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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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

Understanding Air Quality Index (AQI) and Its Impact on Health

Jennifer Crowley
Jun 28, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

Man using an AQI app on his phone to see what the air quality status is — By understanding the AQI and adhering to the corresponding health recommendations, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and the health of those around you.

Air quality has a significant impact on our overall health and well-being. As wildfires and other sources of air pollution become more prevalent, understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI) becomes increasingly important.

The AQI is a valuable tool that helps individuals determine the quality of the air they breathe and take necessary precautions to protect their health. In this blog, we will explore what AQI is, how it's calculated, and its impact on health, providing you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your indoor and outdoor activities.

Understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI)?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized system used by government agencies, environmental organizations, and health authorities to communicate the level of air pollution to the public. The AQI converts complex air quality data into a single number and colour-coded scale, making it easier for people to understand the air quality in their area and its potential health effects.

The AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500 and is divided into six categories:

Good (Green): AQI 0-50
Moderate (Yellow): AQI 51-100
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange): AQI 101-150
Unhealthy (Red): AQI 151-200
Very Unhealthy (Purple): AQI 201-300
Hazardous (Maroon): AQI 301-500

How is the AQI Calculated?

The AQI is calculated based on the concentrations of five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act:

Ground-level ozone (O3)
Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5)
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

Each pollutant has its own sub-index, which is calculated from its concentration in the air over a specified averaging period (e.g., 1 hour, 8 hours, or 24 hours). The highest of these sub-indices determines the overall AQI for that location on a given day. For example, during wildfire events, PM2.5 levels often dominate the AQI due to the abundance of fine smoke particles in the air.

AQI Categories and Health Recommendations

To help you interpret the AQI and understand its implications, let's break down each category and the corresponding health recommendations:

Air Quality index chart as per the US Environmental Protection Agency — The Air Quality Index includes AQI categories and colors, corresponding index values and cautionary statements for different levels of health concern.

Good (Green): AQI 0-50
1. Air Quality: Satisfactory; air pollution poses little or no risk.
2. Health Recommendations: No special precautions are needed.
Moderate (Yellow): AQI 51-100
1. Air Quality: Acceptable; however, for some pollutants, there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are sensitive to air pollution.
2. Health Recommendations: Unusually sensitive individuals should consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange): AQI 101-150
1. Air Quality: Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
2. Health Recommendations: Children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy (Red): AQI 151-200
1. Air Quality: Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
2. Health Recommendations: All individuals should limit prolonged outdoor exertion; sensitive groups should avoid outdoor activity.
Very Unhealthy (Purple): AQI 201-300
1. Air Quality: Health alert; everyone may experience more serious health effects.
2. Health Recommendations: Limit outdoor activities; sensitive groups should remain indoors and keep windows closed.
Hazardous (Maroon): AQI 301-500
1. Air Quality: Health warning of emergency conditions; the entire population is more likely to be affected.
2. Health Recommendations: Avoid all outdoor activity; stay indoors with windows and doors closed.

The Health Impact of Different Pollutants

The AQI focuses on five major pollutants, each of which affects health in specific ways:

Ground-level Ozone (O3)
1. Sources: Motor vehicle emissions, industrial facilities, chemical solvents.
2. Health Effects: Respiratory problems, reduced lung function, aggravated asthma, throat irritation.
Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5)
1. Sources: Construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, fires.
2. Health Effects: Cardiopulmonary diseases, aggravated asthma, diminished lung function, respiratory infections, heart attacks, strokes.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
1. Sources: Motor vehicle emissions, industrial processes, residential heating sources.
2. Health Effects: Reduced oxygen delivery to the body’s organs and tissues, fatigue, chest pain, impaired vision, and reduced brain function, at high levels may cause death.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
1. Sources: Fossil fuel combustion at power plants and industrial facilities.
2. Health Effects: Irritation of lungs and airways, increased asthma symptoms, reduced lung function.
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
1. Sources: Motor vehicle emissions, power plants, industrial facilities.
2. Health Effects: Lung irritation, respiratory infections, increased asthma symptoms.

Monitoring and Reducing Exposure to Poor Air Quality

Understanding the AQI and its implications is the first step in protecting your health from air pollution. Here are some practical steps to monitor air quality and minimize exposure:

Monitoring Air Quality

Use Reliable Sources
1. Websites like AirNow.gov (USA) and AirHealth.ca (Canada) provide real-time AQI information for various locations.
2. Many weather apps include AQI data in their forecasts.
Install Personal Air Quality Monitors
1. Personal monitors like PurpleAir and IQAir can provide localized PM2.5 measurements.
Follow Local Advisories
1. Pay attention to local health advisories and alerts during high pollution days.

Reducing Exposure

Stay Indoors on High AQI Days
1. Limit outdoor activities, especially strenuous exercise, during unhealthy air quality days.
2. Close windows and doors to prevent outdoor air from entering your home.
Use Air Purifiers
1. Use air purifiers with true HEPA filters to remove particulate matter from indoor air.
Create a Clean Air Room
1. Designate a room in your home with minimal outdoor air infiltration and use air purifiers to maintain clean air.
Improve Ventilation Systems
1. Ensure your HVAC system is running efficiently and consider using high-efficiency filters.

The Air Quality Index is a powerful tool that helps translate complex air pollution data into a user-friendly format. By understanding the AQI and adhering to the corresponding health recommendations, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and the health of those around you.

Breathe innovation. Breathe sustainability. Breathe easy with Blade Air.

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