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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

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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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

  1. Increased energy use due to pressure drop

  2. 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.

Ontario School Board Purchases Air Sniper Purification System to Protect Students & Staff

  • Writer: Jennifer Crowley
    Jennifer Crowley
  • Jul 27, 2023
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jul 15, 2024

Blade Air's induct air UV air purification technology
Blade Air's solution is proven to be highly effective in destroying airborne pathogens such as COVID-19, influenza, staph, and mould with an impressive 99.9% efficiency.

Blade Air, a leading provider of industrial air quality solutions, has been selected by the Peel District School Board and Superior North Catholic District School Board to implement a comprehensive air sanitization solution. This initiative aims to protect against airborne transmission of COVID-19 and other pathogens, ensuring a safe learning environment for everyone.

Blade Air will be installing Air Sniper’s advanced UV-C technology into central air systems and unit ventilators across schools, gearing up for the upcoming fall semester. UV-C air sanitization is a recognized and approved technology by ASHRAE and the CDC for COVID-19 risk mitigation. By leveraging this cutting-edge solution, Blade Air is at the forefront of ensuring the safety and well-being of students and faculty.

This timely initiative aligns with the funding provided by the Ontario and Federal governments in April 2021. The governments allocated funds to improve ventilation systems and social distancing measures in public buildings, with a particular focus on schools. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Ontario school board turned to Blade Air to supply them with top-of-the-line air purification technologies. Blade Air is a trusted partner of the Ontario Education Collaborative Marketplace and Ontario Together, working closely with various school boards, including Peel District, Ottawa Carleton, Hamilton-Wentworth, Waterloo Region, Dufferin-Peel Catholic, and Grand Erie District School Boards.


Blade Air, a division of Blade Filters, has quickly gained recognition for its Canadian-made air quality solutions. With a team of young entrepreneurs at the helm, Blade Air is revolutionizing the industry by creating safe and clean environments for businesses, schools, and organizations. Their expertise in meeting ISO-8 clean-room air quality standards, along with years of collaboration with Health Canada, has positioned them as a trusted protector of over 25,764,000 square feet of indoor space.


Partnering with Blade Air is Air Sniper, a company based in Calgary, Alberta. Air Sniper specializes in developing and manufacturing air sanitization technology independently tested by third-party labs. Their solutions have proven to be highly effective, destroying airborne pathogens such as COVID-19, influenza, staph, and mould with an impressive 99.9% efficiency. Since 2015, Air Sniper has been a leader in providing flexible air purification solutions for businesses across Canada, with expertise in meeting industrial-scale needs.


To learn more about this groundbreaking initiative and the crucial role played by Blade Air and Air Sniper in safeguarding school environments, read the full article here.


Stay informed about the latest advancements in air quality solutions and join the mission to create healthier and safer environments for everyone.

Explore expert insights, stay up to date with industry events, and gain a deeper understanding of the cutting-edge developments that are revolutionizing the indoor air quality landscape within Blade Air's comprehensive Insights Hub.

You can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter below for exclusive early access to Blade's Insights content, uncovering tomorrow's air quality advancements before they hit our Hub.

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