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Best Indoor Air Quality Monitor [2019]


Awair 2nd Edition Air Quality Monitor

  • Compatible with smart devices for ease of improving air quality
  • Free app is compatible with all phones and gives you plenty of helpful information
  • Attractive design integrates well with your home’s décor



The Awair 2nd Edition is the right blend of accuracy, relevant information, connectivity, and ease of use. You get an attractive monitor that you can display anywhere in your home, plenty of data to help you determine your air quality, and the ability to connect with smart devices in your home that can improve your air’s breathability.


Ecowitt WH0290 Air Quality Monitor

  • Large LED display gives you all relevant information at a glance
  • Tracks PM2.5 particulates, which are most troublesome for those with respiratory conditions
  • Easy-to-use monitor that can go anywhere you do



This simple but effective Ecowitt WH0290 Air Quality Monitor makes our list for its ease of use and its straightforward design. You don’t need anything extra, including a mobile app, to use this monitor, and you get plenty of helpful information from this simple tool. Its small size makes it perfect for taking with you anywhere you need to go so that you will always have a handle on your air quality measures.


uHoo Indoor Air Quality Sensor 9-in-1 Smart Air Monitor

  • Easily integrates with other smart and IFTTT-compatible devices
  • App gives detailed information on a wide range of air quality variables
  • Sleek design is small but attractive



The uHoo Indoor Air Quality Sensor 9-in-1 gives detailed data on an impressive nine separate measures of air quality, which helps you stay on top of your home’s health and safety. The data is richly displayed on the available app and can be used to trigger a wide range of events from your integrated devices and tools. This device is easy to use, nice to look at, and gives you the most extensive range of options and features of any on our list.

How We Picked

Air quality is essential for everyone, but it is especially crucial for those who have problems with their breathing. Allergies, asthma, COPD, emphysema, and other upper respiratory conditions can make you sensitive to environmental changes as well as pollution and particulates in the air. Keeping tabs on what is happening to the air inside your home is one way you can stay healthy and protect your delicate airways.

Air quality monitors measure numerous factors that influence the air you breathe. The models we chose for our list represent a wide range of what is available today, including those that detect deadly and harmful chemicals, aggravating particulates, and other pollutants. We selected those that are rated as the most accurate in their class, ensuring that the data you receive from our list of top ten choices can help you make the most informed decisions about your home and health.

We analyzed all the available data on our top picks, including customer ratings, industry tests, and specifications from the manufacturer, as well as other online reviews and rankings. We selected our list from the most widely recognized and recommended models to offer you a variety of options to meet any budget or help those with a variety of healthcare needs. Our list of the top ten best indoor air quality monitors gives you choices among the best of the best for selecting a monitor that is right for you and your family.

Awair 2nd Edition Air Quality Monitor

Awair 2nd Edition Air Quality Monitor

Specs:

  • Monitors PM2.5, VOCs, CO2, humidity, and temperature
  • Connects via app for iOS and Android
  • Compatible with smart home devices

The newest edition of Awair’s air quality monitor has some impressive updates that make this product a consistent leader in its field.

Awair 2nd Edition Air Quality Monitor

Among the many air quality factors that this monitor keeps tabs on are temperature, humidity, CO2, chemicals, and dust. You can monitor your home’s levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are gasses that are emitted from solids or liquids. These chemicals off-gas from various products in your house, where concentrations are highest indoors.

Awair 2nd Edition Air Quality Monitor and smartphone

The second edition of this model also includes the ability to monitor fine dust particulates less than 2.5 microns in size, which are those most likely to aggravate respiratory problems.

Awair 2nd Edition Air Quality Monitor in bedroom

The LED display of the Awair shows numerical readings for all the levels it can track, and it combines these into a numerical score that tells you the overall air quality inside your space.

What We Like

Not only does this air quality monitor track all the essential compounds that can influence your ability to breathe easily, but it also does so in an attractive unit that you will happily display in your home just about anywhere. The box is small enough to place on a bedside table or kitchen counter, and the walnut wood surround and old-school display make it look more like an art piece than an electronic device.

While the LED display is easy to read, once you get the hang of the graphing function, you can also get all the information from this device on Awair’s mobile phone app, which gives you even more details about the current status of your home’s air quality. Not only do you get exact measurements of each component of your air quality metrics, but you also can see optimum ranges for each, which tell you where you need to make adjustments. You can even set your own preferences based on specific needs, such as optimizing sleep, for babies, or for those with allergies.

With real-time monitoring of your air quality that is accurate and easy to understand, and the tips and push notifications from the app, you can stay on top of problems and respond to air quality threats quickly. Awair’s device also pairs with your Google Assistant or Alexa to help you keep tabs on what is happening. And if you have other smart devices in your home, the Awair can trigger these to take specific actions in response to air quality readings. It can be linked with smart thermostats, lightbulbs, software to document problems, and other devices that are IFTTT (if this then that) compatible.

Overall

Those who want to keep tabs on their air quality to improve their health or comfort would be wise to invest in the Awair 2nd Edition Air Quality Monitor. You get a significant amount of information in a device that is attractive and easy to use. You will know what needs to change inside your home to improve your breathing or that of your loved ones. And because it is compatible with smart devices, it is easy to program those changes to occur without much intervention on your part. If you want a great-looking monitor that connects with your other devices and is easy to use, then this is your best all-around option.


Awair 2nd Edition Air Quality Monitor

  • Compatible with smart devices for ease of improving air quality
  • Free app is compatible with all phones and gives you plenty of helpful information
  • Attractive design integrates well with your home’s décor

Airthings Wave Plus Indoor Air Quality Monitor with Radon Detection

Airthings Wave Plus Indoor Air Quality Monitor

Specs:

  • Monitors radon, CO2, total VOCs, humidity, temperature, and air pressure
  • Connects via app or desktop dashboard
  • Compatible with smart home devices

The Airthings Wave Plus monitor is one of the only on the market that can detect radon, a naturally occurring, colorless and odorless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US.

Airthings Wave Plus Indoor Air Quality Monitor

The 6-in-one monitor can detect radon as well as five other air quality indicators in real time, including carbon dioxide, VOCs, air pressure, humidity, and temperature.

Airthings Wave Plus Indoor Air Quality Monitor

This device can sit anywhere in your home or office, and each time you wave your hand in front of it, it will give you a color-coded message (green, yellow, or red) to tell you about your current air quality status.

Smartphone app of the Airthings Wave Plus Indoor Air Quality Monitor

To drill down into finer detail, you can either launch the app on your mobile phone or log into your dashboard via a web browser.

What We Like

The Airthings Wave Plus can be mounted on the wall or ceiling or rest on any horizontal surface, making it usable in just about any situation. While it should be installed at least three feet from vents and doors for the most accurate readings, its portability makes it helpful for monitoring any space in your home.

The ability to detect radon, which seeps into your home from the soil underneath the structure, makes this product a plus for many who are concerned about the risks of lung cancer. While the initial calibration for radon takes about a week to reach, after that, you get real-time data about your current status, which is extremely helpful.

Knowing your current CO2 levels is also crucial for air quality. Being cooped up inside all winter is an easy way to raise levels of carbon dioxide quickly, and when your monitor shows that this is affecting your air quality, you can make adjustments easily to help you stay healthy and breathe easily.

The IFTTT functions on this device allow you to set up alerts for certain conditions either to your phone, using your smart lightbulbs, or to your email. This includes letting you know when certain levels are too high and when your humidity or the temperature reaches a specified level.

Overall

If you are interested in your family’s comfort as well as safety, then investing in an indoor air quality monitor is crucial. With the Airthings Wave Plus Indoor Air Quality Monitor with Radon Detection, you get peace of mind regarding your exposure to a deadly gas as well as information that can help you with other air quality issues. While the lack of a display on the device itself is troublesome for some, those who use their smartphones regularly will appreciate the easy-to-understand app and its valuable data.


Airthings Wave Plus Indoor Air Quality Monitor with Radon Detection

  • Detects radon, which most monitors do not
  • Can be mounted to the wall or ceiling as well as rest on any surface
  • Easy-to-read app displays give you up-to-date information

uHoo Indoor Air Quality Sensor 9-in-1 Smart Air Monitor

uHoo Indoor Air Quality Sensor 9-in-1 Smart Air Monitor

Specs:

  • Monitors temperature, humidity, CO2, VOCs, PM2.5, NO2, Ozone, temperature, humidity, and air pressure
  • Connects via app for iOS and Android
  • Compatible with smart home devices

uHoo has created a state-of-the-art air quality monitor with an impressive nine sensors to help you keep track of what is happening in your home’s air.

uHoo Indoor Air Quality Sensor

You can protect those in your family, especially anyone with respiratory problems, when you have accurate information about indoor temperature changes, humidity levels, CO2 concentrations, levels of harmful gases like nitrogen dioxide, VOC levels, air pressure, and ozone.

uHoo Indoor Air Quality Sensor on a table

For those with asthma, COPD, or chronic breathing difficulties, knowing this information can be extremely beneficial.

This small device is discreet and easy to place anywhere with a footprint about the size of a large mug or cup. Anyone with a modern décor will not even notice this impressive monitor sitting around. And this small device is a terrific addition to offices, classrooms, daycare facilities, and anywhere people are concerned about the air they are breathing.

What We Like

The uHoo air monitor integrates seamlessly with smart technology, including thermostats, air purifiers, and electronic assistants, to help you improve the quality of the air you are breathing. While the uHoo tracks relevant air quality data, it can also tell your Roomba, humidifier, HVAC system, and other IFTTT-enabled devices what to do to improve the quality of your air. The smart operation of this machine offers customized options for monitoring, various alerts, and alarms when air quality declines, and the ability to share data with paired devices.

You get a one-year warranty with your uHoo device as well as customer support in case you have any difficulty setting it up, which is unlikely. Because this is a premium product, it has a higher price tag, but you get a lot for your money with this monitor. Its ability to track so much as well as its unprecedented connectivity to other devices makes this our premium pick of the list.

Overall

uHoo’s Indoor Air Quality Sensor 9-in-1 Smart Air Monitor is the perfect choice for those with integrated smart home features, who regularly use their electronic assistant, and who want up-to-date monitoring and control over all aspects of their air quality. This tool provides impressive accuracy, uncomplicated design, and reliable technology to give you an excellent monitoring device in a sleek, modern package.


uHoo Indoor Air Quality Sensor 9-in-1 Smart Air Monitor

  • Easily integrates with other smart and IFTTT-compatible devices
  • App gives detailed information on a wide range of air quality variables
  • Sleek design is small but attractive

Ecowitt WH0290 Air Quality Monitor

Ecowitt WH0290 Air Quality Monitor

Specs:

  • Monitors temperature, humidity, and PM2.5
  • Shares information on an LED display
  • Connects to outdoor sensor to provide additional data

From Ecowitt, the WH0290 model is the perfect option for those who want basic information in a portable device.

Ecowitt WH0290 Air Quality Monitor

With this monitor, you get the most valuable information that those with asthma and other respiratory problems need, which is the concentration of fine dust particles in the air. Known as PM2.5, this measurement tells you about the smallest of particulates, which can aggravate breathing conditions.

 

The large, easy-to-read LED display also gives you a color-coded rating of the overall quality of your indoor air, telling you if it is good (green), moderate (yellow), mild (orange), unhealthy (red), severe (purple) and hazardous (brown). You can place this device in your home or car, and because it runs on batteries, it is easy to transfer wherever you need.

What We Like

This Ecowitt model comes with a rechargeable, battery-powered outdoor sensor, which sends information back to your monitor. With this, you can keep track of the outdoor temperature and humidity, as well. This sensor comes with a solar panel, which makes it easy to keep fully charged.

Unlike more complicated devices, this air quality monitor is straightforward and does not require a separate app or online dashboard to read or control. It provides necessary but helpful information that can be useful to those with allergies, asthma, COPD, and other respiratory issues. The information provided is accurate and is collected every ten minutes, which is enough for the average user.

This tiny device can be placed anywhere you want to be able to see it. Keep it near your computer, in your car, or next to your bed for helpful and straightforward advice to inform your choices. You can even keep track of the power you have left in your batteries on this display.

Overall

The Ecowitt WH0290 Air Quality Monitor is a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a no-frills device that still gives helpful information about your air quality. It is the perfect option for those on the move, anyone who does not use a smartphone, or people who just want reliable data on their PM2.5 and air quality levels. As our budget pick of the list, it comes in at a very reasonable price and still gives you accurate and helpful information that can enable you to keep your family safe and healthy.


Ecowitt WH0290 Air Quality Monitor

  • Large LED display gives you all relevant information at a glance
  • Tracks PM2.5 particulates, which are most troublesome for those with respiratory conditions
  • Easy-to-use monitor that can go anywhere you do

IQAir AirVisual Pro Air Quality Monitor

IQAir AirVisual Pro Air Quality Monitor

Specs:

  • Monitors PM2.5, CO2, AQI, temperature, humidity, and outdoor air quality
  • Connects via app for iOS and Android
  • Compatible with smart home devices

A close runner-up in the premium category is this, the IQAir monitor. Not only can you get readings for your indoor air quality, but it can also display information on the air quality of any location on the planet with a monitoring station.

IQAir AirVisual Pro Air Quality Monitor

With a large display that is easy to read and uses graphics that tell you immediately what is happening in and outside your home, you will always know the status of your air quality.

IQAir AirVisual Pro Air Quality Monitor

IQAir’s monitor allows you to connect to the nearest air quality monitoring station, which helps you always understand the breathability of the air outside your home.

It also uses professional-grade laser sensors to measure several key factors that influence your indoor air quality, including PM2.5, CO2, temperature, and humidity. You will be able to monitor your air from anywhere using this device’s app for mobile phones, as well.

What We Like

The display on this monitor is unlike any other. It has a 5-inch LED screen that uses graphics to show at-a-glance your current air quality based on several rating levels. You can toggle between screens to get other useful info, including the current weather forecast, AQIs for both inside and outside your home, current CO2 and temperature measurements, plus much more.

Connecting to this device’s app is easy and provides you with more detailed information about your current readings while also allowing you to connect your air quality monitor to other smart and IFTTT devices in your home. If you own any of the IQAir air purifiers, this is the perfect supplement for keeping your house’s air clean.

In addition to giving you current information, the IQ AirVisual Pro also gives you forecasted weather and air quality information for your area, which can allow you to plan outdoor activities for those with respiratory precautions.

Overall

With an easy-to-read, large display and the ability to track outdoor as well as monitor indoor air quality, the IQAir AirVisual Pro Air Quality Monitor makes a terrific addition to any home where air quality is an important consideration. With accurate, up-to-the-minute readings and the ability to control smart, IFTTT devices in your home, you can monitor as well as improve your indoor air quality with ease.


IQAir AirVisual Pro Air Quality Monitor

  • Connects to outdoor monitoring stations to provide outdoor air quality information
  • Easy-to-read display uses graphics to tell you AQI at a glance
  • State-of-the-art technology keeps you informed and prepared for all air quality issues

EG Air Quality Monitor

EG Air Quality Monitor

Specs:

  • Monitors temperature, humidity, formaldehyde, natural & synthetic VOCs, and PM2.5
  • Shares information on an LED display
  • Portable device that can be used in any indoor space

From EG Air, this no-nonsense air quality monitor gives you helpful, accurate information in a smart, easy-to-use package.

EG Air Quality Monitor

This cordless device uses a rechargeable lithium battery, making it completely portable, so it can go anywhere you go. This monitor measures some of the most essential air quality data you need to know, including VOCs, fine particles, and even formaldehyde, a potent chemical that can be hazardous for those with compromised respiration.

EG Air Quality Monitor

The large LCD screen gives you up-to-date information, including a color-coded air quality level reading in addition to more explicit details about the numerous factors it is measuring. The device is easy to use, with push buttons that let you toggle, select, and adjust settings.

The built-in fan brings in room air, and the laser sensor measures the necessary levels in real time. The electrochemical semiconductor measures levels of formaldehyde, which most monitors do not.

What We Like

This small but highly functional monitor is great for those who need to monitor air quality in more than one space. Without a cord to tether you, you can place this anywhere you need it to get accurate, timely readings. It can be charged in several ways, including using a USB cable. And you do not need fancy apps or tools to be able to read your data or examine your history, as this device makes both easy from the large LCD screen. It does have an available app, but it is certainly not necessary to connect to it to get the full range of functions from this monitor.

The EG Air device is an excellent option for those on a budget who want data to inform their decisions. While it will not program your smart home devices, it will give you essential information to make healthy decisions for you and your family. For anyone looking for quality without all the bells and whistles, this is an excellent option.

Overall

The EG Air Quality Monitor is an excellent pick for anyone looking for quality plus value. You will get a reliable, entry-level air quality monitor with excellent features in an easy-to-use design, and you do not need to worry about connecting to another device to get the accurate, essential data you need about your indoor air quality.

Sale


EG Air Quality Monitor

  • Portable device that can go anywhere
  • Monitors for formaldehyde, which is unique among many devices
  • Large display is easy to read and provides simple, essential information.

Eve Room Indoor Air Quality Monitor

Eve Room Indoor Air Quality Monitor

Specs:

  • Monitors VOCs, temperature, and humidity
  • Connects via app for iOS only
  • Compatible with smart home devices

This is the second iteration of the Eve Room sensor, a tech-savvy air quality monitor. Eve Room is compatible only with Apple devices, and the design of this small system is very Apple-like in its styling.

Eve Room Indoor Air Quality Monitor and smartphone app

The e-ink display provides you with essential information, but the iOS app gives you even more data as well as control over its many functions.

Eve Room Indoor Air Quality Monitor

Without any app connection, the Eve Room display tells you the temperature, humidity, and an air quality rating using a five-point scale. Toggling through the screens gives you details about each measurement.

The screen is amazingly easy to read and, once you get the hang of how to maneuver around, it is simple to use, as well.

What We Like

Eve Room is designed to be low energy, which means you can get up to six weeks of use on one full charge, which is easy to achieve using a micro-USB cable. Using the Eve Room app for iOS devices, you learn a great deal of information that can help you make decisions about your activities and home. You will know which activities impact your air quality and it even gives you helpful suggestions to improve the breathability of your air quickly. Once you see the historical data, you will understand the power of the Eve Room system.

Anyone with a HomeKit will love integrating the Eve Room into their existing setup, which is very easy to do. Once paired, you will be able to trigger automations and alerts from the Room’s settings, allowing you to control systems that can improve your air quality without you having to do a thing.

Overall

For those with other Eve devices, the HomeKit, or who are die-hard apple users, the Eve Room Indoor Air Quality Monitor is an excellent choice. While this device will mainly help you improve the comfort of your home, rather than the safety, it does that very well. It is a useful monitor that looks great, functions flawlessly, and is simple to set up and use.


Eve Room Indoor Air Quality Monitor

  • Integrates easily with other Eve and HomeKit devices
  • Low-energy Bluetooth lasts up to six weeks on a single charge
  • Simple, classic design is at home with other smart home devices

Air Mentor 2 6-in-1 Indoor Air Quality Monitor

Air Mentor 2 6-in-1 Indoor Air Quality Monitor

Specs:

  • Monitors CO2, VOCs, CO, PM2.5, PM10, temperature, and relative humidity
  • Connects via app for iOS and Android
  • Display shows current indoor air quality rating

As one of the only monitors that detects carbon monoxide, the Air Mentor 2 is an excellent choice for those interested in protecting their home from this deadly gas.

Air Mentor 2 6-in-1 Indoor Air Quality Monitor

The Air Mentor is a smart and functional device that sets up in seconds and provides accurate, real-time data via a smartphone app to tell you what is happening with the carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, VOC, and dust levels inside your home.

Air Mentor 2 6-in-1 Indoor Air Quality Monitor

Not only will you get measurements on PM2.5 particulates but also larger particles, known as PM10. Those with breathing issues will appreciate knowing both, which can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory problems.

What We Like

The Air Mentor Pro is a sleek and interesting design that hangs from the wall of your home or office to collect data that is then relayed to you via their integrated mobile phone app. While this device does not integrate with other devices, such as smart home or IFTTT tools, it can give you valuable data to allow you to make decisions for yourself.

The device will change colors as the air quality shifts, which can quickly alert you to issues or concerns. Logging into the companion app gives you detailed data on all the compounds that are monitored, including historical data that helps you determine how your choices at home are influencing air quality. The device connects via Bluetooth, so WiFi is not required.

Ease of use is the driving force behind this monitors design, which is great for most consumers. The LED indicator lights are easy to interpret, and it only takes two steps to get your device connected to your mobile app, which is a treat for the technologically challenged among us.

Overall

This is the perfect monitor for those who want up-to-date information when they need it and do not want a large display distracting them. When you do not have WiFi or wish to use it, this makes the perfect alternative. You get information about the general air quality inside, including essential updates on carbon monoxide, which can help you make crucial choices about your home.


Air Mentor 2 6-in-1 Indoor Air Quality Monitor

  • Monitors carbon monoxide, which most models do not
  • Connects via Bluetooth, so WiFi is not required
  • Displays valuable AQI data on the mobile app

Dylos DC1100HM Pro Air Quality Monitor with Humidity Monitor

Dylos DC1100HM Pro Air Quality Monitor with Humidity Monitor.jpg

Specs:

  • Monitors particulates at 0.5 and 2.5 as well as temperature and humidity
  • Shares information on LCD display
  • Portable device that can be used in any indoor space

This model from Dylos is a true particle counter, allowing you to get accurate information about the particulates in the air you are currently breathing.

Dylos DC1100HM Pro Air Quality Monitor

It is an excellent tool for those in the building trades, anyone who works with cleaning, removal of mold, or other hazardous situations, and those with severe mold allergies.

Dylos DC1100HM Pro Air Quality Monitor outdoors

The Dylos DC1100 provides data not only on particulates but also on humidity and temperature, and because it is incredibly portable, you can take it with you anywhere you need to measure air quality.

The sparse and practical design of this model makes it less attractive but also much easier to use than other devices. It is marketed more toward contractors and those in the trades than homeowners, but the data it offers can be useful to anyone.

What We Like

Mold and bacteria are a real problem for many people with breathing issues, and the ability to detect these contaminants, which can be as small as 0.5 microns, is not usual for indoor air quality monitors. This unit can detect not only small dust and powder particles but also these types of living organisms. Those with allergy-induced asthma or severe reactions to mold will appreciate knowing this measurement at a glance.

As one of the first to manufacture air particle counters, the makers of Dylos have a leg up on their competition, and because they make products for those in the trades, they are built to last and withstand regular use, making them the perfect option for homeowners, as well.

The standard display gives just two data points in real time, PM2.5 and PM0.5, telling you how many irritating and potentially-health harming particles are in the air you are currently breathing. The two buttons allow you to shift to historical data as well as temperature and humidity data.

While this may not seem like a lot of information, those with specific airway needs will appreciate its simplicity. You can see what simple acts like running the vacuum, turning on the furnace, and opening a window do to your mold exposure as well as the number of possible irritants in your air.

Overall

Using this monitor to inform your use or home air purifiers and other air quality devices will be its real shining moment. Because the Dylos DC1100HM Pro Air Quality Monitor with Humidity Monitor can detect small pollutants, including mold, it can become a real lifesaver for those with extreme sensitivities, and it is perfect for anyone who works in hazardous situations, as well.


Dylos DC1100HM Pro Air Quality Monitor with Humidity Monitor

  • Can detect 0.5-micron particles, such as mold and bacteria
  • LCD display is easy to read
  • Provides accurate data that is easy to interpret

Temtop LKC-20T High Accuracy Air Quality Monitor

Temtop LKC-20T High Accuracy Air Quality Monitor

Specs:

  • Monitors PM2.5, PM10, temperature, and humidity
  • Shares information on an LCD display
  • Portable device that can be used in any indoor space

From Temtop, a leader in air quality monitoring and data logging tools, the LKC-20T is a new take on their portable, lightweight monitoring devices.

Temtop LKC-20T High Accuracy Air Quality Monitor

This device can monitor both small and large particles in the air, which gives you a chance to make adjustments for those with airway restrictions and irritations.

Temtop LKC-20T High Accuracy Air Quality Monitor

This portable unit is perfect for taking with you to job sites, around your home, or in the office, and it is one of the most accurate monitors you can buy for what it measures.

It provides real-time data about your air quality metrics, and you can use the LCD panel to get all the information you need without having to use your phone or other devices.

What We Like

This is by far the most stylish design from Temtop, who makes several professional and home air quality monitors. You will not mind having this unit sitting beside you at your desk, on your nightstand, or in your kitchen, but it is more than just a nice tool to look at.

Because the LKC-20T gives you all the information you need on the LCD display, you do not need a smartphone to use it, nor does it require Bluetooth or WiFi. You get a clear reading of both small and large particles in the air in real time, plus temperature and humidity on the home screen.

This monitor helps you keep on top of PM2.5 levels, which are those particulates that can aggravate asthma and promote respiratory inflammation. It also is the only monitor we found that measures PM10 particles, which are those that affect nearly everyone, resulting in coughing, wheezing, and bronchitis. Over time, these can cause problems with blood pressure and even result in heart problems like stroke or heart attack.

Overall

This small, lightweight unit provides valuable information at a reasonable price. You get measures of air pollution as well as temperature and humidity in real time via the easy-to-interpret display, and the Temtop LKC-20T High Accuracy Air Quality Monitor is portable and rechargeable, so it can go anywhere you need it to.


Temtop LKC-20T High Accuracy Air Quality Monitor

  • Measures both small and larger particles, which helps everyone interested in air irritants
  • LCD display makes it easy to interpret the data
  • No frills monitor that collects valuable information

Buyer’s Guide to Finding the Best Indoor Air Quality Monitor

Compounds and Particulates Measured

Every air quality monitor collects diverse kinds of data and, depending on your needs, some information may be more relevant to you than others. Knowing the chemicals, compounds, and pollutants your device can measure as well as other data your monitor collects will be necessary when considering a purchase. Those with people in their homes who have more fragile airways will want to look for data that will inform your choices and air purification needs. Data that can be collected includes information on VOCs, particulates of various sizes, CO2, CO, NO, temperature, humidity, radon, formaldehyde, and other harmful gases.

Historical Data

Being able to look at trends and historical data points can help you identify specific activities that are influencing your indoor air quality. Unless your device captures and stores data over time, you will not be able to do more than see what is happening in your home right now. A monitor is only as good as its ability to help inform your decisions, so look for those that can share long-term information.

Connectivity

Some find it necessary or helpful to monitor your indoor air quality from afar or without needing to be close to the monitoring device, which is why having a device that can be monitored from an app or browser is something to consider. Knowing what is happening in your baby’s room, for example, may be helpful for parents. Being able to make decisions from your home office about the purification of your kitchen or other places may be necessary for some.

Smart Integration

Many air quality monitors available today can connect to smart home devices or control IFTTT-enabled alerts and actions. If you want your air quality monitor to do more than provide information, then looking for these features will be crucial. Many devices can trigger actions in HVAC units, air purifiers, smart lightbulbs, and other devices that can improve the quality of your indoor air. Many can also be connected to Alexa or Google Home, which helps you get information about your air quality from multiple devices.

Connectivity to Outdoor Monitoring Devices

If you have respiratory problems, knowing the quality of the air outside can be just as important as knowing what is happening inside your home. Some devices can use WiFi to connect to outdoor air quality monitoring stations, which can give you information to inform your outdoor activities as well as how best to ventilate your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does an air quality monitor work?

A: Every monitor may work slightly differently, but, in general, they work by circulating room air across sensors that can detect various pollutants. They record this information, which is then displayed or stored for later access. Most monitors use laser sensors to monitor particulates, but they may also use other technologies to capture various air quality information.

Q: What pollutants should I be most concerned with?

A: For those with respiratory issues, any pollutant or irritant can be potentially harmful. For most people, the most important things to watch for are PM2.5 irritants, VOCs, carbon dioxide, and toxins. Humidity and temperature play a role in lung function, as well.

Q: Why should I invest in an air quality monitor?

A: Because you spend most of your time indoors, knowing more about the air you are breathing can improve your health. Air pollutants tend to be found in higher concentrations indoors, which is due to poor ventilation as well as higher levels of VOCs, irritants, and other contaminants, Inside the home, you are likely also to have mold, chemicals, pesticides, and other harmful compounds, including the very air you exhale, which is high in CO2.

Anyone with a respiratory problem, including those with lung cancer, COPD, asthma, emphysema, and other breathing problems, should know the quality of the air they are breathing and have plans for how to improve that air quality when it influences their breathing capacity.

Q: What can I do to improve the quality of my indoor air?

A: Once you have a clear picture of your indoor air quality, you can do many things to help remove contaminants, lower irritants, and improve the overall freshness and purity of the air you are breathing. Among the top tips are:

  • Improving the ventilation in your home to introduce more fresh air
  • Using air filters to remove contaminants via the HVAC system
  • Dusting with a damp cloth to capture dust instead of spreading it around
  • Fixing water leaks that can create mold
  • Frequent vacuuming using a device with a HEPA filter
  • Keeping humidity below 50 percent
  • Using an air purifier
  • Controlling pests by putting away food and covering trash

Conclusion

Monitoring your indoor air quality can improve the quality of life and health for those with respiratory problems, and it is also beneficial to anyone who wants to maintain their overall wellness. Air quality monitors can help you make informed choices about the actions you take in your home, and they are an excellent way to capture data that can improve the comfort of everyone inside your house.

Air quality monitors collect a lot of different information, including levels of various chemicals, compounds, irritants, and pollutants. Each monitor communicates this information in a unique way and, depending on your needs, you may want to be able to retrieve this data while away from home. Monitors are only useful if you do something with the information you collect, and having a device that integrates with others in your home to help improve your air quality may be essential for you, too.

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