Abstract
Lax Enforcement of Regulations Challenges Market Growth
While Canada and some parts of United States have set regulations specifying the levels of
humidity to be maintained in occupied spaces, these requirements are generally ignored by the
building and consulting fraternities. Often, building and consulting engineers opt for less
expensive systems to cut down on the costs of installing humidity control systems. Moreover, finding
professionals that can monitor compliance to the regulations is becoming increasingly difficult.
This is a major challenge faced by the humidity control equipment industry. Another factor
restricting market growth is low end-user awareness and the perception of high initial costs for
such equipment. Educating end users as well as consulting engineers on the long-term benefits of
humidity control can prove to be a beneficial strategy for market participants.
This Frost & Sullivan research examines North American commercial and industrial humidity
control equipment markets for both humidifiers and dehumidifiers. The study offers a comprehensive
analysis of key market drivers and restraints and industry challenges, and provides strategic
recommendations for market penetration and growth.
Improved Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation Guidelines Offer Growth Opportunities
Improved indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation guidelines by the American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) promise to boost demand for humidity control
equipment. The focus on IAQ is changing humidification equipment into a complimentary product for
comfort concerns. Moreover, building owners are prompted to offer a healthier environment to
occupants in order to avoid any legal complications arising out of sick building syndrome.
Consequently, older buildings with existing heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC)
systems -- not in compliance with the latest guidelines -- are bound to be retrofitted with new
humidity control systems. "Convincing the construction managers that the treated fresh air
units result in initial cost reduction and low cost of operation, is likely to benefit the market
immensely," says the analyst of this research.
Burgeoning Commercial Construction Industry Expected to Propel the Market
The reviving U.S. economy is bound to escalate growth of commercial construction. This, in turn,
is expected to fuel demand for North American humidity controls equipment market. All new buildings
are expected to be constructed with the humidity control equipment in place, since retrofitting
expenses are likely to be almost three times higher than that of installing the equipment at the
construction stage. Additionally, controlled humidity is known to protect building structures from
damage caused by molds, spores, and mildew. In short, the upswing in economy, booming construction
industry, and the need to comply with ventilation guidelines promise encouraging growth prospects
for the humidity control equipment market in North America.
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