When you think of first responders, HVACR contractors don’t usually come to mind. However, they are first on the scene in the dead of winter with negative wind chills for no heat calls or in the sweltering summer heat for no air calls.
Building codes are continuously growing stricter, focusing greatly on efficiency. A factor that plays a large role in meeting these building codes is proper mechanical ventilation and, in particular, its ability to create comfortable living conditions.
Marijuana grow facilities are providing a new market for contractors and manufacturers as 29 states currently have laws legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes with an additional eight permitting recreational use of cannabis, including Washington, District of Columbia.
Though consumers are becoming more familiar with IAQ, it’s important for HVAC contractors to facilitate conversations that focus on indoor environmental problems and solutions and then let them make their own decisions.
As consumers become better educated about IAQ, the need for humidification and dehumidification — and the comfort solutions they provide — has increased. According to RnR Market Research, the global market for humidifiers is expected to surpass $1 billion by 2019. Another study, conducted by Grand View Research Inc., states the global dehumidifier market is expected to reach $3.54 billion by 2022.
Mold can be found everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. However, it’s usually not a problem until it begins growing indoors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to mold can cause a number of health effects and symptoms, including allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. Mold can be a serious issue if left untreated, which is perhaps one of the reasons most HVAC contractors tend to avoid it.
While organizations that spend the most money will always gain favor in the marketplace, modern data analytics systems are now allowing suppliers to look at customers differently.
As the movement to legalize marijuana continues to take hold across the country, growers are beginning to seek out equipment that will help them maximize production. Until recently, there were no cooling and drying products specifically designed to optimize growing conditions for this agricultural product. Now, new technology is being engineered that can produce the right temperature and humidity conditions to maximize productivity and minimize mold and insect problems.