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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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

How Eco-Friendly Buildings Foster Sustainable Living

Jennifer Crowley
Aug 1, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

High rise building with lush greenery filled balconies aside a low-rise building, the face of which is covered in greenery — An environmentally sustainable building is a structure that minimizes resource consumption, reduces emissions, and manages waste more efficiently.

In today’s rapidly changing world, the need for sustainable practices has become more critical than ever. As we strive to mitigate the impacts of climate change, eco-friendly buildings have emerged as a crucial solution. These structures, designed with sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems, not only reduce their environmental footprint but also offer numerous benefits to occupants and the surrounding community. This blog will explore how eco-friendly buildings contribute to a greener future and foster sustainable living.

What are Eco-Friendly Buildings?

An environmentally sustainable building is a structure that minimizes resource consumption, reduces emissions, and manages waste more efficiently. Certain green buildings even positively influence the surrounding environment, playing a role in enhancing the global climate. Additionally, eco-friendly buildings are purposefully designed to benefit the individuals who occupy them. Through features such as enhanced ventilation, insulation, and utilization of natural light, these buildings positively impact occupants’ well-being, leading to improved health, productivity, and overall quality of life.

Energy Efficiency

One of the primary features of eco-friendly buildings is their focus on energy efficiency. Through careful design, insulation, and use of renewable energy sources, these buildings significantly reduce energy consumption. By incorporating features such as solar panels, efficient lighting systems, and well-insulated walls, they minimize the need for fossil fuel-based energy, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced strain on the grid.

Water Conservation

Eco-friendly buildings employ innovative strategies for water conservation. To minimize water wastage, they integrate water-saving fixtures like low-flow toilets, faucets, and shower heads. Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems are often incorporated to collect and reuse rainwater for irrigation or non-potable purposes. These practices help reduce water consumption, relieve stress on local water supplies, and promote sustainable water management.

Sustainable Materials

The choice of materials used in construction plays a significant role in the eco-friendliness of a building. Sustainable buildings prioritize the use of renewable, recycled, and locally sourced materials. For instance, incorporating bamboo, reclaimed wood, or recycled metal helps reduce the demand for virgin materials and decreases the carbon footprint associated with production and transportation. By opting for environmentally friendly materials, these buildings conserve natural resources and promote a circular economy.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Eco-friendly buildings prioritize the health and well-being of occupants by maintaining excellent indoor air quality. By using low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, adhesives, and building materials, they minimize the release of harmful chemicals into the air. Moreover, adequate ventilation systems and efficient air filtration technologies help remove pollutants, allergens, and contaminants, creating a healthier living and working environment.

Sustainable Landscaping

Eco-friendly buildings extend their sustainability efforts beyond their physical structures. They incorporate sustainable landscaping practices that enhance biodiversity and reduce the environmental impact of outdoor spaces. This includes utilizing native plants, installing efficient irrigation systems, creating green roofs and walls, and implementing permeable surfaces to reduce stormwater runoff. These measures contribute to improved air quality, reduced heat island effect, and harmonious integration of buildings with the natural environment.

Enhanced Quality of Life

Living or working in an eco-friendly building offers several benefits to occupants. With improved indoor air quality, ample natural light, and reduced exposure to harmful chemicals, occupants often experience enhanced comfort, productivity, and overall well-being. Moreover, energy-efficient systems contribute to lower utility bills, making eco-friendly buildings more cost-effective in the long run. By prioritizing sustainable living, these buildings foster a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship among occupants.

Green or sustainable buildings are designed to be eco-friendly and can include any number of the features above.

The Goal of Eco-Friendly Buildings

There are specific goals to keep in mind when designing an eco-friendly building, some of which include:

Optimized resource utilization
Integration of resource recycling infrastructure
Implementation of efficient waste management practices
Fostering human health, well-being, and productivity
Mitigation of carbon emissions and air pollution impacts
Environmental friendliness throughout the building’s life cycle, including materials recovery during demolition
Lower operational and maintenance expenses
Flexibility for multi-use and adaptability to different purposes over time
Incorporation of aesthetically pleasing design that enhances the surrounding area
Utilization of sustainable materials and techniques throughout the building’s lifespan

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