COVID-19 has placed an important spotlight on indoor air quality and established HVAC businesses as an essential group to help combat the transmission of the coronavirus. Due to current social distancing and quarantining guidelines, many HVAC businesses across the country have been forced to rethink the way they conduct business and to do so with as little social contact as possible. Despite the benefits of a Healthy Air system, a 3-part strategy that reduces customers chances of contracting and transmitting airborne viruses in their home, many around the country are hesitant to let strangers in to their homes.
HVAC businesses need to find a way to communicate to consumers about the precautions they are taking while also touting the benefits of installing a Healthy Air System. You can assure customers through emails, newsletters or other marketing materials about the safety precautions your company is taking to limit exposure. Some companies are taking the temperatures of their employees while others are outfitting their employees with face masks, gloves, trash bags, and disinfectants. Whether the former is your company’s policy or if you’re still working through your company’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ll want to craft a response that will make homeowners feel safe and respected.
You want to make sure that the message is transparent, clear, but is open to questions and concerns from homeowners due to circumstances such as someone in the home who may be immunocompromised. You can share these updated policies on social media or through targeted emails and newsletters.
It’s best to include pictures or videos so customers know what to expect when someone shows up at their door. To best do that, your company will need to stay informed about COVID-19, particularly with how a Healthy Air System will work in the prevention of airborne viruses including COVID-19.
There is currently not a vaccine for COVID-19, but there have been multiple reports from both healthcare and university researchers about the important role humidity control plays in the reduction of airborne viruses. Our Engineering Fellow John Bloemer said that humidity control along with air filtration and fresh air ventilation provide the best defense against the transmission of airborne viruses.
These three work together to create a Healthy Air System for effective virus protection.
One company is getting creative in delivering products to customers. They are waving all delivery fees for purchased air filters. They will drop-off the air filter with the customer and the customer will have a new air filter without an installer entering their home. There are plenty of creative measures you can find to provide service to customers in your area.
Your entire marketing campaign does not have to be about equipment and statistics. Just like you’re focusing on finding the best way to conduct business, now is also a great time to focus on your company’s marketing. While your company may provide the best products to effectively eliminate airborne viruses like COVID-19, you can also communicate your company’s efforts in the community, your customer service, or reputation. People may not be able to purchase a Healthy Air system right now, but may do so in the future so you’ll want to establish a level of trust and confidence now.
No one knows when this pandemic will end or the ramifications it will have on consumer behavior moving forward. Your company will continue to be an essential business in combating airborne viruses, but the way you conduct and operate may not be business as usual. It’s expected that these policies will likely remain in place for the next several months and may become the new normal.
Despite these challenges, indoor air quality is an emerging market as more homeowners are made aware of the role HVAC systems play in creating a healthier indoor environment for both the present and the future.
