When it comes to our overall health and well-being, indoor air quality is often overlooked. We spend a majority of our time inside, whether it be at home, work or school, and the air inside can be more polluted than the air outside. This is due to a variety of sources such as cleaning products, candles, mold, and even our own bodies.Did you know that high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air can negatively impact brain function, causing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and cognitive impairment. This is because high CO2 levels can lead to decreased oxygen delivery to the brain, which can disrupt normal brain function. But don't worry, we've got you covered. Investing in an indoor air quality monitor is an easy and effective way to improve the air we breathe.
In this article, we'll be discussing the top 5 indoor air quality monitors that are currently on the market. These devices can measure pollutants such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and even particle pollution. So, whether you're a skeptic or a believer, by the end of this article, you'll be a pro at picking the perfect indoor air quality monitor for your home.
SAF Aranet 4
Price on Amazon: $249
The SAF Aranet 4 is a top-of-the-line air quality monitor that boasts a wide range of features. One of its standout components is the NDIR sensor, which is considered one of the most accurate sensors on the market. The Aranet 4 can measure various air quality factors including temperature, humidity, CO2, VOCs, and particle pollution. It features a easy-to-read e-ink display and can be easily controlled through an accompanying app, which allows for data tracking and analysis, as well as personalized recommendations. With a long-lasting battery life of up to 4 years and wireless design, the Aranet 4 can be placed nearly anywhere, making it suitable for use in homes, offices, schools, or even on-the-go. Its sleek, lightweight design and easy installation make it a great option for anyone looking to monitor air quality.
Pros:
- Nondispersive infrared sensor (NDIR) sensor for precise and reliable measurements
- Measures five different air quality factors
- Large, easy-to-read e-ink display
- Can be controlled through an app for real-time data and personalized recommendations
Cons:
Airthings View Plus
Price on Amazon: $199
The Airthings View Plus is a smart air quality monitor that can measure a variety of air quality factors, including temperature, humidity, CO2, VOCs, radon, and air pressure. The device features an LED display, which can be difficult to read in dimly lit enviroments. The device can be controlled and monitored through their mobile app, which allows for easy access to real-time data and personalized recommendations. The View Plus is a dual-purpose device that can be self-powered by its included six AA batteries. The company estimates that the cells should be good for about two years of use. You can also power the device using a USB cable, and doing so lets the View Plus act as a hub for other Airthings sensors.The Airthings View Plus is ideal for homes, offices, and schools.
Pros:
Cons:
- Small screen with no backlighting
- Cannot customize thresholds
Awair Element Indoor Air Quality Monitor
Price on Amazon: $279
The Awair Element Indoor Air Quality Monitor is another great option on the market for monitoring IAQ in your home. This device is designed to fit seamlessly into your home and can measure five different air quality factors: temperature, humidity, CO2, VOCs, and fine dust.
One of the standout features of the Awair Element is its ability to integrate with multiple smart home platforms via Awair +app, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Ecobee & Sensi thermostats and more, this allows you to monitor your air quality and control the device with voice commands or other smart devices.
Pros:
- Provides suggestions for improving air quality
- Measures five different air quality factors
- Can be integrated across multiple smart home platforms
Cons:
- The display on the device itself can be difficult to read
- Recent price increase
- No battery-powered option
uHoo Smart Air Monitor
Price on Amazon: $299
The uHoo Smart Air Monitor is a comprehensive air quality monitoring solution that can measure nine different air quality factors: temperature, humidity, CO2, VOCs, fine dust, PM10, PM2.5, ozone, and carbon monoxide. While it doesn’t measure radon (the View Plus does), the uHoo does measure nitrogen dioxide and ozone levels, which is not typically offered by other indoor air quality monitors. It also integrates with other smart home devices and can be controlled through an app, which will make suggestions on how to fix certain problems if they are outside of the normal range.
Pros:
- Measures nine different air quality factors
- Measures ozone and carbon monoxide
- Device recalibrates itself to stay accurate.
- Can be integrated across multiple smart home platforms, including Google and Alexa
- Advanced integration with IFTTT
Cons:
- No battery-powered option
- Price on the higher end
- No display on the device