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Why Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a Top Search Trend & How It’s Reshaping Energy Efficiency

The Convergence of Energy Management and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) The way we design and manage buildings is undergoing a seismic shift....

Ava Montini

Mar 11, 2025

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The Convergence of Energy Management and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)


The way we design and manage buildings is undergoing a seismic shift. What was once a tug-of-war between energy efficiency and indoor air quality (IAQ) is now a race toward integration, where both priorities are optimized in tandem. For years, the push for energy efficiency led to tighter, better-insulated buildings—but at the cost of trapping pollutants indoors. Conversely, IAQ initiatives often demanded more ventilation and filtration, sometimes at the expense of higher energy use.


But today, with advancements in smart building technology, regulatory shifts, and growing health consciousness, businesses and institutions no longer have to choose between efficiency and air quality. Instead, they’re seeking solutions that deliver both. The result? A surge in interest, research, and investment in IAQ technologies that enhance occupant well-being while supporting sustainability goals.


Why IAQ Has Become a Top Priority in Energy Management

The sudden rise of IAQ as a dominant industry focus isn’t coincidental—it’s being driven by several converging forces:


1. Health is Now a Building Performance Metric

The COVID-19 pandemic forever changed the way people think about the air they breathe indoors. No longer just a comfort factor, IAQ is now recognized as a health and safety imperative. Organizations are realizing that better air quality means fewer airborne pathogens, reduced absenteeism, and improved overall well-being.


Poor IAQ has been linked to substantial health and productivity costs, with estimates reaching at least $60 billion annually in regions like California. (Journal of Epidemiology)


2. Regulatory and Compliance Pressures are Increasing

From ASHRAE’s new IAQ standards to WELL and LEED certifications, businesses must now align with stringent indoor air quality benchmarks. These evolving regulations are pushing commercial buildings, schools, healthcare facilities, and industrial spaces to adopt air purification and filtration solutions that meet high air quality thresholds without inflating energy costs.


The World Health Organization attributes 3.2 million premature deaths annually to household air pollution, emphasizing the urgent need for better IAQ solutions. (WHO)


3. IAQ is Directly Tied to Productivity and Cognitive Function

Groundbreaking research from Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health has shown that improved IAQ can enhance cognitive performance, decision-making, and productivity. High CO₂ levels and airborne particulates negatively impact focus, fatigue, and overall workplace efficiency.


Studies show that IAQ improvements can boost workplace performance by up to 10%. (Kaiterra)


4. Smart Buildings Are Driving Smarter Air Quality Management

The rise of smart sensors and AI-driven HVAC controls is enabling real-time IAQ optimization. New systems can dynamically adjust ventilation rates based on occupancy, pollutant levels, and energy demand, ensuring that air quality is maintained without excessive energy consumption. This technology is transforming the way air quality and energy efficiency interact, making it possible to improve both simultaneously.


5. Energy Incentives and ESG Goals Are Fueling Investment

Organizations are improving IAQ not just because they have to—many are doing so because it aligns with their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and unlocks financial incentives.


The global market for energy-efficient HVAC systems is projected to grow significantly, demonstrating the increased commitment to sustainability. (Technavio) Governments and utility providers are offering grants, rebates, and tax incentives for businesses that implement energy-efficient air filtration and ventilation systems, making these upgrades more economically viable.


Case Studies: IAQ and Energy Efficiency in Action



Case Study 1

The Empire State Building’s IAQ and Energy Overhaul


The Empire State Building underwent a landmark sustainability retrofit, becoming one of the world’s most energy-efficient skyscrapers. A major focus of this project was enhancing IAQ without increasing energy consumption. The strategy included high-efficiency air filtration, real-time IAQ monitoring, and demand-controlled ventilation.


By implementing MERV-13 filters with low-pressure drops and integrating smart HVAC controls, the building achieved a 38% reduction in overall energy use while significantly improving air quality. The success of this initiative has made it a blueprint for commercial buildings worldwide, proving that IAQ and energy savings can go hand in hand.



Case Study 2

University Campus Cuts Energy Use While Enhancing IAQ


A major California university, the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine), faced a dilemma—how to improve IAQ in its aging campus buildings while meeting aggressive carbon reduction goals. Instead of increasing ventilation rates indiscriminately, UC Irvine implemented a demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) system that dynamically adjusted airflow based on real-time occupancy and air quality data.


This resulted in a significant reduction in HVAC energy consumption and a noticeable decrease in CO₂ levels across lecture halls and dormitories. By leveraging smart IAQ monitoring and strategic ventilation, the university improved air quality without compromising sustainability targets.


The Future

IAQ and Energy Efficiency as Standard Practice


The next era of building design and management will not separate air quality from energy efficiency—they will be inherently linked. As data-driven technologies evolve, the most successful organizations will recognize IAQ as a fundamental pillar of sustainability, human health, and operational efficiency.


At Blade Air, we are at the forefront of this transformation, offering cutting-edge filtration solutions and IAQ optimization strategies that empower businesses, schools, and institutions to achieve cleaner air without compromise.


The future of IAQ is not just about breathing easier—it’s about thinking smarter.

For more insights on how Blade Air is helping businesses achieve IAQ excellence without sacrificing energy efficiency, connect with us.



Do Air Purifiers Remove Smells?

Writer: Jennifer CrowleyJennifer Crowley
Image of an African American man holding his nose with a grimace on his face - he doesn't like what he smells
Air purifiers with activated carbon are better at absorbing unwanted odours, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and organic compounds, creating that crisp, fresh air feel.

Indoor air pollution is a serious concern for commercial and industrial facilities and homeowners. One of the most common complaints about indoor air quality is the presence of unpleasant odours. Whether it’s caused by smoking, cooking, or pets, pungent odours can be a real problem in any indoor space. Many people turn to air purifiers to solve this problem, but do air purifiers reduce odours?


In this blog post, we will explore how air purifiers can help with bad smells and why certain air purifiers are better than others. Specifically, we will discuss how air purifiers with activated carbon are better at absorbing unwanted odours, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and organic compounds, creating that crisp, fresh air feel.


Whether you’re dealing with industrial chemicals, cigarette smoke, or cooking smells, we’ll help you understand how an air purifier might solve your odour problem. So, let’s dive in!


Common Causes of Indoor Odour

Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, even in large industrial cities. A big reason your indoor space might have a strange smell is the lack of ventilation. When an indoor room isn’t adequately ventilated, contaminants like allergens, VOCs and odours become trapped, and a lack of airflow increases indoor pollution levels and encourages mould and bacteria growth.


Mould and Mildew

Proper identification is crucial when dealing with household fungi due to the different treatment methods required. These fungi emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that produce a musty smell during various stages of growth. Although the spores of these fungi can be toxic, their odour can serve as a helpful indication that there is an issue in your home.


Using various ventilation methods and ensuring adequate airflow indoors is an excellent way of preventing mould and mildew. However, if you come across mould or a musty smell in your home, you must act swiftly after discovering them to avoid any potential health hazards.


Smoke

Instead of covering up foul odours with stronger fragrances, it’s essential to address the root cause of the smell as much as possible. This can include eliminating the source of the odour and regularly cleaning the affected area. An effective air purifier can also play a crucial role in eliminating lingering and unpleasant smells in your home once the source has been removed and cleaning has been done.


Pets

Pets, through the secretion of tiny proteins, oils, and other substances and shedding dander, can create an unpleasant odour in your home. Additionally, dander can pose a significant threat to individuals who suffer from allergies.


Chemical Contaminants

Chemical contaminants can be found in various sources, one of the most common being Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These organic chemicals containing carbon can evaporate into the air and cause odours. They are commonly found in office and home environments and can be emitted from a wide range of products found in these spaces.


HEPA Air Purifiers Remove Smells

HEPA filters are designed to capture large particles. However, they can only remove odours, chemicals, gases, or VOCs with additional technology. Therefore, they could be more efficient in eliminating odours.


HEPA Air Purifiers with Activated Carbon

With activated carbon filters, air purifiers can effectively absorb unwanted odours, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other organic compounds, leaving your space smelling fresh and clean. Activated carbon filters work by adsorbing VOCs onto their surface, where they are trapped and neutralized. When used together, HEPA air purifiers and activated carbon filters can effectively remove odours from the air.


Blade HEPA Air Purifier

The Blade HEPA Air Purifier has a comprehensive multi-stage filtration process to ensure a completely clean air environment in any deployed indoor setting. The four stages of air filtration are:

Illustration of the Blade Air HEPA Air Purifier's interior with an outline of each part including the main fan, pre-filter, airflow, HEP Filter, Carbon filter and outflow
Meet the Blade Air HEPA Air Purifier

Stage 1

Large to medium particle pre-filter to initially remove dust, dirt, and debris.

Stage 2

Pulling pre-filtered air through a high-efficiency variable speed fan.

Stage 3

Industry-leading cubic HEPA removes 99.97% of all particles at 0.3 microns in size.

Stage 4

Pleated activated carbon filter for the absorption of odours, gasses and chemicals.


Why is the Blade HEPA Air Purifier the best choice?

The Premium air purifier is a perfect solution to enhance the air quality in any space, regardless of size. Equipped with one cubic foot of HEPA filter that has been certified and independently lab-tested, it can effectively remove 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns and smaller. Additionally, it has an active carbon filter that captures odours, VOCs, and organic compounds, perfect for odour control.


Learn more about the Blade HEPA Air Purifier.


Additional tips to remove odour

The most immediate thing you can do to improve indoor odour and air quality is to open windows and doors so that fresh air can circulate. Once you shut them, make sure to run a high-quality air purifier to clean whatever contaminants remain in the air. In addition to an air purifier, ensure your HVAC filters and air ducts are clean and continuously running to control indoor humidity levels and prevent a build-up of contaminants.

Explore expert insights, stay up to date with industry events, and gain a deeper understanding of the cutting-edge developments that are revolutionizing the indoor air quality landscape within Blade Air's comprehensive Insights Hub.

You can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter below for exclusive early access to Blade's Insights content, uncovering tomorrow's air quality advancements before they hit our Hub.

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