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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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

UV Light for HVAC: What is Ultraviolet (UV) Technology?

Jennifer Crowley
Jul 28, 2023
4 min read

Updated: Jul 9, 2024

Close up image of a UV light designed for HVAC installation — UV-C is highly effective at killing or inactivating microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, by damaging their DNA and preventing replication.

UV stands for ultraviolet, a type of electromagnetic radiation not visible to the human eye. UV light has a shorter wavelength than visible light and is divided into three categories: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. UV-C light, which has the shortest wavelength and the most energy, is used for HVAC applications.

Chart showcasing where UV electromagnetic radiation (non-ozone forming) sits within the light spectrum — One of the most significant benefits of using UV lights in HVAC systems is improved indoor air quality. UV lights kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause illnesses.

In HVAC systems, UV lights are installed in the air ducts or near the evaporator coils to kill airborne bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. UV light kills these microorganisms by damaging their DNA, preventing them from reproducing and causing health problems.

There are two types of reasons why UV lights are commonly used in HVAC systems:

Coil Sterilization: Coil sterilization involves placing UV lights near the evaporator coils to kill any microorganisms that may be growing on them.
Air Sterilization: Air sterilization involves installing UV lights in the air ducts to kill any microorganisms that are circulating in the air.

UV lights used in HVAC systems are designed to emit a specific wavelength of UV-C light that is known to be effective in killing microorganisms. UV-C refers to ultraviolet light with a wavelength between 200 and 280 nanometers. It is highly effective at killing or inactivating microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, by damaging their DNA and preventing replication.

They are also designed to be safe for use in HVAC systems and do not produce harmful ozone.

Benefits of UV for HVAC

Improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

One of the most significant benefits of using UV lights in HVAC systems is improved indoor air quality. UV lights kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause illnesses such as colds, flu, and allergies. Common household VOCs that HVAC UV light systems neutralize include paints, solvents, aerosols, cleaners, disinfectants, repellents, and air fresheners.

Increased Energy Efficiency

By killing microorganisms on the evaporator coils, UV lights can also increase the energy efficiency of HVAC systems. This is because microorganisms can reduce the efficiency of the coils by creating a layer of grime, reducing heat transfer, and forcing the HVAC system to work harder to achieve the desired temperature.

Reduction of HVAC Maintenance Costs

UV lights can also reduce HVAC maintenance costs by reducing the need for coil cleaning and replacement. By killing microorganisms, the UV lights can prevent grime buildup on the evaporator coils, leading to reduced efficiency and more frequent cleaning or replacement.

Prevention of Mould and Other Biological Growth

Another benefit of UV lights in HVAC systems is preventing mould and other biological growth. Mould can be a serious problem in HVAC systems and cause health problems for building occupants. UV lights can prevent mould growth by killing the mould spores before they can take hold and grow.

Applications of UV for HVAC

Ultraviolet (UV) light has a range of applications in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. UV can be used for HVAC systems induct or as a portable device to improve indoor air quality and prevent the growth of microorganisms.

In HVAC systems, UV technology can be installed in the ductwork to sterilize the air as it passes through. This helps to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms that can circulate through the building. UV light can also help to reduce mould and mildew growth, which can cause unpleasant odours and damage to HVAC components.

Portable UV devices can be used to disinfect surfaces and air in specific areas of a building, such as offices or conference rooms. These devices emit UV-C light that can quickly kill bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms. Portable UV devices are particularly useful in high-traffic areas, where regular cleaning and disinfecting may not be sufficient to prevent the spread of germs.

Residential HVAC Systems

UV lights can be used in residential HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality and reduce the spread of illnesses. They can also reduce HVAC maintenance costs by preventing the buildup of grime on the evaporator coils.

Commercial HVAC Systems

Commercial buildings such as offices, schools, and hospitals can benefit greatly from UV lights in HVAC systems. They can help prevent the spread of illnesses and improve indoor air quality for building occupants.

UV Light for HVAC in Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics can benefit greatly from UV lights in HVAC systems. They can help prevent the spread of illnesses and reduce the risk of infections in patients who are already ill.

Maintenance of UV for HVAC

1. Cleaning and replacing UV lamps

The maintenance of UV lights in HVAC systems typically involves cleaning and replacing the UV lamps. The lamp replacement frequency will depend on the specific system and the manufacturer’s recommendations. While UV-C light is highly effective, it can also be dangerous to humans if they are exposed to it directly for extended periods of time. Therefore, it is important to use appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, when working and maintaining UV-C technology and should be handled according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Checking for the proper functioning of UV lights

It’s also important to regularly check that the UV lights are functioning properly. This can be done by checking for the blue glow that indicates that the UV light is on or by a status indicator on your unit. It’s also important to check that the UV lamps are free of dust and debris that can reduce their effectiveness.

While UV-C light is highly effective, it can also be dangerous to humans if they are exposed to it directly for extended periods of time. Therefore, it is important to use appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, when working and maintaining UV-C technology and should be handled according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Maintenance Frequency

The frequency of maintenance will depend on the specific system and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Typically, UV lights in HVAC systems require annual maintenance, including cleaning and lamp replacement.

Induct-300W UVGI Technology

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, or UVGI, uses shortwave UVC energy for germicidal irradiation. We utilize Air Sniper’s innovative technology, featuring UVGI light at a spectrum of 253.7 nanometers, as other wavelengths are prone to producing ozone. This UVGI technology achieves effectiveness from a holistic perspective by combining multiple high-wattage bulbs, reflective panelling and proper circulation time.

Learn more about our UVGI technology here.

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