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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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

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.

Top Energy Grants and Funding Programs for HVAC and IAQ Upgrades in 2024

Ava Montini
Oct 7, 2024
3 min read

In 2024, the importance of improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and upgrading HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems continues to grow, driven by increasing sustainability goals and a focus on health and well-being. Businesses, public institutions, and government entities are seeking ways to reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, and meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets. Energy grants and funding programs offer a crucial pathway to achieving these goals while managing costs.

This guide explores the top energy grants and funding programs available in 2024 to support HVAC and IAQ upgrades, providing businesses and institutions with a roadmap to align their operations with long-term sustainability and energy efficiency goals.

1. Federal and National-Level Energy Grants

Federal-level grants play a vital role in encouraging energy-efficient upgrades, helping organizations improve air quality and reduce operational costs. These programs often provide the foundation for large-scale sustainability projects.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG)
The EECBG Program, offered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), provides grants to states, local governments, and tribal entities to improve energy efficiency and conserve energy. The program supports HVAC and IAQ upgrades, helping institutions meet both energy reduction and sustainability targets.

Learn more about the EECBG Program
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP assists low-income households with energy-related needs, including HVAC improvements that enhance both energy efficiency and indoor air quality. It’s particularly impactful in areas where aging HVAC systems compromise air quality.

Explore LIHEAP Program Overview

2. State and Provincial-Level Programs

State and provincial programs provide targeted financial assistance to help businesses, schools, and other institutions upgrade their HVAC systems and improve IAQ. These programs often include rebates or direct funding to reduce energy costs while improving the health of indoor environments.

California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)
SGIP is one of California’s leading incentive programs for energy efficiency. It offers rebates for energy-efficient HVAC systems, contributing to reduced emissions and improved indoor air quality. This program reflects California’s broader commitment to sustainability and energy independence.

Explore SGIP
Ontario’s Save on Energy Retrofit Program
Ontario’s Save on Energy program provides businesses with financial support to upgrade their HVAC systems, offering incentives for energy-efficient retrofits that improve IAQ and reduce energy consumption. This program is a key part of Ontario’s energy conservation strategy.

Details on Ontario’s Save on Energy Retrofit Program

3. Utility and Energy Efficiency Programs

Utility companies across North America are offering energy efficiency programs that provide rebates and incentives for HVAC upgrades. These programs are designed to lower energy consumption, reduce costs, and improve the overall quality of indoor air.

National Grid Energy Efficiency Program (U.S.)
National Grid offers substantial rebates for energy-efficient HVAC upgrades. This program helps businesses reduce their energy usage while improving air quality and contributing to overall sustainability goals.

Read more on National Grid’s program.

4. Green Building Certifications and Sustainability Programs

Incentives aligned with certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and WELL Building Standard encourage organizations to upgrade HVAC systems to meet higher standards for energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality.

LEED Certification Incentives
Many cities and states offer incentives for LEED-certified buildings, which prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability. HVAC upgrades are often required to meet LEED standards, resulting in improved indoor air quality. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED-certified buildings use 25% less energy on average, contributing to healthier, more sustainable environments.

Learn more about LEED Certification.
WELL Building Standard Certification Support
The WELL Building Standard focuses on human health and well-being, with an emphasis on indoor air quality. Many funding programs, particularly in urban areas, provide financial support to businesses seeking WELL certification.

Learn more about WELL Certification.

In 2024, energy grants and funding programs continue to provide critical support for organizations looking to upgrade their HVAC systems and improve indoor air quality. These programs offer an opportunity to align with ESG goals while reducing operational costs and improving the health of indoor environments. By leveraging available funding, businesses and institutions can enhance their sustainability efforts and create healthier spaces for occupants.

To explore the available energy grants and funding programs, including regional opportunities across North America, visit our interactive map, where you can find the latest grants tailored to your region and industry.

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