In recent years, awareness of the importance of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has grown significantly. Since we spend a large portion of our time indoors, the quality of the air we breathe inside our homes, offices, and public spaces is now recognized as having significant influence on our overall health and well-being.

IAQ sensors have emerged as essential tools in monitoring and identifying how to improve Indoor Air Quality. As humans, our senses are no match for the new IAQ sensors launched over the past five years. In this article, we’ll explore what IAQ sensors measure, and several top sensors recommended for maintaining healthy indoor air.

What Do Indoor Air Quality Sensors Measure?

IAQ sensors are devices designed to detect and measure the level of various pollutants and other harmful substances in the air. They monitor various parameters, including:

• Particulate Matter (PM): Tiny particles suspended in the air, such as dust, pollen, and smoke, can travel deep into the body negatively impacting health.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Chemicals can vaporize into the air at room temperature when we use products and materials containing VOCs. Breathing in VOCs can be harmful to health.
• Carbon Dioxide Gas (CO2): High levels can be found in tightly built homes with inadequate ventilation. Symptoms include drowsiness, headaches, and poor concentration.
• Radon Gas (Rn): An odorless, colorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. The U.S. EPA recommends all homes be tested for the presence of radon.
• Temperature and Humidity: These factors can influence the concentration of water, ions of pollutants, and overall comfort levels.

Best Indoor Air Quality Sensors

Creating a safe and healthy indoor environment is crucial, and modern technology offers innovative solutions to achieve this goal. Learn more about the best IAQ sensors on the market:

AprilAire Wireless Indoor and Outdoor Sensors

Compatible with the AprilAire S86WMUPR Programmable Wi-Fi Thermostat, AprilAire Wireless Indoor and Outdoor Sensors detect relative humidity and temperature for enhanced Indoor Air Quality control.

Use up to eight AprilAire Z10IDT Wireless Indoor Sensors to help reduce hot or cold spots in your home by averaging the temperatures across all installed sensors and schedule temperature changes in specific parts of the home.

The AprilAire Z10ODT Wireless Outdoor Sensor is water resistant and communicates temperature and relative humidity outside of your house to your S86WMUPR Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat, which uses this information for active control of your AprilAire Humidifier or Fresh Air Ventilator.

Ecosense EcoBlu Digital Radon Gas Monitor

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas and the #1 cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Know if you’re being exposed by testing with the Ecosense EcoBlu Digital Radon Gas Monitor. With its lightning-fast results, this device provides you with an initial radon reading in just 10 minutes, followed by reliable results within 1 hour, boasting over 90% accuracy after 10 hours of continuous monitoring.

Setting a new standard in radon detection, it delivers an industry-leading radon counting sensitivity of 18 counts per hour per pCi/L, surpassing the industry minimum requirement of 2 counts per hour per pCi/L for your peace of mind. This state-of-the-art monitor offers versatile dual monitoring modes, from real-time to long-term tracking with options including daily, weekly, monthly, and 1-year monitoring intervals.

Airthings Smart Radon and Indoor Air Quality Bundle

Understand the air quality in your home with the Airthings Monitor Bundle, featuring the View Plus and Wave Mini. This bundle provides a comprehensive overview of your home’s air pollutants: radon, particulate matter, carbon dioxide, humidity, temperature, airborne chemicals, and air pressure.

Using the Airthings Wave App, you’ll receive real-time updates and long-term trends on your home’s air quality. With this expert-level technology, you can quickly identify unhealthy air in your home and begin mitigating with the assistance of an AprilAire Healthy Air Pro.

 

IAQ sensors are a crucial tool in the fight against indoor air quality concerns. By providing real-time data and actionable insights, these devices empower homeowners to take control of their indoor environments and ensure the health and well-being of their families.