humidifier

The $1.4 billion air treatment appliance market includes room air conditioners, portable heaters, air cleaners, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers. While the market fluctuates significantly due to weather conditions, overall sales have been decreasing since 1999, due in large part to the increased penetration of central air conditioning units, as room air conditioners account for 67％ of the air treatment appliance market. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers have been more successful than the overall market, having increased in sales since 1999, by 21％ and 23％ respectively. During this period, manufacturers have introduced a number of new products to address consumers increasing concerns about the effects of pollution, mold, and dust mites on their health, as well as the effects of extreme humidity conditions on the home and possessions. As upgrade purchases are uncommon in the air treatment appliance market, first time purchases are key, accounting for 45％ of air treatment appliance purchases made in the last two years, according to Mintels consumer survey. The majority of purchases of air cleaners, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers are prompted by health concerns, and for this reason allergy and asthma sufferers, as well as parents of young children, are essential to the market.