Air Treatment Products in the US

2021 DEVELOPMENTS

Air quality remains households’ number one priority

Air quality remains a top priority for US households and air treatment products are accordingly experiencing growing demand as consumers are increasingly concerned about containing virus spread, worsening allergens, wildfire smoke inhalation, mould from flooding, and pollutants, combined with increased time at home. Air treatment product and accessories such as air purifiers and filters that improve the air quality and comfort of the home, continue to grow in 2021.

Humidifier sales remain strong despite some concerns over harmful effects on air quality

Demand for humidifiers remains strong in 2021 as consumers who are concerned with being infected by COVID-19 or spreading germs have seen reports that maintaining humidity levels at 40% offers some protection against the virus. While humidifiers increase comfort for many consumers experiencing congestion from illness, allergies or unpleasant effects of dry air, improper use of humidifiers can breed bacteria and mould, which triggers asthma, allergies, and infections, according to the U.

Strong demand for small, portable air purifiers and air coolers due to record-breaking heat and ongoing air quality concerns

Desk-size, portable, and customisable air purifiers and air coolers continue to see strong growth in 2021 as consumers spend prolonged periods of time at home and demand an efficient, cost-effective method of efficiently cooling and filtering the air in smaller spaces. Additionally, the summer of 2021 marked the hottest summer on record in the US, beating the summer of the 1936 Dust Bowl, which has also likely contributed to consumer demand for air treatment products.

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Air purifiers has ample opportunity to create value for users with smart tech features

Brands of air treatment products have immense opportunities to create value with smart tech features given the multiple functions of cooling, filtering, and dehumidifying. For example, Mila is the first air purifier to display cleaning and purifying levels via its mobile app.

Brands can combine appliance purchase with air filter auto-replenishment service

With heavier usage of air treatment products in the US due to prolonged time at home, consumers are also becoming increasingly educated about the need to change air filters. This provides an opportunity for players to provide auto-replenishment subscriptions of air filters with air conditioners and purifiers to remind users when to change the filter.

Hotter summers will mean consumers become increasingly reliant on air treatment products

While air treatment products witnessed further demand in 2021, sales will likely continue to climb over the forecast period as consumers increase their usage of these appliances as a result of climbing temperatures due to climate change combined with time at home. Products that cool and dry the air such as split air conditioners and dehumidifiers may see continued growth with hotter summers and more frequent flooding due to unpredictable storms.