It is estimated that Americans spend on average 90% of their time indoors^[i] and take 20,000 breaths a day^[ii], yet less than half of Americans express concern about indoor air quality.

According to a survey conducted in October 2020 by the 3M^® Filtrete™ Brand, only 30 percent of individuals 55+, and 49 percent of individuals 19-54, view indoor air quality as a concern for their health and wellness.^[iii]

With the addition of quarantine measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, Americans found themselves confined to their living spaces more than ever. Although sanitizing and disinfecting efforts have been at the forefront of addressing COVID-19 indoors, air quality has made its way into conversation. In fact, indoor air can be more polluted than the air outside.

“Indoor air quality is very important to our well-being and yet, as research suggests, it is not top of mind for most Americans,” says Cindy Timmerman, Filtrete™ Brand Global Portfolio Leader. “The most common cleaning activities are dusting, opening windows, spraying surfaces, and vacuuming. Although these activities can help create clean environments, they do not clear the air of microscopic particles in real-time, which is where technology and innovation can ensure efficacy.”

Filtrete™ Brand has been an industry leader in residential HVAC air filtration since 1991. Now it is paving the way in smart home technology, creating holistic solutions paired with real-time data and innovation.

The new Filtrete™ Smart Air Purifier, for example, is designed with exclusive 3M filtration technology, which can help capture 99.97 percent of airborne particles*. Utilizing a laser-based sensor, the device provides consistent and precise readings of the particles in the air, continuously monitoring for changes in air quality.

“There are a variety of factors that can affect your air quality, like cooking, for example, and it fluctuates throughout the day. With advances in technology, we have been able to deliver more insights and control to our consumers so they can ensure their home, apartment or office space is filtering particles from the air,” Timmerman states.

Smart capabilities have pushed insights on air quality to a new level as well. Through integration with apps, like the Filtrete™ Smart App, individuals get real-time readings and data on their air quality. When in Auto Mode, changes in air quality can trigger the unit to respond automatically. As poor indoor air is detected, the Smart Air Purifier’s fan speed adjusts to help clean the air.

“Being aware of your indoor air quality in real-time is the first step in understanding the importance of air filtration,” Timmerman continues. “From there, it is advancements in hardware, software, and filtration technology, like our Filtrete™ Air Quality Solutions, that can help provide cleaner, fresher air in your home.”

*As small as 0.3 microns from the air passing through the filter. Initial efficiency value.