Add to this picture the rapid growth of air cleaner sales in the retail sector. Virtually nonexistent before 1985, this retail market quickly caught up to — then roared past — air cleaners sold through trade channels. Last year, U.S. manufacturers sold retailers over $200 million worth of portable air cleaners.
Meanwhile, hvac channel sales of whole-house air cleaners trail far behind at $85 million a year. This figure includes sales of professionally installed media and electronic whole-house air cleaners.