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During the 1990’s, John Skardon, co-founder of AirAdvice, Inc., searched for a way to help his wife’s severe asthma problem. He knew she needed to minimize her exposure indoors to particles (such as dust, pollens, and pet dander) that could trigger a life threatening attack, but were too small to detect by sight or smell. John found that existing air analysis equipment was expensive and difficult to use.
By 1999, however, he determined that the price of the technology had dropped enough to design and produce an affordable method for measuring indoor air quality. John started AirAdvice to help people with asthma and allergies manage their condition. Co-founder Meindert Kleefstra, an electrical engineer, built the first prototypes of the AirAdvice indoor air quality (IAQ) monitor.
AirAdvice distributed the monitors to homeowners with asthma or allergy problems. Homeowners liked the IAQ information the monitors provided, but only needed to purchase a temporary diagnostic service, rather than own the monitors for continuous use. They were also unsure of the appropriate solutions to the issues identified by the AirAdvice monitors.
AirAdvice ultimately looked to the heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) industry as the perfect fit. HVAC contractors are uniquely positioned to solve homeowner problems through an extensive network of service technicians and their knowledge of and access to IAQ solutions. So, AirAdvice began to license its technology to HVAC contractors for use in the homes they serve.
By 2005, AirAdvice recognized that their contractor customers were beginning to do extensive work in commercial buildings as well. In 2006 the company introduced its first product for the commercial buildings market - an expansion of its core technology that would assess building performance and energy savings opportunities.
Today, AirAdvice continues to address the problems of both the commercial and residential markets. Through the HomeAdvice brand, the company helps HVAC contractors to improve the quality of life for homeowners. Through its BuildingAdvice brand, the company helps contractors, building owners, and facilities managers to reduce energy costs and improve indoor environmental quality.