Home Improvement Projects on the Rise Due to COVID-19

With many people spending so much more time at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic, home improvement projects have been on the rise. This is in part because people have had more time in which to perform these home improvement projects. It’s also partly due to people wanting to improve the space in which they were spending so much more time.

In particular, home improvement projects that target improving the air quality within the home have become more popular due to COVID-19.

Study Shows Increased Focus on Air Quality

Aeroseal LLC, a duct and air sealing technology manufacturing company based in Ohio, released a study that found an increase in focus on indoor air quality in home improvement projects. Of the 309 people who were surveyed for their insights into their home improvement projects, half were concerned about their home’s air quality. Of those, 67% were interested in spending money on improving their home’s indoor air quality. The average budget found by the study for air quality improvement projects was around $2,000.

Air Quality’s Impact on Health

Air quality can have a major impact on health. For those who live in cities with high concentrations of smog, health problems can occur as a result of inhaling poor-quality air. Even in cleaner areas, air quality has become a greater focus thanks to COVID-19, which is caught when it is inhaled and impacts the lungs and respiratory system. On top of following COVID-19 safety measures, many people are concerned about the air quality both in their homes and in their workplaces. They may not be able to change the quality of the air at work, but they can at home.

DIY vs. Professional Contractors

The rise in focus on air quality in the home is likely to stay because many people are continuing to work from home on a more permanent basis. This means that going forward, there will most likely be more HVAC home improvement projects than before the pandemic hit. There are two options for homeowners to choose from: DIY and hiring a professional

DIY

Some homeowners choose to do home improvement projects themselves, including those involving their HVAC unit. While HVAC units may be more difficult for homeowners to upgrade on their own, some may be wary of allowing contractors into their homes out of concern for exposure to COVID-19.

Professional Contractor

For many homeowners, it may be better to hire a professional contractor to carry out any improvements to their home HVAC system. For those concerned about COVID-19 exposure, they can ask any contractors before hiring them about their COVID-19 safety policies. Masks and social distancing are commonly practiced safety measures.