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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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

The Role of Air Conditioning in Maintaining Good Air Quality

Jennifer Crowley
Aug 2, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

Rooftop image of stacked industrial Air Conditioning units atop a metal rack — While air conditioning primarily focuses on cooling indoor spaces, it also contributes to ventilation by facilitating fresh air exchange.

In the scorching heat of summer, air conditioning becomes a lifeline for many people. Not only does it provide relief from high temperatures, but it also plays a crucial role in maintaining good air quality.

Air conditioning systems have come a long way in terms of efficiency and innovation, offering benefits beyond just cooling the air. In this blog post, we will delve into how air conditioning contributes to maintaining good air quality, including filtration, humidity control, and ventilation.

Benefits of Air Conditioning in Maintaining Good Air Quality

An air conditioning system maintains indoor air quality, providing a healthy and comfortable environment for people to live and work in. It:

Maintains humidity by humidifying or dehumidifying
Provides constant and adequate ventilation
Cleans the air by removing allergens and pollutants
Maintains a desired temperature by heating or cooling the air

Filtration: Removing Pollutants

One of the primary functions of air conditioning systems is filtration. They help eliminate pollutants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mould spores, and other airborne particles. Modern air conditioning units are equipped with efficient filters that trap these contaminants, preventing them from circulating indoors. High-quality filters can capture even smaller particles, improving the overall air quality.

Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the filters remain clean and effective. Clogged or dirty filters not only reduce the system’s efficiency but also hinder its ability to filter out pollutants effectively. So, cleaning or replacing filters is essential, as recommended by the manufacturer.

Humidity Control: Preventing Mold and Mildew

Excessive humidity in the air can lead to the growth of mould and mildew, which are known to cause respiratory issues and allergies. Air conditioning systems help regulate indoor humidity levels, creating an environment less conducive to the growth of these harmful microorganisms.

By removing moisture from the air, air conditioners help prevent the accumulation of condensation on surfaces, which can promote mould growth. Some advanced air conditioning units even have built-in dehumidification features that actively extract excess moisture, maintaining optimal humidity levels for comfort and health.

Ventilation: Fresh Air Exchange

While air conditioning primarily focuses on cooling indoor spaces, it also contributes to ventilation by facilitating fresh air exchange. Stale indoor air can contain a buildup of pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, and odours. Air conditioning systems with ventilation options allow fresh outdoor air into the space, diluting pollutants and enhancing overall air quality.

However, it’s worth noting that ventilation efficiency through air conditioning varies depending on the system design. Some units may recirculate indoor air more than others. For optimal results, combining air conditioning with natural ventilation is recommended, such as opening windows when outdoor air quality is good.

Maintenance and Air Quality Tips

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure air conditioning systems continue to contribute to good air quality. Here are a few maintenance tips to keep in mind:

Clean or replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
Schedule professional maintenance and cleaning to ensure optimal system performance.
Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear of debris and vegetation to maintain proper airflow.
Consider using high-quality filters that can capture smaller particles effectively.

In addition to maintenance, here are a few general tips to improve air quality when using air conditioning:

Keep windows and doors closed to prevent outdoor pollutants from entering.
Avoid smoking indoors to prevent the release of harmful chemicals.
Keep indoor plants that naturally purify the air.
Use eco-friendly cleaning products and avoid using harsh chemicals that can release fumes.

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