How To Monitor Air Quality At Home

Not many people know that pollution inside a home could be around 2-5 times higher than outdoors

A home environment may seem like a safe haven in comparison to the heavy pollution seen outside. However, there are various pollutants present in homes as well. The situation can become more problematic if there is a lack of proper air circulation. Pollutants usually found in homes include particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), radon, nitrogen dioxide, and biological pollutants like dust mites, mold, pollen and pet dander.

These indoor pollutants can cause a range of health issues such as respiratory problems, cognitive issues, allergies, heart disease and even cancer. On a day to day basis, indoor pollutants can lead to general irritation, headaches and unexplained fatigue. Due to these reasons, it has become necessary to monitor air quality at home. Here is how you can do it.

How to monitor air quality at home

Using dedicated air quality monitors is the recommended method for monitoring air quality at home. You need to choose consumer-grade monitors that have various types of sensors for detecting and measuring air quality. Some good options to monitor air quality at home are mentioned below.

Prana Air Sensible+ – This has features such as PM2.5, PM10, CO, CO₂, TVOC, HCHO, Temp, Humidity (7″ touchscreen + app). Prana Air Sensible+ is suitable for both home and office use. However, the price is a bit on the higher side.

Prana Air CAIR+ / SQUAIR – This is a more affordable option, with features such as PM2.5/PM10, CO₂, TVOC, etc. One can go with this in terms of a good mix of value and features.

Airveda PM2.5/PM10 + CO₂ – Key features include PM2.5, PM10, CO₂, Temp, Humidity (App + Wi-Fi). Airveda PM2.5/PM10 + CO₂ is preferred for its reliability and affordability.

AQI.IN / Prana Air Pocket Series – This is the most basic option one can consider. It has Pocket PM2.5 or Pocket CO₂. AQI.IN / Prana Air Pocket Series is preferred for its affordability and portability.

IQAir AirVisual Pro – This has features like PM2.5, CO₂, Temp, Humidity + excellent app connectivity.

Qingping Air Monitor (Gen 2 / Pro / Lite) – Measures PM2.5, CO₂, TVOC, Temp and Humidity. Has a nice display for easy reading.

DIY air quality monitors

If you have knowledge of electronics and like doing your own DIY projects, you can build your own air quality machine to monitor air quality at home. This can be done using Arduino/ESP32 + sensors (PMS5003 for PM, MH-Z19 or SCD30 for CO₂, SGP41 for VOCs, etc.). Your DIY air quality monitor for your home will work out cheaper and can be customizable. Quite a few open-source options are available, which will help you build your DIY air quality monitor.

It is important to also understand how to interpret the air quality readings. This information is likely mentioned in the user manual or other booklet provided with the air quality monitor. If you notice bad air quality inside your home, you will have to focus on improving ventilation, using more robust exhaust fans and installing HEPA air purifiers. Also remember that air quality monitoring at home is a continuous process and not something that you need to do just once.