Wolseley PRO Pipeline Blog
Indoor air quality has been getting a lot of attention. But does it have your attention as a potential opportunity to grow your business? Over the years, indoor air quality (IAQ) has been recognized as a growing issue, as more and more people struggle with the effects of outdoor pollution moving inside. The problem is only getting worse.
The Indoor Air We Breathe
Every summer, we hear about communities thousands of kilometres away from forest fires having to deal with thick smoke. Meanwhile, more housing is being built next to busy highways, and gridlock traffic within cities is causing even more pollution. All that “bad air” outside is making its way in. In fact, the indoor concentration of some pollutants has increased substantially in recent years. And, on average, Canadians are spending about 90 percent of their time indoors where the concentrations of some pollutants are often two to five times higher than outdoors. Other factors that impact IAQ include energy-efficient building construction with insufficient mechanical ventilation and increased use of synthetic building materials, furnishings, personal care products, pesticides, and household cleaners.
Increased awareness of IAQ
While some homeowners have always been interested in IAQ because of allergies or dealing with a family member who smokes or a family pet who sheds, concerns took a new turn in 2020. Enter COVID. Before the pandemic, concerns over IAQ were at an all-time high. The threat of the virus vastly amplified people’s concerns. They started looking for solutions; improving IAQ in their homes became a huge priority.
A Shift in IAQ Demand
Consumer demand for IAQ solutions is at an all-time high. A 2021 YORK® study found that 62% of homeowners believed their indoor air quality needs improving, and 81% will make improving IAQ a priority in 2021. Commercial operations are also looking for solutions. As retail and restaurants and offices re-open, they need to reassure their employees and customers that the air quality is safe in their establishments. The demand will not fade as everything re-opens. We are now seeing a shift in the perception of the importance of air quality. People are looking for long-term solutions.
Responding to the Opportunity
As awareness and demand grow, there’s a natural fit for HVAC contractors to offer the right solutions. In turn, it’s a new opportunity for business growth. Business owners and homeowners want to hear about the solutions that will help create a cleaner, healthier environment for themselves, their guests, and their employees and customers. They’ll expect to hear about products that offer bipolar ionization to help kill mold, bacteria, and viruses and reduce allergens, odours and other airborne particulates. Don’t miss the opportunity to respond to this need for better air quality by offering IAQ products to your customers. IAQ is a year-round need that can help offset the seasonal peaks and dips in service requests. The solutions are appropriate for just about every new construction job – whether residential or commercial – from single-family homes to multi-family properties, hotels, office buildings and schools. Because IAQ products are part of the HVAC ecosystem, IAQ solutions can be easily incorporated into everyday service and maintenance calls. Being an IAQ solution provider will give you a competitive advantage.
The IAQ Products and Solutions
IAQ products can help reduce allergens, odours, and airborne particulates while eliminating mold, bacteria and viruses to create a cleaner healthier environment. They work in conjunction with the HVAC ecosystem. There are four categories of products:
Air purification and sanitation products (Air scrubbers, UV lights):
These products clean the air we breathe. They include UVC light, which inactivates viral bacterial and fungal organisms so they are unable to replicate and potentially cause disease. The ideal install is inside HVAC systems and ductwork.
Filtration products:
These products are the first line of defence to limit what enters a home or business. Filtration includes the particulate removal of dust, pollen, and bacteria. Some of those products include MERV rated filters, portable and standalone HEPA filtration units, media air cleaners and electronic air cleaners.
Ventilation - dilution is the solution to pollution:
The intentional introduction of outdoor air can do a lot to help protect indoor air quality by using ERVs, HRVs Fresh air ventilation exhaust fans and air curtains.
Humidity control products
maintain moisture levels (ideal range of 30-60%) making it harder for germs and pathogens to survive.
Let Wolseley Help with IAQ
Wolseley is here to help you realize the potential by providing access to vendors, products, equipment, and expertise you need to take advantage of this opportunity.
To stay up to date on all Wolseley IAQ products, visit our IAQ page on Wolseley Express
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