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The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans.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

Understanding Sick Building Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Jennifer Crowley
Jul 11, 2024
3 min read

Young man in the foreground sitting on an office chair clutching his head in pain, with a boardroom or working employees in the background — Addressing SBS promptly is crucial for safeguarding the health of building occupants and ensuring a productive, comfortable living or working environment.

What is Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)?

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a growing concern in modern workplaces and living environments. SBS refers to a situation where occupants of a building experience acute health issues and discomfort that seem linked to time spent in the building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. Understanding and addressing SBS is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of building occupants.

Common Causes and Symptoms

Symptoms of SBS:

Headaches: Persistent or recurring headaches that are not attributable to other causes.
Respiratory Issues: Symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing.
Eye, Nose, or Throat Irritation: Dryness, itching, burning, or watery eyes, along with irritation in the nasal passages or throat.
Fatigue: Unusual tiredness, lethargy, and lack of energy.
Difficulty Concentrating: Cognitive issues such as memory problems and difficulty focusing.
Skin Irritation: Rashes, dry skin, or itching.

Common Causes of SBS:

Poor Ventilation and Inadequate Air Exchange: Insufficient ventilation systems fail to bring in fresh air and remove stale air, which leads to an accumulation of indoor pollutants.
Indoor Air Pollutants: The presence of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) from building materials, furnishings, cleaning products, and office equipment. These compounds can off-gas and accumulate in the indoor environment.
Mold and Microbial Contamination: Dampness and high humidity levels can lead to mold growth and the proliferation of bacteria and fungi, which release spores and other microbial contaminants into the air.
Inadequate Temperature and Humidity Control: Poor regulation of indoor temperature and humidity levels can contribute to discomfort and the growth of indoor pollutants.

Keyword statistic and cluster of Sick Building Syndrome provided By MDPI as seen in the article link below — Poor air quality and pollutants cause SBS, leading to respiratory and mental health issues with women, children, and office workers being more vulnerable to SBS due to prolonged indoor stays.

Health Impacts of SBS

The adverse health effects of SBS can be significant, impacting both physical and mental well-being. Prolonged exposure to poor indoor air quality can lead to chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis, severe allergies, and even long-term neurological issues like chronic fatigue syndrome. For businesses, this translates to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher healthcare costs. Check out MDPI's scholarly article on Building and Health: Mapping the Knowledge Development of Sick Building Syndrome for more detailed information.

Regulatory Concerns

To combat SBS, various air quality standards and recommendations have been established. Organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines for acceptable indoor air quality levels. These standards emphasize the importance of proper ventilation, regular maintenance of HVAC systems, and the reduction of indoor pollutants. Buildings failing to meet these standards can face legal repercussions, potential fines, and decreased occupant satisfaction.

Solutions: How Blade Air's Pro Filter Can Help

Blade Air's Pro Filter is designed to address and mitigate the causes of SBS effectively. By incorporating advanced HEPA filtration technology, the Pro Filter captures and removes harmful particulates, allergens, and pollutants from the air. Its design ensures improved air circulation and ventilation, creating a healthier indoor environment. Additionally, Blade Air's Pro Filter can be seamlessly integrated into existing HVAC systems, offering a comprehensive solution for maintaining optimal indoor air quality.

The Importance of Immediate Action

Addressing SBS promptly is crucial for safeguarding the health of building occupants and ensuring a productive, comfortable living or working environment. Blade Air is committed to providing cutting-edge air quality solutions that tackle SBS head-on.

By investing in Blade Air's Pro Filter technology, you can enhance indoor air quality, comply with regulatory standards, and promote overall well-being. Get in touch with our sales team if you'd like to learn more about how we can assist you with the air quality in your buildings - together we can help your occupants breathe easier.

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