Not everyone thinks about indoor air quality the same way, and that matters for builders. Here’s how different generations view IAQ solutions.
We spend a significant portion of our lives indoors. Far more than most realize. According to the EPA and American Lung Association, the average person spends roughly 90% of their time inside. This makes indoor air quality (IAQ) a critical factor in home design, not just for comfort, but for health.
Poor IAQ can exacerbate asthma, allergies, and exposure to particulate matter and chemical off-gassing. Proper ventilation systems are essential to protect occupants while also allowing for better control of humidity and temperature, which further enhances comfort and energy efficiency.
COGNITION Smart Data shows that generational differences influence why buyers value IAQ. Baby Boomers and Gen Z place the highest importance on access to clean air at 78% and 68% respectively, while Gen X and Millennials are more concerned with allergy management at 53% and 60% respectively. Across all generations, the top three IAQ priorities are clean air, allergy reduction, and minimizing particulate matter exposure.
With that in mind, builders can strategically equip homes with IAQ solutions that speak to each generation. Baby Boomers and Gen Z, who prioritize clean air, respond well to energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), heat recovery ventilators (HRVs), carbon monoxide and VOC sensors, and smart air purifiers that ensure healthy, breathable indoor environments.
Gen X and Millennials, more concerned with allergy management, value high-efficiency HVAC filters, whole-home purifiers, humidity control, and UV-C duct treatments to keep allergens and particulate matter in check.
Recognizing these distinct preferences makes it possible for builders to go beyond simply installing standard IAQ systems and instead position them as tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each generation.
Like this COGNITION Hot Take? We have more! Unlock the data driving the industry’s sustainability transformation to build smarter and sell faster. Subscribe to COGNITION Smart Data.
Victoria Muharsky is an ESG specialist at Green Builder Media, where she leads the ESG for Building Working Group. Under her guidance, the group has successfully overseen the release of the groundbreaking ESG Defining Principles. Crafted collaboratively by industry experts, these guidelines are revolutionizing the homebuilding sector's approach to ESG and sustainability.
Generational Differences In Indoor Air Quality Priorities
Not everyone thinks about indoor air quality the same way, and that matters for builders. Here’s how different generations view IAQ solutions.
Poor IAQ can exacerbate asthma, allergies, and exposure to particulate matter and chemical off-gassing. Proper ventilation systems are essential to protect occupants while also allowing for better control of humidity and temperature, which further enhances comfort and energy efficiency.
COGNITION Smart Data shows that generational differences influence why buyers value IAQ. Baby Boomers and Gen Z place the highest importance on access to clean air at 78% and 68% respectively, while Gen X and Millennials are more concerned with allergy management at 53% and 60% respectively. Across all generations, the top three IAQ priorities are clean air, allergy reduction, and minimizing particulate matter exposure.
With that in mind, builders can strategically equip homes with IAQ solutions that speak to each generation. Baby Boomers and Gen Z, who prioritize clean air, respond well to energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), heat recovery ventilators (HRVs), carbon monoxide and VOC sensors, and smart air purifiers that ensure healthy, breathable indoor environments.
Gen X and Millennials, more concerned with allergy management, value high-efficiency HVAC filters, whole-home purifiers, humidity control, and UV-C duct treatments to keep allergens and particulate matter in check.
Recognizing these distinct preferences makes it possible for builders to go beyond simply installing standard IAQ systems and instead position them as tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each generation.
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Like this COGNITION Hot Take? We have more! Unlock the data driving the industry’s sustainability transformation to build smarter and sell faster. Subscribe to COGNITION Smart Data.
By Victoria Muharsky
Victoria Muharsky is an ESG specialist at Green Builder Media, where she leads the ESG for Building Working Group. Under her guidance, the group has successfully overseen the release of the groundbreaking ESG Defining Principles. Crafted collaboratively by industry experts, these guidelines are revolutionizing the homebuilding sector's approach to ESG and sustainability.Also Read