Strategic Analysis of the North American Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Markets

Abstract

IAQ Vendors Must Provide Integrated Solutions

Despite the strong correlation between buildings, environment, and human health, the indoor air quality (IAQ) markets continue to focus on individual segments rather than providing integrated solutions. Along with this, the fragmentation of the industry at both provincial and federal levels poses further hurdles. As a viable solution, researchers, designers, builders, and manufacturers can collaborate to develop and market integrated products, systems, and programs. This unification includes involving the various concerned parties -- architects, health professionals, and engineers -- in the designing and construction of buildings.

This Frost & Sullivan research service provides an overview of the North American IAQ markets and segments them into IAQ remediation, heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) air filters, HVAC ventilation equipment, air purifiers and humidifiers. It details revenue and market share forecasts and enables companies to align their positioning strategies to benefit from the changing markets and obtain maximum return on investments.

Builders to Follow Specified Guidelines to Provide Superior Air Quality

Currently, homes across the nation are increasingly likely to follow the guidelines developed by the American Lung Association Health House program. These homes are expected to be healthier, durable, and offer a greater level of energy-efficiency than ones built using the conventional construction methods. Along with the American Lung Association Health House program, builders are also following the Federal Governments EnergyStar Homes and the BuiltGreen programs.

"The U.S. Green Building Councils Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program emphasizes on ventilation and air filtration systems and ultraviolet light protection from molds and bacteria," says the analyst of the research service. "Energy-recovery ventilators providing a continuous supply of fresh and filtered air are also becoming popular in the IAQ markets."

Growing Consumer Concerns Boost Demand in IAQ Product Segments

The increasing demand for airtight HVAC units has spurred the growth of the HVAC ventilation segment, which is currently at 17.0 percent of its estimated potential market size. The overall markets are gaining momentum with the U.S. National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continually stressing on the need for a better indoor air environment. Consumers are also aware of building problems related to air pollution, while manufacturers are conducting extensive research on this aspect and communicating them to their large customer base.

"Particularly, the rising Asthma and allergy concerns have helped air purification equipment record substantial growth," notes the analyst. "Customer familiarity with aspects such as product availability and features along with superior advertising strategies by sellers are likely to further stimulate the demand for high-quality IAQ products and services."