emissions can reduce the introduction of harmful chemicals into the indoor environment, minimizing chemical exposure for residents and staff, and improving overall air quality.

Household plants in white containers on a countertop beside room humidifier that is manually being adjusted by a female hand — Proper humidity control can reduce the prevalence of mold by up to 50%.

Humidity Control

Maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30-50% helps prevent the growth of mold and dust mites, which also reduces the risk of respiratory issues and allergies and enhances resident health and comfort. Proper humidity control can also reduce the prevalence of mold by up to 50%, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Improving indoor air quality in senior living facilities doesn’t have to be costly. By implementing these cost-effective air quality solutions, you can enhance the health and well-being of your residents while optimizing operational efficiency and reducing costs.

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