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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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

How Off-Gassing Affects Indoor Air Quality

Jennifer Crowley
Jul 30, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Jul 9, 2024

Office setting with boxes of files and chairs wrapped in plastic. — Due to the prevalence of VOCs in manufacturing, a wide range of products can be sources of off-gassing in homes or buildings.

You’ve likely noticed a distinct smell when introducing newly-manufactured products into your home or office. This scent can be present in a range of items, from freshly-painted walls to new carpets, mattresses, or furniture. However, what we often call the “new smell” could be a sign of potentially-harmful off-gassing, which happens when certain products release harmful chemicals into the air.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the sources of off-gassing in both commercial and household settings, explore the impact of off-gassing on health, and offer tips on how to prevent or reduce the speed of the off-gassing process to improve indoor air quality.

What is Off-Gassing and How does it Affect Indoor Air Quality?

During the manufacturing process of various goods, organic chemicals in liquid or solid form can become trapped, leading to off-gassing. As time passes, the product will release these chemicals into the air in the form of gases and particulate matter, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It’s important to note that the presence of VOCs in the air cannot always be detected by smell alone, and the absence of odour does not necessarily mean that the product is not emitting VOCs.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can contain VOC concentrations typically two to five times higher than those found outdoors. Due to the prevalence of VOCs in manufacturing, a wide range of products can be sources of off-gassing in homes or buildings.

Sources of Off-Gassing in Commercial Settings

Off-gassing can occur in various commercial settings, including office buildings, hospitals, and retail stores. Some common sources of off-gassing in these environments include:

Carpeting and Flooring

Carpets and certain types of flooring can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, which can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as headaches and dizziness.

Paint and Coatings

Many paints, sealants, and adhesives contain VOCs that can be released into the air during and after application. Inhaling these chemicals can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues.

Furniture and Upholstery

Sofas, chairs, and other upholstered items can release flame retardants and other chemicals that can be harmful to human health. Additionally, particleboard and other composite wood products can off-gas formaldehyde.

Cleaning Products

Many commercial cleaning products contain VOCs and other chemicals that can be released into the air during use. This can contribute to poor indoor air quality and can be particularly harmful to people with respiratory issues.

Electronics

A UC Berkeley study found that office electronics, such as computers and printers—especially newer ones—may emit a wide range of VOCs that can accumulate in the air at potentially-harmful room concentrations.

Sources of Off-Gassing

Off-gassing is a concern in households and at the office. Some common sources of off-gassing in homes and at the office include:

Mattresses
Carpets
Dryer sheets
Air fresheners
Cleaning products
Cosmetics and personal care products
Markers, Sharpies and other art supplies

Impact of Off-Gassing on Health

Off-gassing can have a range of adverse health effects, depending on the chemicals involved and the length and intensity of exposure. Some possible health effects of off-gassing include:

Headaches
Dizziness
Eye, nose, and throat irritation
Respiratory problems
Nausea
Allergic reactions
Increased risk of cancer

Children, pregnant women, and people with preexisting health conditions may be particularly susceptible to the health effects of off-gassing.

How to Prevent or Reduce the Speed of Off-Gassing

There are several steps you can take to reduce off-gassing in your home or workplace. Some strategies include:

Choosing low-VOC products and materials: Look for certified products low in VOCs and other harmful chemicals.
Ventilating indoor spaces: Use fans, air purifiers, and other ventilation systems to keep indoor air fresh and circulating.
Cleaning regularly: Regular cleaning can help remove dust and other particles contributing to off-gassing.
Allowing for air exchange: When possible, open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate.
Speeding up off-gassing: If you’re dealing with a new product that is off-gassing, such as a new piece of furniture, you can speed up the process by placing it in a well-ventilated area and turning on fans to encourage air circulation.

By taking these steps, you can help to reduce the impact of off-gassing on your health and well-being.

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