South America ventilation market to add $70 million by 2031

Research and Markets forecast South America's dedicated outdoor air systems market will add more than $70 million during 2026-31, in an Oct. 13 press release distributed by GlobeNewswire.

The Oct. 13 press release gives no total market value, making the growth difficult to benchmark against regional HVAC spending. The forecast equals at least $14 million a year on average over five years, according to Atlas360 calculations.

Dedicated outdoor air systems, or DOAS, condition outside air separately before it enters a building. Research and Markets said demand is being supported by commercial, institutional, healthcare, education and industrial buildings that need tighter control over airflow, temperature and humidity.

The publisher linked the outlook to stronger building codes and incentive programs in Brazil, Chile and Argentina. It also cited post-COVID building priorities, including airflow reliability, contaminant reduction and integration with smart building management systems.

Manufacturers are adding internet-connected monitoring, heat-recovery equipment, smart controls, variable-speed fans, efficient motors and renewable-energy integration, Research and Markets said. It also described emerging consolidation, with larger regional HVAC companies buying specialist ventilation providers to expand technical capacity and product portfolios.

Commercial buildings account for the largest share of demand, the publisher said, because offices, hospitals, schools, hotels and retail properties require continuous ventilation and moisture control in crowded spaces. New construction leads implementation because engineers can plan equipment placement, ducts and airflow before structural limits are fixed.

Research and Markets identified systems above 60 tons as a fast-growing capacity segment, citing large hospitals, airports, office towers, shopping centers, factories, warehouses and government facilities. It also identified dehumidification as the fastest-growing requirement, especially in tropical, subtropical and coastal areas of Brazil, Colombia and northern Argentina.

Brazil leads the regional market, supported by its urban population, commercial building activity, industrial base and mixed climate conditions, the publisher said. São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia were listed among cities attracting investment in healthcare, education, office, residential and industrial projects.

The forecast carries several constraints. Research and Markets cited high installation costs, especially for retrofits requiring structural work, duct changes and links to older HVAC systems. It also pointed to shortages of qualified engineers and technicians in some markets.

Supply chains are another risk. Steel, aluminum and copper are sourced regionally in Brazil, Argentina and Chile, while advanced sensors, controls, fans and specialized mechanical parts are often imported from China, Mexico and the United States.

The report's coverage lists 2020 as the historic year, 2025 as the base year, 2026 as the estimated year and 2031 as the forecast year.

Source: press release, GlobeNewswire, Oct. 13, 2026