During the summer of 2024, the Canadian wildfires had many people here in the Midwest thinking about air quality, both indoor and outdoor. Our article, “The Impact of Indoor Air Quality & How HVAC Can Help” delved into the timely issue.
Indoor air quality (IAQ) came into sharp focus during the pandemic because of the airborne spread of Covid-19 in enclosed spaces. IAQ remains a big issue, especially in relation to the HVAC industry. How big? Try $12.9 billion big. The market for indoor air quality solutions is projected to hit that sky-high number by 2029. And most of that growth is happening right on the doorstep of HVAC.
It's not surprising. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that Americans spend 90% of our time indoors. That includes our homes, offices and public spaces like restaurants and malls. And levels of air pollution inside the house can be just as high — sometimes higher, according to the EPA — than it is outdoors.
The heightened awareness of indoor air quality, coupled with the time we all spend indoors, is driving the surge in this market. For HVAC pros, it presents both opportunities and challenges.
Indoor air quality is all about HVAC products and services. Things like high-efficiency filters and purifiers, proper ventilation systems that bring in fresh air and removes stale air, humidity control to stave off mold and bacteria growth, and duct cleaning and maintenance services all contribute to the quality of a customer’s indoor air.
Here are some of the effects this growing market is expected to have on HVAC. In a word, it’s “more.”
More IAQ solutions. You’re probably already getting requests from customers about air purifiers, advanced filtration systems and even whole home ventilation and purification. Expect more to come as the technology advances.
More upgrades. Going hand in hand with more IAQ solutions, HVAC pros are receiving requests for upgrades of existing systems.
More technology. Look for IAQ solutions to increasingly integrate wi-fi monitoring and automatic controls. Soon, everything in people’s homes will be able to talk to each other, from HVAC to plumbing to appliances to electrical to entertainment and more.
More training. With all of this new technology comes the need for more training. At Goodin, we pride ourselves on providing the most up-to-the-minute training for the industry, and this falls right into that bucket. Specialized training on new technology and systems, and perhaps new certifications in IAQ, likely will be coming down the pike. Take advantage of these opportunities to bump up your skills and knowledge.
More consultations. As IAQ solutions advance, it’s up to HVAC to inform customers about what’s out there. It presents a great opportunity to be seen as an expert consultant in all things HVAC, not simply an installer.
Bottom line, for the HVAC industry, indoor air quality is becoming a bigger part of the game. It means opportunities to expand and enhance services and offerings, and with it comes challenges for more training and increased demands from customers.
At Goodin Company, we’re here to make sure you have access to the latest and greatest technology for indoor air quality. So, breathe easy. We’ve got you covered.
