It wasn’t really until the COVID-19 pandemic that people outside facilities management started to care about indoor air quality (IAQ). With the growing concern over “dirty air,” public facilities, such as schools, have installed IAQ monitors, allowing for the public to have real-time access to the air we breathe.
However, the perception of clean air is more important than what is actually being portrayed. According to the 2025 Indoor Air Quality Perception Report, sensory signals like smell, stuffiness and visibility drive patrons to make real-time decisions in gyms, schools, store, offices and other facilities. The survey found that the growing distrust of “dirty air” can have detrimental effects on businesses as people lose confidence in their establishments. People are now judging facilities on their air quality similar to as they judge restaurants or public restrooms on cleanliness. Brand reputation is essential in maintaining customer loyalty, and facility managers need to take note.
According to the survey, 41 percent of respondents said that unpleasant odors would prevent them from returning to a facility, while 34 percent said that they wouldn’t return if there was a known virus outbreak. Meanwhile, 56 percent of respondents said that they trust the air more in their homes compared to public spaces like stores or airports. Only 9 percent believe that public spaces have better air systems than private residences.
Still, people want transparency into IAQ. The survey found that 61 percent of people would trust a space more if they knew it actively monitored IAQ. In addition, 65 percent believe that businesses should be required to display indoor air scores, similar to health ratings.
Even though education facilities are working to showcase clean air in their facilities, 77 percent of respondents want mandatory air-quality testing and reporting, with 78 percent suggesting that visible clean-air efforts would make them feel more comfortable. The need for clean is driving people’s spending habits as well. According to the survey, 66 percent of respondents said that they’d switch gyms for better filtration even if it costs more, while 52 percent said that they would choose a hotel with cleaner air over one at the same price.
Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market and the host of the Facilities in Focus podcast.
