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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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

What is Radon Poisoning? Sources, Symptoms and Prevention

Jennifer Crowley
Jun 29, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Jul 9, 2024

Base corner of an eroded brick building in the background with a magnifying glass identifying the periodic table formula for Radon (86 RN Radon <222>) — Good ventilation can help to reduce radon levels in your home by allowing fresh air to circulate and helping to dilute any radon that may be present.

Radon is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that is formed by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can seep into buildings through cracks and openings in the foundation and build up to dangerous levels over time.

Radon poisoning occurs when a person inhales high levels of radon gas for extended periods. When radon is breathed in, it can damage the lungs and potentially cause lung cancer.

Sources of Radon

It’s essential to be aware of the risks of radon poisoning, especially if you live in an area known to have high levels of radon or if you spend a lot of time in buildings where radon is likely to be present.

Some common sources of radon include:

Rocks and soil: After being released from bedrock material, radon passes through the soil, diluting in the air before entering buildings. Granites, migmatites, some clays and tills are particularly rich in uranium and radium, which decay into radon. Radon exhalation from the ground beneath buildings is the main source of radon in indoor air.
Water: Radon can dissolve and accumulate in groundwater sources, such as water pumps or drilled wells in uranium-rich geological areas. Radon in water can be released into the air during routine water use, such as showering or laundry.
Natural gas: Radon can be present in natural gas, which can then be released into the air when the gas is burned. This can be a concern in homes that use natural gas for heating or cooking.

The risk of radon poisoning can vary depending on the location of the building and the specific sources of radon. In general, homes and buildings in areas with high levels of uranium in the soil or rock are more likely to have high levels of radon. Additionally, older homes and buildings are more likely to have higher radon levels due to factors such as poor ventilation and foundation cracks.

Symptoms of Radon Poisoning

The most common symptom of radon poisoning is lung cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking, and it’s estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year. The risk of lung cancer from radon exposure is higher for smokers, as the combination of smoking and radon exposure can greatly increase the risk of lung cancer.

Other symptoms of radon poisoning can include:

Persistent coughing
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Wheezing
Hoarseness
Difficulty swallowing
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia

Prevention of Radon Poisoning

There are steps you can take to reduce your exposure and lower your risk of developing symptoms or health problems related to radon poisoning. Here are some prevention tips to keep in mind:

Test your building or home for radon: The first step in preventing radon poisoning is to have your home tested for radon. A certified radon testing professional can conduct a test to determine the radon levels in your home and recommend appropriate steps for mitigation if necessary. Testing is essential if you live in an area with high levels of radon or if you have reason to believe that your home may be at risk.
Increase ventilation: Good ventilation can help to reduce radon levels in your home by allowing fresh air to circulate and helping to dilute any radon that may be present. You can increase ventilation by opening windows and doors, using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and installing a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV) system.
Quit smoking: If you smoke, quitting can significantly reduce your risk of developing lung cancer from radon exposure. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and combining smoking and radon exposure can greatly increase the risk of developing the disease.
Contact qualified contractor: Seal cracks in floors and walls with plaster, caulk, or other materials designed for this purpose. Contact a qualified contractor in your area for information on how to fix radon problems yourself.

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