Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, where pollutants can be two to five times higher than outside. Growing awareness of the negative impact of indoor air pollution is heightening demand for businesses offering solutions. Explore the steps to starting a profitable indoor air quality business. 

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

Common indoor air pollutants include mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander. Mold spores typically come from damp or water-damaged areas such as basements, bathrooms, leaky roofs, or around windows where moisture accumulates. 

Pollutants can also enter through doors, windows, or air conditioning. Mold thrives indoors when humidity levels are high and ventilation is poor. Nearly half of U.S. homes have some mold or dampness.

Prolonged exposure to these contaminants can trigger allergies, worsen asthma, and lead to serious respiratory issues or long-term health problems. Some indoor air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, can be deadly. Household air pollution contributes to a staggering 3 million premature deaths worldwide.

Energy-efficient buildings that lack appropriate ventilation and the “increased use of synthetic building materials, furnishings, personal care products, pesticides, and household cleaners” are causing higher indoor air contaminants.

Steps to Start an Air Quality Business

There has never been a better time to start a business dedicated to improving indoor air quality. The U.S. indoor air quality market was valued at $10.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $12.9 billion by the end of 2029. Here are the steps it takes to get your venture up and running:

1. Do Your Research

Understand the top indoor air quality services and market demand in your area. Learn the regulations and certifications you’ll need to obtain to serve customers.

2. Get Trained and Certified

Take steps to obtain the necessary certifications. You’ll need hands-on training to ensure the quality and credibility of your work. Resources such as the National Air Duct Cleaners Association and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration can be useful resources.

3. Develop an Indoor Air Quality Business Plan

As part of your business plan, you’ll want to determine the target market, pricing, marketing strategy, and equipment needs. Will you operate a mobile business or have a storefront? It’s crucial to set realistic financial targets. Provide in-depth details on your startup costs and potential returns.

4. Invest in Equipment and Tools

Testing indoor air quality requires special tools and equipment, such as air quality monitors and negative air machines. You’ll also need remediation solutions, such as dehumidifiers, HEPA vacuums, and a van with enough storage space.

5. Follow Local Licensing and Insurance Requirements

Register your business and secure liability insurance, bonding, and necessary licenses. An umbrella policy helps safeguard personal and business assets in case of a major lawsuit or unexpected claim exceeding existing coverage limits. This helps offer peace of mind and financial security.

6. Build a Marketing Strategy

A small business needs an aggressive, omnichannel marketing approach to be successful. Focus on digital, traditional, and grassroots marketing to build your reputation. Encourage satisfied customers to write reviews of your business and provide referral incentives. Collaborate with HVAC professionals, realtors, property managers, and home inspectors to help drive sales.

7. Open for Business

Once you’ve done all the prep work, you can start helping improve your local area's indoor air quality.

Streamline the Startup Process with AdvantaClean

If the steps to starting an indoor air quality business seem cumbersome, a franchise can streamline the startup process. AdvantaClean franchisees receive a turnkey business with the training, technology, and brand recognition they need to be successful.

Unlike most competitors, AdvantaClean is a mold remediation franchise that focuses on non-emergency, scheduled work, including Mold removal and remediation services, crawlspace moisture control, air duct cleaning, sanitizing services, and radon mitigation. Franchisees can also take advantage of optional service lines, including restoration of water and fire damage, cleanup, reconstruction, and contents recovery and processing.

AdvantaClean’s low-overhead business model comes with:

  • Protected territories
  • Sliding scale royalty fees
  • Top-notch training
  • Centralized call center to generate leads
  • Ongoing support to help your business achieve its full potential 

If you’re ready to own a business in a growing industry, fill out and submit a franchise inquiry form to have a franchise advisor contact you.

Invest in your future by becoming an AdvantaClean franchise owner.

Explore the Next Steps

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