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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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 MERV Filtration Ratings: Essential Insights for North American Standards

Ava Montini
Jul 30, 2024
5 min read

Imagine stepping into a modern office building on a hot summer day. The crisp, clean air immediately stands out, a stark contrast to the muggy outdoors. Or consider visiting a hospital, where the air feels noticeably sterile and fresh, creating a sense of safety and comfort.

These moments are created by advanced air filtration systems working tirelessly behind the scenes. A critical component of these systems is the MERV-rated filter, a key player in maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ).

Understanding MERV ratings is akin to understanding the SPF rating on sunscreen. Just as SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) measures how effectively an air filter captures different sizes of particles. Both scales guide consumers to make informed decisions about their health and safety, whether protecting skin from harmful UV rays or ensuring the air is free from pollutants.

What Are MERV Filtration Ratings?

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. Developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), it evaluates the effectiveness of air filters.

Diagram explaining MERV filtration ratings and their significance in North America.

MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, indicating the filter's ability to capture particles of varying sizes:

MERV 1-4: Basic filtration, suitable for residential use, where only large particles like pollen and dust mites need to be captured. These filters remove less than 20% of particles between 3 and 10 microns.
MERV 5-8: Intermediate filtration, effective against mold spores, hair spray, and cement dust. These filters capture up to 70% of particles between 3 and 10 microns.
MERV 9-12: Higher efficiency, capable of capturing lead dust, flour, and some bacteria. These filters remove up to 89% of particles between 1 and 3 microns.
MERV 13-16: High-efficiency filters that can trap tobacco smoke, bacteria, and sneeze particles. These filters capture more than 90% of particles between 0.3 and 1 microns.
MERV 17-20: Typically used in cleanrooms and hospital operating rooms, these filters can capture viruses, carbon dust, and other sub-micron particles. They are similar to HEPA filters in performance.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), using filters with higher MERV ratings, particularly MERV 13 and above, significantly improves IAQ by removing finer particulates from the air, thus reducing potential health risks associated with poor air quality.

Significance of MERV Ratings in North America

In North America, MERV ratings are widely used to ensure IAQ standards are met in various environments, from homes to industrial settings. MERV ratings help consumers and businesses choose the appropriate filter based on the specific needs of their environment. Higher MERV ratings indicate better filtration efficiency, crucial for environments requiring high air purity, such as hospitals and laboratories.

A National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) study found that higher MERV ratings correlate with a significant reduction in indoor airborne contaminants, enhancing overall health outcomes, especially in healthcare and educational settings.

Regulatory Standards and Recommendations

ASHRAE Standards

ASHRAE plays a pivotal role in setting standards for HVAC systems and IAQ. The ASHRAE 52.2 standard details the testing methods for measuring the MERV rating of filters.

ASHRAE also provides guidelines for different applications:

ASHRAE 62.1: Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in commercial buildings recommends MERV 8 as a minimum, ensuring the removal of larger particles and contributing to better IAQ.
ASHRAE 62.2: Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings suggests MERV 6-8 for residential settings, balancing cost and filtration efficiency.

CDC Recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses MERV ratings as part of their guidelines for air filtration in healthcare settings:

CDC's COVID-19 guidelines recommend using MERV 13 or higher filters to reduce airborne viral particles in public and healthcare environments. These filters are crucial in minimizing the spread of infectious diseases by capturing airborne pathogens【CDC】.

Regulations in Canada and the US

United States

In the US, MERV ratings are incorporated into building codes and standards, ensuring that buildings meet specific IAQ criteria. For example:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emphasizes using filters with MERV ratings of at least 13 in public buildings to enhance air quality and reduce airborne contaminants. This recommendation is particularly important in schools and office buildings to ensure the health and well-being of occupants【EPA】.

Canada

In Canada, MERV ratings are also a key component of IAQ standards:

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) references MERV ratings in their guidelines for commercial and residential buildings, advocating for MERV 8 as a baseline for most applications. This standard ensures that a basic level of air filtration is achieved, contributing to healthier indoor environments【CSA Group】.

Equivalent Technologies

While MERV ratings are a standard measure, other technologies can achieve similar filtration efficiencies:

Electromagnetic Air Filters: These filters use an electromagnetic charge to attract and trap particles, providing high filtration efficiency without the need for frequent replacements. Electromagnetic filters can achieve filtration levels comparable to high MERV-rated filters by utilizing the principles of electrostatic attraction to capture a wide range of particle sizes. They are effective in both residential and commercial applications, offering a sustainable solution with lower maintenance requirements【NIH】.
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters: Known for their superior filtration, HEPA filters capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, often exceeding the highest MERV ratings. HEPA filters are commonly used in medical, research, and high-tech manufacturing settings. They are ideal for environments where ultra-fine particle removal is critical, ensuring the highest levels of air purity【EPA】.
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI): Uses UV light to kill or inactivate microorganisms, complementing high MERV-rated filters by targeting airborne pathogens. UVGI is often used in conjunction with HVAC systems to enhance air purification. This technology is particularly effective in healthcare settings, where controlling the spread of infectious agents is paramount. By breaking down the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, UVGI provides an additional layer of protection【ASHRAE】.

Industry Benchmarks and Standards

Various industries have specific benchmarks for air quality and filtration:

Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics adhere to ASHRAE and CDC guidelines, often requiring MERV 13 or higher to ensure sterile environments. These settings prioritize the removal of airborne pathogens to prevent infections【CDC】.
Commercial Buildings: Offices and retail spaces generally follow ASHRAE 62.1, recommending MERV 8-13 based on occupancy and activity levels. This ensures a comfortable and healthy environment for employees and customers【ASHRAE】.
Educational Institutions: Schools and universities are increasingly adopting higher MERV ratings (MERV 13+) to ensure safe and healthy learning environments. Higher filtration levels help protect students and staff from allergens, pollutants, and infectious agents【EPA】.
Industrial Facilities: Factories and warehouses may require MERV 8-12 filters to control dust and particulate matter, protecting workers and machinery. Proper filtration in these settings is essential for maintaining air quality and operational efficiency【OSHA】.
Hospitality Industry: Hotels and restaurants use MERV 8-13 filters to provide clean air for guests, enhancing comfort and safety. Good IAQ is a critical factor in customer satisfaction in the hospitality sector【AHLA】.

Understanding MERV filtration ratings is crucial for selecting the right air filters to maintain optimal indoor air quality.

In North America, ASHRAE standards and CDC recommendations guide the use of MERV-rated filters across various sectors. By adhering to these guidelines and exploring equivalent technologies, businesses and homeowners can significantly improve their indoor environments, promoting health and well-being.

Embrace these insights to enhance your knowledge and application of MERV filtration ratings in your air quality management strategies. For more information and expert guidance, visit Blade Air's comprehensive resources on indoor air quality solutions.

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