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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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

IAQ Excellence through Leadership: Promoting Indoor Air Quality in Organizations

Jennifer Crowley
Apr 1, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

Business leader standing up and speaking to his attentive team in an open boardroom setting — Organizational Leaders can create a healthier and more supportive work environment through IAQ

As leaders, we understand the importance of fostering a healthy and productive work environment for our teams. One often-overlooked aspect of workplace well-being is indoor air quality (IAQ). Poor IAQ can negatively impact employee health, productivity, and overall satisfaction. Therefore, it is essential for organizational leaders to prioritize IAQ excellence and promote a culture of indoor environmental quality within their organizations. In this blog post, we will explore the role of leadership in advancing IAQ initiatives and share strategies for cultivating a healthier indoor environment for employees.

The Impact of Indoor Air Quality on Workplace Well-being:

Indoor air quality plays a significant role in shaping the overall indoor environment and the well-being of occupants. Poor IAQ can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, headaches, and fatigue, which can directly impact employee productivity and performance. Additionally, inadequate ventilation and indoor pollutants can contribute to discomfort, decreased concentration, and increased absenteeism among employees. By prioritizing IAQ excellence, leaders can create a healthier and more supportive work environment conducive to employee well-being and success.

The Role of Leadership in IAQ Excellence:

Setting Clear Priorities: As leaders, it is essential to prioritize IAQ excellence as a fundamental aspect of organizational health and safety. Communicate the importance of IAQ to all stakeholders and establish clear goals and objectives for improving indoor environmental quality within the organization.
Allocating Resources: Provide adequate resources, including budgetary allocations and personnel support, to implement IAQ initiatives effectively. Invest in advanced HVAC systems, air filtration technologies, and IAQ monitoring tools to ensure optimal indoor air quality levels.
Leading by Example: Demonstrate a commitment to IAQ excellence by incorporating indoor environmental quality considerations into organizational policies, practices, and decision-making processes. Lead by example by adhering to IAQ guidelines and promoting healthy indoor habits among employees.
Educating and Empowering Employees: Raise awareness about the importance of IAQ and provide training and educational resources to employees on maintaining healthy indoor environments. Empower employees to contribute to IAQ initiatives by encouraging open communication, feedback, and participation in indoor environmental quality programs.
Collaborating with Experts: Seek guidance from IAQ experts, environmental consultants, and HVAC professionals to assess indoor air quality conditions, identify potential IAQ issues, and implement effective solutions. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive IAQ strategies tailored to the organization's unique needs and priorities.

Multi-racial group of employees walking through the office in conversation — Promote employee health and wellness initiatives that support IAQ excellence

Evangelizing IAQ from Within:

Encourage Open Communication: Foster a culture of transparency and open communication regarding IAQ concerns and initiatives. Encourage employees to report any IAQ-related issues or discomfort promptly and address concerns in a timely and responsive manner.
Implement IAQ Policies and Guidelines: Establish clear IAQ policies, guidelines, and best practices to ensure consistent indoor environmental quality standards across the organization. Communicate IAQ protocols and procedures to employees and provide guidance on maintaining healthy indoor habits.
Create Healthy Indoor Environments: Implement measures to improve indoor air quality, such as proper ventilation, air filtration, humidity control, and the use of low-emission building materials. Design workspaces with IAQ considerations in mind, incorporating natural ventilation, access to daylight, and greenery to enhance employee comfort and well-being.
Foster a Culture of Wellness: Promote employee health and wellness initiatives that support IAQ excellence, such as wellness programs, ergonomic assessments, and stress management resources. Encourage physical activity, healthy eating habits, and mindfulness practices to enhance overall well-being and resilience.
Monitor and Evaluate Performance: Regularly monitor and evaluate IAQ performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of implemented measures and identify areas for improvement. Conduct IAQ audits, air quality testing, and occupant surveys to gather feedback and ensure continuous IAQ excellence within the organization.

As organizational leaders, we have a responsibility to prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of our employees. By promoting a culture of IAQ excellence and investing in indoor environmental quality initiatives, we can create healthier, more productive work environments that support employee satisfaction, engagement, and success. Together, let us lead the way in championing IAQ excellence and fostering healthier indoor environments for all.

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