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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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 to Eliminate Office Odours – Your Guide to A Clean Office

Jennifer Crowley
Aug 2, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Jul 19, 2024

Modern white office space with a wall of floor to ceiling windows, black doors, shelving and chairs — Eliminating office odours is crucial for maintaining a pleasant and productive work environment.

A pleasant and fresh-smelling office environment is crucial for employee morale and productivity. Unpleasant office odours can create discomfort and distractions, negatively impacting the overall work atmosphere.

In this blog post, we will explore effective solutions for eliminating various office odours that commonly arise. By implementing these strategies, you can create a more pleasant and inviting workspace for everyone.

Bathroom Odours

Bathrooms are notorious for harbouring unpleasant smells. Here are some tips to combat bathroom odours in the office:

Small washroom toilet and sink with female arm spraying an air freshener spray — Proper ventilation is essential for preventing odour accumulation.

Regular Cleaning: Ensure that the bathroom is cleaned thoroughly and frequently. Pay extra attention to toilets, sinks, floors, and any other surfaces prone to odour buildup.
Adequate Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential for preventing odour accumulation. Install air fresheners or use natural alternatives like essential oil diffusers or fresh plants.
Odour Neutralizers: Odour neutralizers, such as activated charcoal or baking soda, are essential items to keep in your bathroom. These substances work effectively to absorb and eliminate unpleasant smells, ensuring a consistently fresh and inviting atmosphere in your restroom.

Breakroom Odours

The breakroom is a common area where food odours can linger. Follow these steps to tackle breakroom odours effectively:

Communal office space with two employees eating pizza, drinking water and watching a movie — Encourage employees to clean up after themselves promptly.

Encourage Cleanliness: Encourage employees to clean up after themselves promptly. Clear policies about cleaning up spills, refrigerating food properly, and disposing of waste can help prevent odour issues.
Proper Ventilation: Ensure the breakroom has adequate ventilation to dissipate food odours. Open windows or install ventilation fans if necessary.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: Establish a routine cleaning schedule for the breakroom, including wiping down surfaces, emptying garbage bins, and cleaning the microwave or refrigerator.

Other sources of breakroom odours can derive from:

Sink odours: Sinks can develop unpleasant odours due to food particles and bacterial growth. Here’s how to address sink odours effectively.

Fridge odours: Unpleasant smells can quickly develop in refrigerators due to spoiled or forgotten food items. Follow these steps to keep your office fridge smelling fresh.

Eliminate Office Carpet Upholstery Odours

Carpets and upholstery can absorb various odours over time. Consider the following tips for freshening up your office’s soft surfaces:

Beige carpet with a black upright vacuum on top with two female feet standing on the edge of the carpet — Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter for the best results.

Regular Vacuuming: Vacuum carpets and upholstery frequently to remove dust, dirt, and odour-causing particles. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter for the best results.
Spot Cleaning: Attend to spills or stains on carpets and upholstery promptly. Blot the area with a clean cloth and use a mild detergent or specialized cleaners designed for specific fabrics.
Professional Cleaning: Schedule professional deep cleaning for carpets and upholstery at regular intervals to remove deep-seated odours and rejuvenate the fibres. Professional cleaning methods, such as steam or dry cleaning, can effectively eliminate odours and refresh the appearance of the carpet and upholstery.

Trash Can Odours

Trash cans can emit unpleasant odours, especially when filled with food waste or other organic materials. Follow these steps to keep trash can odours at bay:

Stainless steel garbage can with the lid open awaiting a white napkin to be dropped inside with a white subway tile backdrop — Regularly clean and disinfect trash cans to eliminate lingering odours.

Regular Emptying: Empty trash cans regularly to prevent the buildup of odorous waste. Establish a schedule for emptying and ensure that employees adhere to it.
Proper Bag Sealing: Double-bagging trash or using heavy-duty garbage bags can help contain odours. Tie the bags securely to prevent any leaks or spills.
Odour Absorbers: Place odour-absorbing materials at the bottom of the trash can, such as baking soda, kitty litter, or activated charcoal. These substances can help neutralize odours effectively.
Cleaning and Disinfecting: Regularly clean and disinfect trash cans to eliminate lingering odours. Use a mixture of water and vinegar or mild detergent to scrub the inside and outside of the trash cans.

Eliminating office odours is crucial for maintaining a pleasant and productive work environment. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this blog post, you can tackle common sources of odours such as bathrooms, break rooms, sinks, fridges, carpets, upholstery, and trash cans. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and the use of natural odour neutralizers are crucial to keeping your office smelling fresh and inviting. Implement these practices consistently, and you’ll create a more comfortable workspace that promotes productivity and well-being for everyone.

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