New survey shows cost and confusion keep homeowners from investing in proven solutions, even as they link better air quality to wellness and peace of mind.

Americans overwhelmingly say clean indoor air is vital to their health and happiness, but most are still falling short of making meaningful improvements. According to a new survey from AUX AIR USA, 78% of homeowners admit to settling for poorer air quality due to cost concerns or uncertainty about what tools actually work.

The 2025 State of Indoor Air Report, conducted in June 2025 via the third-party platform Pollfish, surveyed 1,000 U.S. homeowners and found that while nearly everyone agrees indoor air conditioners are essential, most households still rely on quick fixes like plug-in air fresheners rather than investing in purifiers, filters or HVAC upgrades that deliver lasting results.

Key findings from the report include:

• Nearly every homeowner considers indoor air quality critical – only six out of 1,000 said it doesn’t matter.
• More than half of homeowners buy plug-in air fresheners or diffusers, compared to just 41% who use purifiers and only 28% who have upgraded HVAC systems.
• 48% say they lower their thermostat when stressed, emphasizing the connection between comfort and emotional wellbeing.
• 78% cite either cost or confusion as the top barrier to making meaningful upgrades.
• Nearly half (47%) say their ideal HVAC system would clean itself and only notify them when something needs attention.
• Better air quality ranks as the number one reason (54%) homeowners would switch to a smarter HVAC system, outranking energy savings, convenience and equipment longevity.

The findings point to a clear opportunity: Americans are eager for technology that makes cleaner air effortless. They don’t want to manage filters or struggle with upkeep. They want HVAC units that handle the work automatically, delivering healthier air with less hassle.

“What this data makes clear is that indoor air quality has moved from a niche concern to a mainstream priority,” said John McGaughey, AUX AIR USA’s Vice President of Sales. “Homeowners already understand its impact on comfort and health. What they need now are solutions that make air simple, accessible and built for real life and AUX AIR USA is fully equipped to deliver on that demand.”

AUX AIR USA’s advanced HVAC systems, including i-Clean self-cleaning technology, efficient filters and smart features, are designed to remove barriers of cost and complexity while improving long-term comfort and wellness. Designed with people in mind, AUX AIR USA’s systems bridge the gap of moving from short-term fixes to approaches that truly make a difference.

For the full results and additional insights, view the AUX AIR USA 2025 State of Indoor Air Report.

About AUX AIR USA

AUX AIR USA, a subsidiary of the global HVAC leader AUX, brings smart comfort to homeowners with its portfolio of air conditioning systems. AUX’s solutions are engineered to provide superior performance and advanced features at a competitive price point, with simple, single-person installation and dedicated local support teams.

AUX, founded in 1986, has a presence in over 100 countries, backed by 30,000-plus global employees, six research and development centers, and 14 manufacturing bases around the globe. Committed to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, AUX continues to redefine the standards of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning worldwide. https://auxair.com/us.

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