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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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

At the Intersection of IAQ and Sustainability: Enhancing Indoor Air Quality Through Green Building Standards

Jennifer Crowley
Mar 18, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

Image of an impressive indoor structure within a large glass room. The structure is covered in lush greenery and featured multiple waterfalls — Green building standards intersect with indoor air quality (IAQ) to create healthier indoor environments

In the pursuit of healthier indoor environments, the convergence of indoor air quality (IAQ) and sustainability has emerged as a critical focus for building designers, developers, and occupants alike. Green building standards offer a comprehensive framework for achieving both environmental sustainability and optimal IAQ, ensuring that buildings prioritize the health and wellbeing of their occupants while minimizing their ecological footprint.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) profoundly influences our health, productivity, and overall wellbeing. As we spend the majority of our time indoors, ensuring clean and healthy air within buildings is paramount. Green building standards provide guidelines and best practices for achieving sustainable, healthy indoor environments that benefit both people and the planet.

The Importance of IAQ: Poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, and even chronic conditions such as asthma. Additionally, indoor air pollutants can impair cognitive function, reduce productivity, and negatively impact overall quality of life. By prioritizing IAQ, buildings can create healthier, more comfortable spaces for occupants to live, work, and thrive.

Image of female working on her laptop in an office building lobby embellished with lush greenery suspended from the high ceilings — Indoor greenery and biophilic design elements promote IAQ and occupant wellbeing by filtering airborne pollutants, reducing stress, and fostering connection with nature.

Understanding Green Building Standards: Green building standards, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and WELL Building Standard, incorporate IAQ criteria into their certification requirements. These standards aim to minimize environmental impact, promote sustainability, and enhance occupant health and wellbeing. By addressing factors such as ventilation, filtration, and materials selection, green buildings can significantly improve IAQ while reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Strategies for Enhancing IAQ:

Graphic image of air and dust entering a polarized filter and coming out he other side as clean air. — High-efficiency air filters minimize indoor air pollutants for healthier indoor environments

Filtration: High-efficiency air filters can capture airborne pollutants such as dust, pollen, and mould spores; improving IAQ and reducing the risk of respiratory problems. Green building standards often specify minimum filtration requirements to ensure effective air cleaning.
Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining good IAQ. Green building standards advocate for the use of natural ventilation whenever possible and require mechanical ventilation systems to deliver fresh outdoor air to indoor spaces.
Materials Selection: Choosing low-emission building materials and furnishings can help minimize indoor air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde. Green building standards encourage the use of environmentally friendly materials that are free from harmful chemicals.
Indoor Plants: Incorporating indoor plants into building design can help improve IAQ by naturally filtering airborne pollutants and increasing oxygen levels. Green building standards may include provisions for indoor greenery to promote healthier indoor environments.
IAQ Monitoring: Regular monitoring of IAQ parameters such as temperature, humidity, and pollutant levels is essential for maintaining optimal indoor air quality. Green building standards may require IAQ testing and monitoring as part of ongoing building operations and maintenance.

Looking up at exterior foliage from within a glass office building — Maximize natural ventilation and daylight to reduce reliance on mechanical HVAC systems

Case Study: Green Buildings & IAQ: Consider the Bullitt Center in Seattle, Washington, one of the greenest commercial buildings globally, achieving both LEED Platinum and Living Building Challenge certification. The Bullitt Center exemplifies how prioritizing IAQ within green building standards positively impacts occupants' health and environmental sustainability.

Impact of Priorities:

Ventilation and Natural Light: The Bullitt Center's design maximizes natural ventilation and daylighting, reducing the need for mechanical HVAC systems while enhancing occupant comfort and wellbeing. Ample access to fresh outdoor air and natural light promotes a healthy indoor environment conducive to productivity and wellbeing.
Filtration and Materials Selection: The building incorporates high-efficiency air filtration systems and low-emission building materials, minimizing indoor air pollutants and creating a healthier indoor environment for occupants. By selecting environmentally friendly materials, the Bullitt Center reduces off-gassing and VOC emissions, further enhancing IAQ.
Indoor Plants and Biophilic Design: Indoor greenery and biophilic design elements promote IAQ and occupant wellbeing by filtering airborne pollutants, reducing stress, and fostering connection with nature. The Bullitt Center's integration of plants and natural elements creates a harmonious indoor environment that supports both physical and mental health.
IAQ Monitoring and Continuous Improvement: Regular IAQ monitoring and maintenance practices ensure ongoing optimization of indoor air quality within the Bullitt Center. By tracking IAQ parameters and addressing any issues promptly, the building management team maintains a healthy indoor environment that prioritizes occupant health and comfort.

Enhancing indoor air quality through green building standards is paramount for creating healthy, sustainable indoor environments that promote occupant health and wellbeing. By implementing key strategies outlined in green building standards and prioritizing IAQ considerations, buildings can significantly improve indoor air quality while reducing their environmental impact.

As we continue to embrace the principles of sustainability and IAQ optimization in building design and construction, we move closer to a future where every indoor space fosters health, productivity, and sustainability for occupants and the planet alike.

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