How Is the Role of Our Home Changing in 2024?

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Understanding our Home and Air

While out of necessity more than desire, some of these trends have stuck, and continue to benefit people for the better. In comparing our home lives 5 years ago to now, there are some notable differences in how the role of our homes has changed. They are now more than just a space to sleep, eat, and breathe, but they now continue to be our gyms, our classrooms, and our offices. However, as we spend more time indoors, there is one issue we need to address, and that is our indoor air quality. Indoor air pollution is a serious issue that can lead to numerous health consequences, physically and cognitively. Research indicates that we are still spending nearly 90% of our time indoors, meaning we are breathing the same air almost the entire day. This is where air purifiers come into play, offering a simple solution to counter the harmful health effects of air pollutants in the many spaces we use in our homes.

Home Gyms

According to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), there were over 64 million gym members in the United States in 2019. The focus on the fitness industry was robust and prevalent for many people. Social media helped this trend with fitness influencers and “gym rat” culture on the rise.

However, once the pandemic hit, the fitness industry faced some major losses. It was predicted that nearly 25% of gyms in the US would be closed down by the end of 2020, with nearly 13.9 billion dollars lost. This wasn’t only impactful for the business owners and members themselves, but this loss affected nearly half a million industry employees. 

So, with the pandemic under full swing, it was found that 59.06% of gym members were already canceling their memberships. But with this, we also saw a rise in the at-home fitness industry. Starting with fitness apps, 74% of Americans reported using at least one app during the quarantine time period. From there, we saw a substantial rise in at-home fitness equipment sales from treadmills, Peletons, weights, and more. In fact, it was reported that the pandemic led to a 170% increase in sales of at-home fitness equipment in 2020, with reports from current research indicating that 22% of U.S. households now own at least one piece of smart home gym equipment, such as a NordicTrack machine. And now, by the end of 2024, the home fitness industry is expected to acquire 14.2 billion dollars, with a continued annual growth rate of 5.4%. 

Going forward, home gyms look like they are here to stay. By 2026, fitness equipment markets are expected to hit 15.2 billion dollars. Polls from the Garage Gym Review also indicate that people were willing to spend more on their home gyms than a gym membership currently. The ease of access to home fitness equipment in the morning or after work means you don’t have to worry about driving and fighting for the last remaining treadmill in the gym or worry about germs post-COVID. However, that doesn’t mean public gym memberships are gone for good. In fact, 51% of people, polled in the same review, who had been working out at home previously, said they are currently considering obtaining a gym membership, with 31% of people already members. Gyms offer classes, a sense of community, comradery , and motivation you might not find at home.

Personally, over the pandemic, I took advantage of multiple apps including the 7-minute free workout program as well as YouTube videos that led me through yoga sessions. Now, I have a yoga membership at a studio and attend classes 5 times a week. Everyone’s preferences and financial state differ significantly, and while trends may point towards home gyms, public memberships still have a place to stay.

What all of this data indicates is that our homes are becoming prevalent workout spaces. For individuals, or maybe families, investing in home fitness equipment was a permanent solution for their fitness habits. With this, we need to focus on how our health indoors is being impacted daily. 

Home Offices

Now, we look at work. Right now at this very moment, I am working from home. I am sitting in my living room on my laptop with a cup of tea while it snows outside. In recent years, the options for working from home have increased substantially with many companies now offering completely virtual or hybrid options. For instance, in 2023, it was found that 12.7% of full-time employees worked from home, with 28.2% of employees working hybrid. Moreover, by 2025, it is estimated that 32.6 million Americans will be working remotely.

Beyond these increases in remote or online options for work, we are also seeing a serious transition in the mindsets and preferences of the workforce that favor at-home versus in-person work. For instance, one study reported that of the people who now have an office at home and their actual workplace, 61% would rather stay at home and choose not to go into work. This number was only at 36% when COVID-19 was at its peak. Moreover, another study found that nearly 65% of people would prefer to work remotely all the time, with 57% of people saying that they would even try and find a different job that offers remote work if their current job employer didn’t. We have seen platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and more, become powerhouses for group or individual meetings, making virtual work easier for everyone.

So people like to work from home? I don’t disagree, I would be shoveling snow off my windshield at the moment and driving to my workplace if I wasn’t given the opportunity to work from home. But it is well understood that not everyone can work from home with still 59.1% of people still working in-person at their workplaces. And there are of course benefits and drawbacks to each option. In-person work offers benefits of social engagement and team camaraderie but drawbacks of commuting times. Alternatively, at-home work offers the benefits of convenience and lower gas costs, but the drawbacks can be especially prevalent on our physical and mental health. With the current direction of at-home offices, is it really the best option?

Home Schooling

I graduated high school and entered college in 2019. When COVID hit, I was still living in the dorms. I remember there being a two-week period where we didn’t think anything serious was going to happen, and at most, we were going to get an extended spring break. That didn’t happen, I was kicked out of my dorm room halfway through March and had to fly home halfway across the country with a week’s notice. Keep in mind, we still had 7 weeks left of school before the semester ended, and I was about to start my midterms. So what then? I downloaded Zoom, all of my materials were posted online as Google documents on Canvas, and our exams were administered through an online monitoring service called Proctorio. We all got through the end of that semester and learned to adjust to online classes as we went. Scheduled at the same time as regular, I woke up, opened my laptop, and hopped on Zoom, often in sweatpants and with loosely combed hair. 

Summer passed and I returned to college in an apartment with 6 other roommates. Still, I did school in my room. It wasn’t until halfway through that semester that they transitioned to a hybrid version of school, with some students attending in-person and others online for class. It was a slow transition back to “normal”, with mask regulations and social distancing still in effect until my senior year. But then, even when I returned, it wasn’t the same as before. My online resources had expanded significantly, teachers and students seemed to be more adept at using Canvas and there was flexibility with recording classes for absent students to view. Rarely after that did I ever read my physical textbooks, but accessed them online instead. While every school and student differed in some regard, I think we can all agree that the school system, it changed.

What I experienced at the college level wasn’t dramatically different from those in K-12 schooling. For instance, by September 2021, it was found that 96% of public schools at this level were providing digital devices to students who needed them due to the transition online. Everyone was forced into an online state, which also changed how students and kids were learning. While it was inherently shocking and rapid to transition, online learning is beneficial for a multiplicity of reasons. Online learning offers educational opportunities to people anywhere in the world now. It offers flexible learning depending on your schedule, can often be more cost-effective than traditional or other types of in-person learning, and has integrated technology into its core offering different opportunities for engagement and growth. However, it has also offered challenges as not everyone is able to learn online effectively. It lacks face-to-face interaction, necessitates reliable internet connection or devices, and can often feel isolating. 

With the recent trends and emergence of these systems, what then are the future expectations or trends for online schooling? Will we continue to see students at every level learning from home or in a hybrid mode? Well, just this past year, it was found that schools are increasing their budgets by nearly 45% to dedicate to online learning for 2 and 4-year programs. What’s more is that since 2000, the eLearning industry has grown 900%. A staggering statistic! This trend is expected to continue through 2025 and nearly triple in size by then, with the market expected to reach $12.81 billion by the end of this year.

Moreover, there are notable statistics to be looked at in the trends in homeschooling in recent years. According to research, the percentage of students being homeschooled is increasing substantially. For instance, in the U.S. in 2016, 2.3 million students were being homeschooled, by 2022, there were nearly 4.3 million homeschooled students. Studies have shown that in states with similar figures regarding the rise of homeschooling, the percentage of students has risen by 51% over the last 6 years, compared to a 7% increase in private schools, and a decrease of 4% in public schools. 

While trends are always shifting, it’s clear that online learning will continue to be a part of education in the coming years. For every age group, this may mean more time at home dedicated to learning, more bedrooms or home spaces adding desks and school materials, and with this, increased time indoors.

Most Common Air Quality Culprits

So, in the recent past, we have seen our homes transition to home gyms, home offices, and home classrooms. The options that our home offers have transformed our lifestyles and preferences in many ways. But what does that mean for our health? The more time we spend indoors, the more indoor air pollutants we are exposed to. So, understanding which pollutants are most commonly found in your home is important for figuring out the best solution for improving your air quality and protecting your health. Most of these pollutants stem from everyday items in your home but can also be emitted specifically from certain office materials and gym equipment, further increasing their concentration in your indoor space. If you are going to be spending most of your day indoors, you need to be able to identify the sources and health impacts of these pollutants. Here’s what to look out for.

Particulate Matter (PM)

PM is a mixture of tiny particles and droplets in the air, including dust, pollen, soot, and smoke. In homes, it typically stems from burning candles, cooking, smoking, and operating printers or other electronic devices. It can also come from chalk dust and rubber particles from equipment mats. PM is dangerous as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and exacerbating allergies and asthma.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are a variety of organic chemicals that easily vaporize at room temperature. Emitted by a wide array of products including paints, heating products, cleaning supplies, and office and gym equipment such as printers, glues, and adhesives used in furniture and flooring. Exposure can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some VOCs can even cause cancer.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

CO is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is toxic when found in higher concentrations. It most commonly comes from improperly vented or malfunctioning furnaces, gas stoves, and gas heaters in homes. CO exposure can reduce oxygen delivery to the body’s organs and tissues, which can be fatal at high levels and cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and confusion at lower levels.

Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is formed by the natural decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water and can enter homes through cracks in floors, walls, or foundations, and gaps in pipes or wiring conduits. Long-term exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Biological Pollutants

These compounds include molds, bacteria, viruses, pollen, animal dander, and dust mites. Humidity or moisture problems in homes can promote mold growth, whereas pet dander, dust mites, and pollen can be present in upholstery, bedding, and carpets. These pollutants can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems. Mold exposure can lead to throat irritation, nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, coughing, and skin irritation.

Health Impacts of Air Pollutants

The health impacts of air pollution are not selective and can have physical and cognitive health effects, both in the short and long term. Short-term physical effects often mirror what you would experience with common respiratory infections or seasonal allergies. Symptoms would include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. For people who may be more responsive to these pollutants, such as those with asthma, exposure to pollutants like particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and biological allergens can trigger acute episodes that they need to be aware of and ready to manage. For athletes as well, it has been found that poor indoor air quality can impact your athletic performance and potentially worsen asthma symptoms when training. Furthermore, VOCs and other gasses can exacerbate skin conditions or cause rashes.

Over the long term, the health impacts of indoor air pollution can be far more severe and encompass a broader range of physical and cognitive outcomes. Chronic exposure to pollutants such as radon, formaldehyde, and particulate matter is linked to an increased risk of developing respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer, specifically lung cancer from radon exposure. For children, long-term exposure to indoor air pollutants can lead to the development of asthma and other respiratory conditions and affect their lung development and function if they are especially young.

Cognitively, studies have shown that high levels of CO2 and VOCs can impair cognitive function, concentration, and productivity. These factors are important for learning in children and performance in adults. Over time, the possibility of an association between chronic exposure to certain air pollutants and neurodegenerative diseases is still being researched, but nevertheless is a concerning thought to suggest. Spending more time indoors means increased exposure to pollutants. This is an issue to be addressed immediately to protect your health if you continue to maintain a daily indoor routine.

Selecting an Air Purifier for Your Home

With the increase of time dedicated to our homes, we need to make sure they are fortified and protected from the threats that indoor air pollutants pose. This can be achieved with air purifiers.

Air purifiers are devices that work to filter the air in your indoor environment getting rid of pollutants, allergens, and other harmful particles from the air. However, the effectiveness of an air purifier is dependent on several factors including its filter technology, the size of the room it is in, and its other design features that target specific pollutants.

When it comes to selecting an air purifier, first, be sure to consider the type of filter technology used. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are among the most common and effective as they can trap 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter. They are particularly effective for removing pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, which could be found lingering in your home office space, making this solution ideal for individuals with allergies or asthma. Moreover, while HEPA filters capture particles, air purifiers with activated carbon filters have layers that absorb odors, gasses, and VOCs, such as those emitted in your home gym, making them suitable for areas susceptible to strong smells or chemical pollutants. Lastly, some air purifiers include UV light to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold spores which are particularly beneficial during flu season or in homes with pets. If you have a child who is engaging in a hybrid type of schooling for instance, this feature could be important for preventing them from contracting illness at home to transfer to the classroom.

Ratings and Measurements to Consider

There are some important ratings and other factors to consider when purchasing an air purifier that best fits your home needs. Depending on the size of the room and the type of pollutants you want to target, these ratings can help you determine the effectiveness of an air purifier in any space in your home.

• CADR Rating: The Clean Air Delivery Rate indicates the volume of filtered air an air purifier delivers, with separate scores for smoke, pollen, and dust. Higher CADR values mean more efficient particle removal.
• ACH (Air Changes per Hour): This measure tells you how many times the purifier can filter the total volume of air in the specified room size in an hour. For allergy or asthma sufferers, look for a higher ACH rating of 4 or above.
• Energy Efficiency: ENERGY STAR® rated air purifiers offer lower electricity consumption without compromising performance.
• Noise Level: Especially important for bedrooms or quiet spaces like offices. Look for units with a low decibel rating for silent operation.

Selecting Air Purifiers for Different Room Sizes

The size of the room and capability of the air purifier to work efficiently in the room, measured via CADR and ACH ratings, is essential for keeping your home office space, home gym, or home classroom clean from harmful air pollutants. When it comes to selecting the right one, we have outlined certain features you should consider depending on the size of the room.

Small Rooms (up to 200 sq ft)

Compact air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters are ideal for small spaces like bedrooms or home offices. Look for models with a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) suitable for the room’s size, ensuring efficient particle removal without overpowering the space. If you are looking to maintain silence in some of these smaller spaces, it might be better to have an air purifier that covers more than the square footage of the room so that you can operate it on a lower setting.

Medium Rooms (200-400 sq ft)

For slightly larger areas, including bigger bedrooms or garage spaces, opt for air purifiers with higher CADR ratings that can circulate air more times per hour. Models combining HEPA and carbon filters offer comprehensive air cleaning. This information might be useful if you have a garage gym or other larger workout space.

Large Rooms and Open Concept Spaces 1300sf+

Large spaces, such as living rooms or some kitchen areas, require air purifiers with high CADR ratings and powerful fans to circulate air effectively throughout the space. Consider multiple units placed strategically around the room or high-capacity purifiers which are designed for open floor plans. Ensure the purifier’s maximum coverage area meets or exceeds the room’s square footage.

Like many others, you may have adapted your home to include spaces for schooling, work, and exercise. Each of these spaces has unique requirements for air quality, influenced by factors like the presence of electronic devices, exercise equipment, or craft supplies, all of which can impact the indoor air environment as we have discussed. Hence, by understanding the requirements that come with the size of each room, the certain pollutants that may be found, as well as the output of the air purifier, you can select the best option for you while keeping yourself healthy in your home space.

Final Thought

In recent years, we have seen our homes transform in many ways and certain trends stick. While they are still spaces where we interact with friends and family, and spend our time cooking and cleaning, they are now spaces where we can focus on fitness, education, work, and more. Whether you are looking to get into fitness, helping your child through school, looking to get into school yourself, or find yourself working from home on a daily basis, investing in air purifiers is extremely important for protecting your health. Keep your home up to date with the best air quality possible as it continues to transform in the coming years.