Indoor air quality plays a major role in the health and safety of a home. Pollution is not exclusive to the outdoors, as both outdoor and indoor air can be compromised by pollution. Indoor air can be polluted by airborne chemicals, toxins, and other nasty particulates that can trigger allergies and other health reactions.
It is for this reason that every home should be equipped with an air quality monitor. If you are someone who travels frequently, it is important to have an air quality monitor on hand to ensure that you are residing in a safe atmosphere with good indoor air quality.
The unfortunate reality is that exposure to poor air quality for extended periods of time can have detrimental and long term health effects. It’s important to find the best air quality monitor for your home or your unique lifestyle to maintain your health.
Learn more about the different air quality monitors on the market with our air quality monitor reviews that will help you to make an educated purchase.
Product Image
Product Name
Monitors
Smart Capabilities
View Latest Price
- CO2
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC),
- Particle Matter (PM2.5 & PM10).
- Temperature
- Humidity
N/A
- Radon
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2), toxins
- VOCs
- Humidity
- Temperature
- Air pressure
- Bluetooth
- App & Online Dashboard
- Alexa
- Google Assistant
- IFTTT (if this then that
- Radon
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2), toxins
- VOCs
- Humidity
- Temperature
- Air pressure
- Mobile App
- Fine dust (Pm2.5),
- Chemicals (VOCs)
- Co2
- Humidity
- Temperature
Mobile App
Works with iPhone iOS (8 or later), Android (Jelly Bean 4.3 or later)
*Requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi)
- Chemical violates
- Harmful gas & smokes
- Decoration violates
- Odors
- Hundreds of organic violates in the air including
N/A
![Product image of IQAir [AirVisual Pro] Smart Indoor & Outdoor Air Quality Monitor](https://freshhomeguide.com/wp-content/uploads/IQAir-AirVisual-Pro-Smart-Indoor-Outdoor-Air-Quality-Monitor-1024x576.jpg)
- PM2.5
- CO2
- Indoor Temperature
- Indoor Humidity
- Website Dashboard
- Mobile App
- PM2.5
- Fine Dust
- Chemicals (TVOCs)
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Works with Apple HomeKit & IFTTT.
- Support for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets
*Requires 2.4 GHz connection
- Indoor temperature
- Humidity
- Dust
- Toxins
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Carbon dioxide
- Ozone
- Air pressure
- Pairs with automatic air purifiers
- Smart thermostats
- IFTTT deviceS ( i.e. Nest, Roomba, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant)
- Smartphone or tablet with iO
The 10 Best Air Quality Monitors of 2024
Overview:
The Huma-i (HI-150), Advanced Portable Air Quality Monitor is specifically designed to monitor indoor air quality for the health and safety of infants. Although good indoor air quality is essential for people of all ages, infants are at higher risk due to the fact they are still building their immune system. As a result, they feel the impacts of polluted air that much stronger and with long term effects.
This air quality monitor senses and measures air quality to notify parents and homeowners alike when their indoor air quality is polluted or when high levels of harmful materials are detected in the air.
Main Features:
- Measures CO2, VOC, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), temperature & humidity
- Indoor & outdoor monitoring
- Real-time air quality measure
- Portable
- For indoor & outdoor environments
- Built in fan
- Advanced sensors
- OLED display
- Status LED lights
What it Does:
All with the simple touch of a button, The Huma-1 provides real time measurements of indoor air quality. This air quality monitor is unique in that it measures and detects a wide variety of elements in your indoor air quality. In addition to detecting harmful elements like CO2, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), and Particulate Matter (M2.5 & PM10), it is also able to monitor the temperature and humidity levels in your home.
The reality is that temperature and humidity plays an essential role in your indoor air quality as it contributes to the ventilation and circulation of your indoor air, and can directly interact with any harmful particulates or materials in your air.
What’s unique about this air quality monitor is that it has a WHO mode which informs users of the World Health Organization (WHO)’s guidelines for fine and ultra-fine dust readings [1].
How it Works:
The Huma-1 is able to report real time measurements of indoor air quality thanks to it’s built-in fan that draws in ambient air. The monitor is also easy to read as it displays these results in either graph or icon mode. These modes can be set with an easy one-touch button using the OLED display .
This model is small and portable, which makes it easy to carry around and use in different environments to detect indoor air quality
Who it’s for:
Although this model does not have many smart capabilities like the other products on this list, this actually makes it a lot easier to use for homeowners with limited knowledge of indoor air quality and its factors. It’s easy to use thanks to its one-touch button, and its OLED display makes findings (measurements, detections etc.) easier to read and understand. Additionally, the Status LED lights allow the system to quickly report on any detected CO2, VOC, or particulate matter.
Pro’s
- Measures indoor & outdoor air quality
- Sleek & compact design
- WHO feature
- Easy to use
- Quick & real time reporting
Cons
- No app to monitor findings
- Does not integrate with any devices
Overview
Airthings Wave Plus Indoor Air Quality Monitor is an award-winning smart air quality monitor that makes it easy to monitor your indoor air quality wherever you are. The monitor boasts air sensors and measures radon levels to provide air quality reports that are up to date, accurate, and easily accessible thanks to its digital app. The Airthings app is accessible on mobile, desktop, and integrates with Alexa, Google assistant, and IFTTT devices.
Main Features
- Clean Air Sensors
- Radon Level Measuring
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Air Things App & Online Dashboard
- Colour Coded Display
- Integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
What it Does:
The Airthings Wave Plus Indoor Air Quality Monitor effectively monitors different airborne pollutants including total VOCs, CO2, humidity, temperature, and air pressure. It also measures radon levels effectively and accurately to help you ensure the quality of your indoor air. That said, it does not detect carbon monoxide.
The AirThings Wave Plus’s functionality and accuracy is indicated by its accolades as it is the Smart Home Winner of the 2018 IFA Innovation Award Winner and an honouree of the 2019 CES Innovation Award.
How it Works:
This monitor utilizes clean air sensors that are specifically designed to sense different pollutants in your air. These findings are visually displayed so that homeowners can easily identify any harmful elements in their air. By being able to identify these elements, homeowners can see what it is they are breathing in every day and make adjustments accordingly.
Airthings Wave Plus is a smart device that can be used with countless systems including Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT devices. This monitor is ideal for people who already have different devices that they are using to streamline different functions in their home.
The monitor’s app is easy to maneuver as its Bluetooth capabilities can sync the monitor’s data with your device once it is within range of the system. The dashboard indicates current levels for different air quality materials and particulates so that the user can easily access and read the information without much digging or playing around in the app.
The monitor’s convenience not only comes from how it displays indoor air quality findings, but from where it is able to do so. The Airthings Wave Plus functions like an alarm or smoke detector as it can be mounted just about anywhere whether you want it on a wall or a ceiling. Because of the app, you can read the findings of the monitor without needing to have the system itself in eye view.
Who it’s for:
The Airthings Wave Plus is for the tech savvy homeowner who is seeking convenience as the monitor is integratable with other devices and boasts an app for remote monitoring.
Pro’s
- Free app
- Easy to operate & read
- Efficient radon detection for safety
- Integrates with various devices & smart systems
Cons
- Does not detect carbon monoxide
- App is less efficient when hooked up with multiple airthing devices
Overview
The Atmotube Pro Portable Outdoor and Indoor Professional Air Quality Monitor is unique in that the product was initially conceived via an indiegogo campaign [2]. The crowdfunded device portable so that you can take it wherever you go to assess the air quality of any hotel room, home, commercial warehouse, or any other property that may be of importance.
The device is the most compact air quality tracker on the market and conveniently hooks on any bag or belt for easy portability. It also boasts up to 7 days of battery life.
Main Features
- Real-time air Quality Tracker
- PM Sensors
- Portable
- Monitors Indoors & Outdoors
- Atmotube Pro Air Quality Tester
- 2,000mAh battery
What it Does:
The Atmotube Pro Portable Outdoor and Indoor Professional Air Quality Monitor boasts many capabilities as it can read the air quality of both outdoor and indoor spaces. It measures and detects a wide range of harmful materials and particulates in any space, including PM (particulate matter) and volatile organic compounds.
It’s PM (particulate matter) sensors mean that it can accurately measure and identify PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 pollutants. These particle matter ranges refer to the size of particulates (in micrometers) that an air monitor is able to catch. This particular monitor can detect particles like dust, soot, mold spores, and pollen [3].
This is of great importance considering that particles like dust, soot and pollen can trigger allergic reactions and make it harder for those with asthma to breathe. Alternatively, mold spores can have long term health effects if not detected and dealt with quickly.
How it Works:
This portable and wearable air quality monitor works just about anywhere. The tracker can be attached to a belt, bag or hook to bring around to assess the indoor air quality just about anywhere. Its portability is made that much more effective by its 7 day battery life.
The Atmotube Pro air quality monitor is easy to use thanks to its mobile app’s user-friendly interface, and its multi-purpose nature. The mobile app, for one, provides easy to read displays of indoor air quality findings through personal air scores as well as measurement history so that homeowners can see any change in their indoor air quality and use this data as a reference. The mobile app notifies the user when their indoor air quality level reaches a dangerous level.
The tracker itself also includes a weather station which is what enables it to measure humidity, temperature, and atmospheric pressure in outdoor settings.
Who it’s for:
This monitor is for users who have various uses for reading air quality. The air quality tracker is portable and can be used across various properties both indoor and outdoor. The smart capabilities of the mobile app makes it easy for users to operate the system and monitor indoor air quality from anywhere.
Pro’s
- User-friendly interface
- Easy tracking
- Compact & easy to carry around
- Cost-effective
- Effectively provides real-time readings
Cons
- Battery drains easily
- Requires frequent charging
Overview
The Air Quality Monitor BIAOLING Accurate Tester boasts an LCD Color Screen Digital Display. This display offers long term monitoring and makes it easy to read any priorly tracked or currently detected harmful gases or particles in your indoor air.
The monitor is easy to operate and read. It can be brought just about anywhere, and displays findings through numbers and uses alarms to notify a user when levels of materials like formaldehyde reach unsafe levels.
Main Features
- LCD Color Screen Digital Display
- Portable & rechargeable battery
- Electrochemical sensors
- Detects multiple gases (carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, smoke, fog, dust, ink etc.)
- Identifies Particle Matter(PM2.5/PM10), & VOC’s like formaldehyde
What it Does
There is a lot to love about the Air Quality Monitor BIAOLING Accurate Tester. This air quality tracker accurately detects various harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, smoke, fog, and others. In addition to gasses, the monitor is also able to identify the presence of VOCs, particulate matter (M2.5/PM10), and other harmful pollutants and substances in your indoor air.
This is a multi-purpose tracker that provides well rounded reading of indoor air quality so that homeowners and businesses owners alike can be educated on what is in the air that they are breathing on a day to day basis
How it Works
In terms of physical functionality, the Air Quality Monitor BIAOLING Accurate Tester utilizes a portable 3000mAh rechargeable battery that ensures the system continues to provide real time findings,
Because the tracker is small in size, it is portable and easy to bring around the house to assess the air quality in various rooms of concern like bathrooms, bedrooms, or kitchens. It can also be used outdoors if you are assessing the pollution around a camping site or park.
When you are testing indoors, however, make sure to close your windows and doors for at least 60 minutes to get an accurate reading of a room or 3-15 minutes for a smaller space like a cabinet. This is particularly useful if you are renovating and bringing in new furniture as new furniture materials often tend to release VOCs like formaldehyde.
Who it’s for:
This monitor is for households with pets and people who struggle with asthma or allergies, as the thorough tracker can accurately track allergens like pet hair, dust, and other particulates.
Pro’s
- Detects multiple gasses & harmful materials
- Portable
- Easy to read
- Detects harmful pollutants indoors & outdoors
- Rechargeable batteries
Cons
- Battery doesn’t last long, needs to be recharged frequently
5. Awair 2nd Edition Air Quality Monitor
Overview
Awair 2nd Edition Air Quality Monitor is an air quality tester that detects the presence of the five most common air pollutants (particulate matter, chemicals, carbon dioxide, humidity & temperature) that are known to have negative long term effects on a person’s health. The presence of these particulates can also negatively impact a person’s sleep, focus, mood, respiratory health, and immunity.
Main Features
- Tracks 5 essential components of air quality: particulate matter (PM2.), chemicals, Co2, temperature & humidity
- Real-time feedback & actionable insights
- Awair App (Integrates with Alexa, Google Home & more)
- Centralized control
- Color-coded scale
What it does:
The Awair 2nd Edition air quality monitor effectively monitors the essential elements of air quality (chemicals, temperature, humidity, fine dust, and carbon dioxide) to help users identify any pollutants. When gone undetected, these factors can have detrimental impacts on your health. This monitor actively reads and assesses your indoor air quality to identify the presence of any harmful materials in real-time. This way, you can take action right away.
The monitor not only provides real time feedback indicating any presence of harmful particulares, but also suggests actionable options so that you can solve the problem sooner rather than later.
How it works:
The Awair 2nd Edition helps you see the invisible particles in your indoor air. The monitor helps you to do this by both identifying harmful particulates and chemicals, and suggesting actionable items so that you can rectify the situation. These tips of advice are based on decades of research on these compounds.
You can use the Awair 2nd edition with Alexa, Google Home and more for optimal convenience and a streamlined process of monitoring your indoor air. Users will love how easy it is to use this monitor thanks to its centralized control settings that allow you to manage your devices and monitor your air from just about anywhere. The app is compatible with the iPhone iOS 8 (or later), Android (Jelly Bean 4.3 or later), and requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.T
Who it is For:
The Awair 2nd Edition air quality monitor is well suited to those who want to get personal with their air quality testing. Even though VOCs are not good for anyone’s health, people differ in the severity of their reaction to things like allergens (i.e. dust and pet hair). This monitor allows you to personalize your settings and look for the things that are most important to you.
Whether you have your monitor in your room to help you improve your breathing and sleep, or your kitchen to effectively maintain good air quality while you are cooking and dealing with different materials, the choice is yours. You can rest easy knowing that the Awair 2nd Edition will provide you with the reports and insights that suit what it is you are interested in.
Based on this information, the monitor will also provide you with personalized goals to help you maintain and improve your indoor air.
Pro’s
- Easy to set up with personalized settings
- Central control
- Integrates with different devices
- Focuses on 5 essential aspects of indoor air quality
- Aesthetic & compact
Cons
- App won’t work for people with IOS models before the Phone 8
- Noisy internal fan
Overview:
E SUPEREGROW’s Air Quality Monitor acts as a pollution meter monitor and formaldehyde detector to help users detect any pollution in their indoor air. Specifically, this small but mighty TVOC air quality monitor effectively tracks and setects hundreds of volatile organic compounds that may be airborne in your indoor space.
Main Features
- Tracks hundreds of volatile organic compounds
- RESET Calibration function
- Dual Power
- Display
What it Does:
The TVOC Air Quality Monitor from E SUPEREGROW tracks hundreds of different harmful materials that could be present in your indoor air and cause long term health concerns if not addressed promptly. These include harmful gases, chemicals, odours, and more.
How it Works
The way this monitor works is that it will alert the user if the content of VOCs in their air exceeds the standard and safe amount. The international standard is TVOC≤0.50mg/m³, so any contents that exceed this balance will set off an alarm to notify the user of the problem.
This monitor is known for being consistent, accurate, and fast in order to display findings in a timely manner so that the needed precautions can be taken if need be. It is made with an advanced instrument that ensures indoor air readings are quick and can respond quickly as the air changes.
By using the meter’s RESET Calibration function, users can double check the indoor air quality in case a change has occurred, or a solution has been implemented. According to the product’s maker, the best results will be provided when the device is re-calibrated every two hours. The monitor will only work effectively when powered by AA batteries — if a good alkaline battery is not used, the monitor will not work as well.
Pro’s
- Effectively tracks hundreds of VOCs
- Consistent & accurate
- RESET Calibration makes it easy to reset the system
- Sleek & compact
- Long term stability
- Easy to use
- Sensitive & senses small changes in air
Cons
- Have to re-calibrate frequently for exact readings
- Must use alkaline batteries
![Product image of IQAir [AirVisual Pro] Smart Indoor & Outdoor Air Quality Monitor](https://freshhomeguide.com/wp-content/uploads/IQAir-AirVisual-Pro-Smart-Indoor-Outdoor-Air-Quality-Monitor-768x432.jpg)
Overview
The IQAir [AirVisual Pro] Smart Indoor & Outdoor Air Quality Monitor is a professional air quality monitor system that provides accurate indoor and outdoor air quality readings. This tracker helps users identify any harmful matters or substances in their indoor air so that they can make adjustments accordingly.
Main Features:
- Real-time outdoor & indoor air quality reading
- High precision laser technology for PM2.5 sensor
- industrial grade CO2 sensor
- IFTTT (If This, Then That) smart home integrations
What it Does:
This air quality meter monitors both indoor and outdoor air quality based on harmful matters and particulates, as well as indoor humidity and temperature. With this monitor, you can know what you’re breathing at anytime, wherever you are. This air quality data helps users to be educated on the air that they are breathing, and encourages them to make changes in their home if need be.
The IQAir [AirVisual Pro] Smart Indoor & Outdoor Air Quality Monitor provides recommendations and alerts that are personally catered to your home and lifestyle. It can also be integrated with IFTTT (If This, Then That) smart home devices for seamless operation and easy reading and display.
How it Works:
The IQAir [AirVisual Pro] Smart Indoor & Outdoor Air Quality Monitor effectively reads and reports on indoor air quality due to its advanced features that ensure accurate and up to date results and insights.
The Be Air Aware app function allows users to compare their air quality with other spaces. Similarly, the air quality and weather forecast allows users to estimate the air quality in different locations for future times so that users can plan activities.
The monitor is able to identify indoor air due to its professional grade sensors that are made with cutting edge laser technology, airflow control and an algorithm that ensures up to date, accurate data.
Who it’s For
This high-tech, advanced air quality monitor is well suited to generally conscious users who are interested in monitoring the air quality not only in their home, but across the different areas they travel to or visit on a daily, weekly, or even monthly basis. This monitor is compact and portable so that users can bring it along to assess indoor air quality wherever they are.
Conscious users will love being able to get in the information they want about air no matter where they are, so that they can make conscious travel plans that avoid highly polluted areas.
Pro’s
- Integrates with various devices
- Can be used anywhere
- Accurate readings due to high tech sensors
- Prompt, real-time readings
- Compare air quality
Cons
- Some have had struggles connecting their device to the wifi
Overview
The Kaiterra Laser Egg+ Chemical Indoor Air Quality Monitor uses smart technology so that users can effectively track humidity, temperature, chemicals, and fine dust in their homes. Users can automate settings to monitor their indoor air quality and get notifications if any problem arises.
Main Features
- Monitor Kaiterra app
- Connects with home appliances
- Wifi-Enabled
- Tracks PM2.5, Fine Dust, Chemicals (TVOCs), Temperature, and Humidity
What it Does
The Kaiterra Laser Egg+ Chemical: Indoor Air Quality Monitor is designed to monitor the temperature, humidity, chemicals, and particulate matter of a user’s indoor air quality. This tracker measures all of these elements, specifically PM25 including fine dust. After all, allergens like dust are a leading trigger of allergic reactions and can be harmful for those struggling with asthma. This is why it’s important to know when there is a high level of dust in your home so that you can break out your best duster and rectify the situation.
How it Works
The Kaiteirra app means that you can use this monitor to track detected particulates and material from anywhere, at any time. The app will also track past findings so that you can use historical trends as a reference point. When any material exceeds safe levels or thresholds predetermined by the user, the monitor will alert the user that there is a problem.
This is a highly advanced smart device that integrates with Apple HomeKit and IFTTT. The monitor also boasts an app that is supported by iOS and Android smartphones. You can use these smart features to automate your home’s monitoring system. This way you can easily and seamlessly monitor indoor air quality to prevent allergens and pollutants from building up and becoming airborne.
This said, the model doesn’t integrate with other common devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Who is it For
This monitor is well suited to users with more of a “set it and forget it” mentality. Users can set up the system to be automated by inputting the levels that should not be exceeded. The device does all the monitoring and provides notifications based on personalized settings.
Pro’s
- Real-time & accurate readings
- Portable
- Easy to use & set up
- Monitors particulates & gasses
Cons
- Noisy fan
- Doesn’t integrate with Alexa or Google Assistant
Overview
The UHOO Indoor Air Quality Sensor is one of the most advanced (and most expensive) air quality monitors on the market. It provides users with a thorough analysis of their indoor air quality so that they can identify invisible but harmful materials, and know when they need to take the steps necessary to rectify their polluted air.
The reality is that you won’t be able to feel when your air is polluted — you need a comprehensive analysis like the one offered by this air quality monitor to identify the issue and make changes accordingly.
Main Features
- Full comprehensive analysis
- uHoo mobile app to streamline data
- Integrates with IFTTT-compatible devices
- 9 precisely calibrated sensors
- 1 Year Warranty
What it Does:
The uHoo air quality monitor detects various elements of a user’s indoor air and displays its findings in a fully comprehensive analysis. The system effectively monitors indoor temperature, humidity, dust, toxins, nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, ozone, air pressure, and more. By using this monitor, homeowners can better understand what is in the air they are breathing, and ensure that their air does not contain dangerous levels of any harmful materials or particulates.
How it Works:
By identifying unclean indoor air, this monitor allows users to know that it’s time to clean their air. When the monitor reads your indoor air quality, it displays the results through the uHoo mobile app. This app helps users to streamline their efforts as it aggregates the data and, based on the data, creates personalized tips so that users can identify action items to improve their indoor air quality.
Users can also integrate this system with other IFTTT compatible devices such as Roomba, Amazon Alexa, Next, Google Assistant, and more. All you have to do is plug in the monitor, connect it to wifi, and gather your information about your indoor air quality. The only catch is that you will require a smartphone with ios 9 or Android 4.3 (or any newer models).
Who it’s For
Homeowners who already have gadget friendly homes will love this monitor that not only has an app, but integrates with different devices. It’s the perfect addition to any well-connected household that is being monitored and tracked by different devices. Users can rest easy knowing that uHoo comes with a 1-year warranty.
Pro’s
- 1 year warranty
- Integrates with Alexa & Google
- Powerful sensors for precise detection
- Easy to use app
Cons
- Requires ios 9 or Android 4.3
- Costly
- Little set up information or information about sensors on website
Overview
The Seesii indoor air quality monitor is a well rounded air quality meter that boasts various modes for users to personalize how their quality is measured and the focus of the readings. The product’s infrared sensors help the monitor to provide real-time, accurate readings that aren’t affected by other factors.
Main Features
- NDIR CO2 sensor
- 3 states indication
- Touch buttons
- Large LCD display
- Smart alarm & Built-in siren
- Chart trend display
What it Does
The Seesii indoor air quality monitor effectively detects temperature, humidity and CO2 levels. Specifically, the model has two different modes to detect CO2; the People Mode allows users to detect if they are in a safe atmosphere, while the Plant Mode allows users to detect if their plants are growing in good conditions. Findings from these assessments are shown as charts on the model’s large LCD display which makes readings easy to read, understand, and assess
How it Works
This motor boasts high precision non-dispersive infrared sensors that provide accurate and real time readings. Because these sensors are able to withstand the impacts of temperature and other environmental factors, it provides 50ppm+5% reading accuracy.
The monitor also stores data of past readings so that users can see how their indoor air quality has changed over time. Specifically, users can track 24 hours of the concentration of humidity, temperature, and gasses in their air. If the levels of any of these compounds exceed safety, the automatic alarm will sound to notify the user.
The Seesii indoor air quality monitor is an easy to carry model that is portable and can be used just about anywhere — it actually includes a wall mount so that it can also sit on walls or desks. The model boasts a strong battery life thanks to its 1500mAh battery that maintains the monitor’s life when USB ports are not accessible.
Who It’s For
While the average homeowner will love having this reliable air quality monitor on hand, gardeners especially will love the co2 Plant Mode that will help them to assess the growing conditions of their plants so that they can make changes accordingly if needed. This monitor is also well suited to greenhouses.
Because this model is small and portable, users can use it to assess the air quality of just about any space whether they want to assess the quality of their car’s air, the air in a hotel room, or anywhere else.
Pro’s
- Desktop and wall mountable
- Various modes
- Easy readings
- Automatic alarm
- Real-time CO2 detection
Cons
- Doesn’t detect carbon monoxide
- Does not integrate with smart devices
Air Quality Monitor Buying Guide
It’s important to never underestimate the invisible pollutants in the air that you breathe. The problem is, air quality is invisible to the eye. This is why there are air quality monitors that are designed to detect airborne pollutant materials like harmful chemicals, gasses, and temperature and humidity levels.
While not every air quality monitor is made equal, it’s important to find the right air quality monitor for your home to ensure that the air you’re breathing indoors is not detrimental to your health in fact, some air quality monitors even assess outdoor air quality so that you can avoid highly polluted areas.
Why to Monitor Your Air
There are many reasons why homeowners and business owners of all kinds will want to assess the quality of air they are breathing on a daily basis.
Allergies
The reality is that your indoor air can be packed with allergens that, as a result, can trigger allergies. Common allergens in indoor air include dust mites, mold, and pet dander — most of which can be detected by an air quality monitor [4]. Once you identify the presence of these allergens in your home, you can make some changes in your habits, filters, and cleaning practices to rectify this situation. For example, you may identify that your home requires a HEPA air purifier to help purify your air.
Asthma
Allergens like those listed above as well as other factors like fragrances and volatile organic chemicals can make it harder for people to breathe — this is because breathing in polluted indoor air makes it that much harder for a person with asthma to breathe regularly.
Health
Those living in polluted indoor air can have a spectrum of health impacts ranging from headaches, and fatigue, to coughing, sneezing, congestion and shortness of breath. Harmful particulates are also known to cause irritation of the throat, nose, eyes, and skin [5]. This is why there are guidelines for indoor air quality [6].
Home Structure
The reality is that particulates and chemicals are not the only things that can compromise your home’s indoor air quality. Temperature and humidity also play a major role as air needs to be effectively ventilated to combat pollutants and to ensure the circulation of fresh air.
Many air quality monitors (albeit not all) will read humidity and temperature levels to ensure that your ventilation is working properly and to alert you of any high or low levels to be cautious of.
The reality is that while humidity and polluted air can be harmful to your health, high levels of humidity can cause moisture and as a result develop mold, and compromise the structural integrity of your home [7].
What to Monitor in Your Indoor Air
CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)
Carbon Dioxide is an invisible gas as it is both colourless and tasteless. This gas weighs more than air, and is actually not toxic by nature. The reality is that there are standard levels of CO2 in outdoor air, but this gas can be suffocating if it exceeds the volume of oxygen in a person’s brain. This unsafe ratio can result in headache, tinnitus, respiratory disorder, and increase blood pressure [8].
Other harmful gasses that can be measured by an air quality monitor includes smoke, fog, and carbon monoxide.
VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)
The United States Environmental Protection Agency defines volatile organic compounds (VOCS) as compounds that “are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids.” VOC concentrations are significantly higher indoors than outdoors due to the contained space, and include a wide range of chemicals that can have varying health impacts.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the most common VOCs include [9]:
- Benzene
- Ethylene glycol
- Formaldehyde
- Methylene chloride
- Tetrachloroethylene
- Toluene
- Cxylene
- 1,3-butadiene
VOCs can be released by a wide variety of products ranging from furniture to common household items including hair and cleaning products. Air quality monitors can help detect the presence of any of these VOCs in your indoor air.
Particulate Matter
Particulate matter refers to the solid and liquid particles that can be airborne and pollute the air. When breathed in, particulate matter can trigger allergies, make it harder to breath, and impact the heart and lungs [10].
Particulate matter comes in different shapes and sizes which is why some are easier to detect than others. This matter is measured and identified based on size (i.e. PM2.5). Different air quality monitors can detect particulate matter of varying sizes, and will notify the user when the particulate matter in the indoor air exceeds safe levels
Humidity
While most air quality monitors detect harmful gasses, chemicals and particulates, some will also monitor humidity levels. The reality is that exceedingly high or low humidity levels can be harmful. Control humidity levels to avoid having too much humidity in your home.
According to the Government of Canada, high levels of humidity can cause mold to grow (which can have lasting health effects), and low levels can cause dryness in the air.
Temperature
Consistent temperature is essential for the comfort and health of those living in a space. Ventilation and air circulation helps to regulate temperature, but it is important to detect when temperatures are inconsistent. Cold climates are dry and warm climates can cause moisture build up which, as we know, can lead to mold. Some air quality monitors will also help users to measure their temperature during the day and overnight.
In Conclusion:
Find the best air quality monitor for your home by identifying the pollutant factors that are most relevant to you, Do you have asthma? Allergies? Pets? An infant? Consider these factors and read our in depth reviews to help you make an educated decision.
