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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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 to Increase Employee Productivity at Work

Jennifer Crowley
Jul 31, 2023
5 min read

Updated: Jul 9, 2024

Group of coworkers sitting around a round table brainstorming — The more productive a company is, the easier it is to establish organizational growth and create a healthy work environment.

With the start of a new year, discovering how to improve employee productivity and learning to maintain it is a crucial goal for any organization. When a company is productive, it increases profitability, lowers production costs and improves customer service and business relationships. The more productive a company is, the easier it is to establish organizational growth and create a healthy work environment.

As the needs of employees have evolved significantly over time, it has become essential to cater to their needs. Below we look at five effective strategies to improve worker efficiency in your organization.

1. Effective Employee Onboarding

Employee onboarding is an essential part of any successful organization. It is the process of introducing new employees to the organization and its culture and providing them with the necessary knowledge and resources to perform their job well. Effective employee onboarding can help an organization create a productive work environment by providing new employees with the tools, resources, and support needed to succeed.

When new employees are onboarded effectively, they quickly acclimate to the organization, its culture, and their coworkers. This allows them to start quickly contributing to the organization’s success and build strong relationships with their colleagues. Effective onboarding also helps new hires understand the organization’s values, expectations, and policies, which can help foster a productive work environment.

By providing new employees with the necessary knowledge and resources to be successful, organizations can create a culture where employees feel valued and motivated to contribute. In addition, employee onboarding helps to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals and that each team member understands their role and responsibilities. This helps create a work environment where everyone works together to achieve success.

It is essential to properly onboard employees to maximize productivity and make them feel welcome in their new work environment. To achieve this, plan the onboarding process and divide it into different phases. For example, welcome your new employees with a personalized email, provide them with the necessary gadgets and resources, and offer training during their first few days and weeks in the company. Doing so will help build a strong foundation for their journey with your organization.

2. Focus on Effective Communication

Effective communication is an essential skill for any organization to cultivate a productive work environment. Effective communication helps ensure everyone in the workplace is on the same page, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. Effective communication allows for clear and concise messages to be sent, enabling employees to understand the expectations and objectives of the organization. Additionally, effective communication will help keep employees motivated and engaged, as they will know what is expected of them and why.

Effective communication also helps to foster a positive work environment where employees feel respected and valued. When employees can understand and discuss their ideas and concerns with their coworkers and supervisors, it helps to create a sense of trust and connection. This trust and connection will help to open the door for more creative and innovative ideas, which can help the organization progress and reach new heights. Effective communication also helps reduce misunderstandings and conflicts within the workplace, allowing employees to work together in harmony.

3. Reward Employees

Rewarding employees is an effective way for an organization to cultivate a productive work environment. Rewarding employees helps to create a positive work culture, encourages engagement, and increases motivation. When employees are recognized and rewarded for their efforts, it reinforces positive behaviours and encourages them to continue to strive for excellence. When employees feel appreciated and valued for their contributions, they are more likely to take ownership of their work and invest in the organization’s future.

Rewarding employees also helps to foster a sense of loyalty and commitment to the organization. Studies have shown that when employees are rewarded for their work, they are more likely to stay with the organization for a more extended period, reducing company employee turnover.

Rewarding employees helps build trust between the organization and its employees, which is essential for creating a productive work environment. Recognizing and rewarding employees for their efforts can create a positive, productive, and collaborative work environment.

4. Increase Employee Productivity with Healthy Indoor Air Quality

Healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) is essential for organizations to cultivate a productive work environment. However, poor air quality can lead to significant health issues for employees, such as fatigue, headaches, and respiratory problems. This can result in decreased productivity, poor morale, and increased absenteeism.

Organizations should take steps to ensure that air quality is maintained at a healthy level. This includes controlling sources of indoor air pollutants such as cleaning products, paints, furniture, and carpets. Additionally, proper ventilation is essential to ensure stale air is exchanged with fresh air. This helps to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the air and also helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

They should also consider investing in air cleaning and purification systems. These systems use filters to remove airborne particles and contaminants, ensuring the air is clean and healthy. Additionally, organizations should implement policies to ensure that employees are aware of the importance of indoor air quality and take steps to reduce sources of air pollution.

By taking steps to maintain healthy indoor air quality, organizations can create a productive work environment. Employees will be healthier and have the energy and focus on being more productive. This has a positive impact on the overall success of the organization.

5. Collect Feedback

Collecting employee feedback helps an organization cultivate a productive work environment in various ways. By gathering employee feedback, organizations can gain valuable insights into how employees feel about their jobs, colleagues, and the overall work environment. This information can be used to make improvements that can help create a more positive and productive environment. For example, if employees express dissatisfaction with the physical workspace, the organization can use that feedback to make changes that can make the space more comfortable and conducive to productivity.

In addition, gathering feedback can help organizations understand how employees feel about their roles and how they are being managed. This can help managers identify areas where employees need more support or resources to be successful in their roles or if employees feel their work is not being recognized or appreciated.

Finally, collecting feedback from employees can help organizations cultivate a productive work environment by fostering a culture of open communication. When employees feel comfortable providing feedback and their concerns are heard and taken seriously, it can help create a sense of trust and belonging that can lead to increased engagement and productivity.

Happy and motivated employees are essential for any business that wants to increase productivity. Helping your employees become more productive and rewarding what your employees do on an individual level can boost personal fulfillment and productivity in the workplace.

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