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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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

The Role of ESG in Building IAQ Retrofits: Achieving Sustainability Goals

Jennifer Crowley
Jul 4, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

Diverse team, middle-aged Asian businessman, Caucasian young businesswoman, Muslim hijab-wearing focused in ESG goals — Retrofitting buildings to optimize indoor air quality (IAQ) offers substantial environmental, Social and Governance benefits.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are becoming increasingly crucial in the corporate world. These principles guide companies in making decisions that are not only financially beneficial but also environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, and compliant with governance standards.

As businesses strive to meet these goals, building retrofits emerge as a key strategy. Retrofitting buildings with advanced indoor air quality solutions from Blade Air can significantly contribute to achieving ESG objectives, enhancing sustainability, and promoting occupant health.

Environmental Impact

Clear glass light bulb protruding from the soil and surrounded by greenery — HVAC systems can be energy-intensive, contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the primary components of ESG in building IAQ retrofits is the environmental impact of business operations. Retrofitting buildings to optimize IAQ with Blade Airs solutions offers substantial environmental benefits:

Energy Efficiency: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, HVAC systems account for about 40% of the energy used in commercial buildings. Blade Air’s advanced filtration systems, such as our Pro Filters and HEPA+ filters, enhance the efficiency of HVAC systems. By reducing the load on these systems, energy consumption is significantly lowered. This not only reduces operational costs but also minimizes your building’s carbon footprint.

Carbon Footprint Reduction: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that improving energy efficiency in buildings can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20%. Traditional HVAC systems can be energy-intensive, contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions. Blade Air’s solutions, including UV-C light technology and zero-waste carbon filters, help optimize HVAC performance, leading to lower emissions and a more sustainable operation.

Resource Conservation: By improving the longevity and efficiency of existing HVAC systems, Blade Air’s IAQ retrofitting solutions reduce the need for frequent replacements and repairs, conserving resources and reducing waste.

Social Responsibility

Man's hands with arms outstretched, holding a small globe representing the earth — Enhanced IAQ reduces the presence of allergens, pollutants, and pathogens.

The social aspect of ESG focuses on the impact of business operations on people and communities. Improving IAQ through retrofitting has significant social benefits:

Occupant Health: The World Health Organization (WHO) states that poor indoor air quality is responsible for approximately 3.8 million deaths annually due to non-communicable diseases like stroke and chronic respiratory diseases. Enhanced air quality reduces the presence of allergens, pollutants, and pathogens in indoor environments. This leads to fewer respiratory issues, allergies, and illnesses among occupants, promoting overall health and well-being.

Community Wellbeing: Healthier indoor environments contribute to the well-being of the community. Schools, offices, and residential buildings that prioritize air quality create safer, more comfortable spaces for people to live, work, and learn.

Employee Productivity: A Study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has shown that improving IAQ can boost productivity by up to 11%. Better air quality is linked to improved cognitive function and by investing in air quality improvements, businesses can foster a healthier, more productive workforce.

Governance and Compliance

ESG environment social governance investment concept. Business people meeting,Plan strategies future — By choosing sustainable retrofitting solutions, businesses align their operations with ethical practices.

Governance in ESG involves adherence to regulations and standards that promote sustainability and ethical practices. Retrofitting buildings for IAQ with Blade Air solutions ensures compliance with these regulations:

Regulatory Compliance: Many regions have stringent air quality standards and energy efficiency regulations. For example, the EPA’s Clean Air Act requires businesses to meet specific air quality standards to protect public health. Blade Air’s advanced filtration and purification systems help buildings meet and exceed these standards, avoiding potential fines and legal issues.

Sustainability Reporting: Companies increasingly need to report on their sustainability efforts. Implementing Blade Air’s solutions provides tangible improvements in energy efficiency and air quality, which can be documented and reported to stakeholders, demonstrating a commitment to ESG principles.

Ethical Practices: By choosing sustainable retrofitting solutions, businesses align their operations with ethical practices that prioritize the health of the environment and the community.

ESG in Building IAQ Retrofits Case Study

The Historic Toronto Distillery District

Gooderham & Worts building in Toronto's historic Distillery District — By implementing Blade Air's advanced air quality solutions, the Distillery District not only met but exceeded its ESG goals, setting a new standard for environmental sustainability and occupant well-being.

In December 2021, the Distillery District management team contacted Blade Air to improve IAQ in their buildings, which were currently running MERV-13 filters. They sought a solution that balanced reducing their carbon footprint with creating a healthier workspace for tenants, without the prohibitive costs of retrofitting and HEPA or UV solutions, which are energy-intensive.

Blade Air implemented electromagnetic Pro Filters, which use active polarization fields to outperform HEPA in capturing particulate matter in the viral range. These filters have nearly 90% lower static pressure than HEPA and over 70% lower than MERV-13 filters, leading to significant energy savings. Additionally, electromagnetic filters inactivate viruses, offering comprehensive air quality improvement.

ESG Results:

Energy Savings: Achieved an impressive 75% reduction in fan motor energy consumption, significantly lowering operational costs and environmental impact.
Superior Indoor Air Quality: Blade Air's electromagnetic Pro Filters outperformed previous MERV-13 filters by 2.25 times in capturing and removing airborne bacteria, vastly improving air quality.
Streamlined Maintenance: By switching to Pro Filters, which only need to be replaced twice a year instead of quarterly, the Distillery District saw up to a 50% reduction in labor costs associated with maintenance.
Logistical Savings: Pro Filters streamlined logistics by reducing storage and delivery needs, leading to an incredible 92% cost savings and further lowering emissions.

These outstanding results highlight Blade Air’s ability to drive substantial energy and operational savings, enhance cognitive function through superior air quality, and significantly reduce maintenance and logistical costs. By implementing Blade Air's advanced air quality solutions, the Distillery District not only met but exceeded its ESG goals, setting a new standard for environmental sustainability and occupant well-being.

Improving IAQ by integrating ESG principles into business operations is not only a strategic move but also a moral imperative in today’s world. Retrofitting buildings with Blade Air’s advanced air quality solutions helps businesses achieve their sustainability goals by improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprints, enhancing occupant health, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Ready to integrate ESG principles into your building’s operations? Contact Blade Air today to discover how our advanced air quality solutions can help you achieve your sustainability goals. Transform your building, enhance occupant health, and demonstrate your commitment to the environment and community with your trusted Partners at Blade Air - Let’s make a positive difference, together.

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