top of page

AI’s Energy Appetite: What Data Centers Mean for the Future of Electricity Prices

Discover how AI-driven data centers are reshaping electricity demand, prices, and why smarter HVAC and efficiency are critical for sustainable growth.

Ava Montini

Jan 27, 2026

Written by 

Published on

Tags

Powering intelligence, shaping energy


Artificial intelligence has gone from “what if” to “what now.” We use it to draft reports, analyze data, streamline workflows, and even generate design ideas. But while the results appear on our screens instantly, what powers them is anything but invisible.


Behind every AI tool is a data center; rows of servers drawing massive amounts of power and generating equally massive amounts of heat. And with AI adoption soaring, those facilities are putting real pressure on our electricity grids.


Bloomberg recently reported that in PJM, the largest U.S. grid, capacity prices jumped sharply as AI-driven data center demand climbed (Bloomberg). For operators, this is a direct hit to energy budgets.


So while AI is exciting, it comes with a new operational reality: efficiency in cooling, airflow, and HVAC isn’t optional. It’s the difference between runaway costs and sustainable growth.


Why AI is different from past computing booms


Previous waves of digital growth (like cloud adoption) drove steady data center expansion. But AI is different. Training large models consumes enormous amounts of energy. The International Energy Agency estimates that data center electricity use could nearly double by 2030 to around 1,000 TWh, roughly equal to Japan’s entire annual consumption (IEA).


And it’s not just training. Inference: the everyday process of users asking questions or running AI tasks is multiplying demand across millions of devices. Goldman Sachs forecasts a 165% increase in data center power demand by 2030, largely due to AI (Goldman Sachs).


Cooling: a hidden energy driver


When people think about data centers, they picture racks of servers. But behind that computing load is another energy giant: cooling.

HVAC, chillers, pumps, and fans often make up 30–40% of total energy use in data centers (U.S. DOE). That means the “support systems” keeping servers at safe temperatures can rival the IT equipment itself in energy demand.


And because these systems run 24/7, even small inefficiencies snowball:

  • A high-resistance filter forces fans to draw extra kilowatts all day, every day.

  • A dirty coil reduces heat transfer, stretching compressor runtimes.

  • A miscalibrated damper throws airflow off balance, raising both costs and emissions.


Clogged filters can cut supply airflow by over 35%, driving higher fan power and cooling loads (MDPI). Others highlight how loaded filters in constant-speed systems directly increase electricity use (University of Texas at Austin).


Now scale that across a hyperscale AI-driven facility. A 3% efficiency penalty may look small on paper, but in practice, it can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars annually and add unnecessary CO₂e to your footprint.


That’s why low-pressure, high-efficiency filtration matters. It cuts resistance without sacrificing capture, reducing fan energy hour after hour. For operators under pressure from rising power prices and sustainability goals, it’s one of the simplest ways to shrink cooling costs while protecting uptime.


Why efficiency pays off more now

Energy savings have always lowered costs. But as grids get stressed and data center demand rises, the value of each saved kilowatt is climbing. Bloomberg recently reported that capacity prices on PJM, the largest U.S. grid, have spiked because of new data center growth (Bloomberg).


In practical terms, this changes the math:

  • A coil cleaning that once took years to pay for itself can now pay back in just a few months.

  • Smarter controls and calibrated ventilation keep you protected when prices swing.

  • Low-pressure filtration quietly reduces fan energy every hour, stacking up bigger savings as electricity prices rise.


The bottom line is that efficiency has become one of the fastest and most reliable ways to control operating costs in an unpredictable energy market.


Building smarter, not just bigger

For operators, the roadmap isn’t a mystery. The tools are already here:

  • Low-pressure filtration to keep fans efficient hour after hour.

  • Adaptive cooling strategies like variable-speed fans, economizers, and containment to right-size energy use.

  • Monitoring-based commissioning and diagnostics to stop efficiency losses before they become routine.

  • Load shifting and grid-aware operations to tap cleaner, cheaper hours of power (IEA).


Every watt counts

As AI expands, data centers will continue to carry a heavier share of global electricity demand. That makes efficiency less of an option and more of an operating requirement.


The lesson is simple: efficiency and reliability are not competing goals. When facilities prioritize both, they not only manage rising energy costs but also reduce their carbon footprint in measurable, reportable ways. AI may be shaping the demand curve, but how operators respond will shape the industry's long-term sustainability.

How Blade Air's Pro Filter Technology Transforms Indoor Air Quality in Old Buildings

  • Writer: Jennifer Crowley
    Jennifer Crowley
  • Jul 4, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

Blade Air's Pro Filter halfway inserted into an HVAC system
Blade Air's Pro Filter technology offers a cutting-edge solution to enhance IAQ and energy efficiency in older buildings.

Maintaining optimal indoor air quality (IAQ) in old buildings presents a unique set of challenges. Over time, these structures accumulate dust, allergens, and pollutants that can compromise the health and well-being of occupants. Outdated HVAC systems often struggle to keep up with modern air quality standards, leading to inefficient energy use and increased operational costs. This is where Blade Air's Pro Filter technology comes in, offering a cutting-edge solution to enhance IAQ and energy efficiency in older buildings.


What is Pro Filter Technology?

Blade Air's Pro Filter
Pro Filter uses unique electromagnetic filtration to capture and neutralize airborne particles.

Blade Air’s Pro Filter technology is a revolutionary advancement in air purification. Unlike traditional filters, the Pro Filter uses unique electromagnetic filtration to capture and neutralize airborne particles. This technology works by charging particles in the air, making them easier to capture. The result is superior filtration efficiency, improving indoor air quality by as much as 2.25x and capturing particles 40x smaller than standard filters.


Key Features and Benefits

1. Energy Savings:

One of the standout features of the Pro Filter is its ability to reduce energy consumption. Traditional HVAC systems often require significant energy to push air through dense filters. However, the Pro Filter's low-pressure drop design allows air to flow more freely, reducing the load on HVAC systems. This results in up to 75% reduction in fan motor savings.


2. Operational Efficiency:

The Pro Filter technology not only enhances air quality but also improves the overall operational efficiency of HVAC systems. With its advanced design, the Pro Filter requires less frequent maintenance and replacement compared to traditional filters. This leads to lower operational costs and less downtime, with savings as high as 50%, ensuring that buildings can maintain a consistent level of air quality with minimal interruption.


3. Superior Filtration Capabilities:

The Pro Filter’s unique electromagnetic filtration process is designed to capture even the smallest airborne particles. Our Pro Filters capture ultrafine particles including viruses and bacteria, far exceeding the capabilities of traditional pleated filters and ensuring the air in your building is clean and safe. This is particularly beneficial for occupants with allergies or respiratory conditions, as it significantly reduces the presence of allergens and other irritants.


4. Logistics Efficiency:

Streamlined logistics opportunities can significantly reduce storage needs and delivery requirements, potentially resulting in up to 92% cost savings while also lowering emissions.


Case Study: Pro Filter Technology in Old Buildings

Toronto's historic Distillery District
After retrofitting with Blade Air's Pro Filter technology, the district saw a 75% reduction in supply fan motor consumption.

Case Study - The Toronto Historic Gooderham & Worts Distillery District

The Toronto Historic Gooderham & Worts Distillery District, a collection of 47, 19th-century buildings in downtown Toronto, faced significant challenges with poor air quality and high energy costs due to its outdated HVAC system.


After retrofitting with Blade Air's Pro Filter technology, the district saw a 75% reduction in supply fan motor consumption and a 2.25x increase in filter performance compared to their previous MERV 13 solution. This upgrade effectively captured and removed bacteria from the airstream.


In addition to the substantial energy savings and reduced maintenance costs, the retrofit significantly improved indoor air quality, enhancing the overall environment for occupants. The improved air quality has even contributed to better cognitive function among the residents, all achieved with no added retrofit costs. The transformation highlights the benefits of modernizing air filtration systems in historic buildings.


What Our Customers Are Saying

Jamie Goad, Co-Founder, Distillery District:

"We selected Blade Air after fairly exhaustive research...some of the things that were quite compelling were its ability to adapt to the kinds of HVAC systems we already have in place...distributed air handling, the ability to increase the level of filtration, the potential for energy saving, we wanted a product our own maintenance staff could replace...A number of important issues that were all satisfied by the Blade Air Product."


Russel Ross, Bayview Golf & Country Club:

"Wow, what a company. Great products, great prices and service. We put one [HEPA Air Purifier] into our club restaurant. What a difference! Air smells fresh and the members are really excited that the club is protecting them. Keep up the great work!”


Improving indoor air quality in old buildings doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Blade Air’s Pro Filter technology, particularly in old buildings, offers a proven solution that enhances IAQ, reduces energy consumption, and improves operational efficiency. If you're ready to transform your building’s air quality and enjoy the benefits of cutting-edge filtration technology, contact Blade Air today for a consultation and learn more about our retrofitting services.


Explore expert insights, stay up-to-date with industry events, and gain a deeper understanding of the developments shaping the built environment.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter below for exclusive early access to Blade's Insights content.

Insights Hub

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consec tetur adipiscing elit. Sit quis auctor 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet cotetur 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consec tetur adipiscing elit. Sit quis auctor 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet cotetur 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consec tetur adipiscing elit. Sit quis auctor 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet cotetur 

bottom of page