How to Measure and Monitor IAQ Before you can improve your IAQ, it’s important to understand what’s happening in your home environment. Fortunately, there are tools to help in this endeavor. Start with a basic air quality monitor. Tony Abate, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at AtmosAir Solutions told us, “Real-time indoor air monitoring plays an important role in ensuring the health and wellness of individuals in their homes. These devices allow homeowners to keep track of the air they breathe, identify pollutants, and help them take proactive measures to maintain a clean and healthy environment.” With that goal in mind, you can choose from the abundant selection of monitors on the market that measure carbon dioxide, VOCs, and particulate matter. Also sniff out dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide and radon with detectors built for the job. If you have any concerns, test the home for mold, and if you live in an older house, have it tested for asbestos and lead-based paint.
Additionally, monitoring humidity with a budget- friendly hygrometer will help ensure the home remains within the recommended 30–50% relative humidity range. Abate explains how using monitors helps provide information, saying, “There are many good air quality monitors that a homeowner can purchase that will continuously monitor indoor air quality. Most measure temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2) particles (PM 2.5), and total volatile compounds (TVOC). Some monitors can also show the outdoor air index and compare it to the indoor air. Monitoring systems typically include sensors that provide real-time data, often accessible via smartphones or other devices.” When deciding on a monitor, Abate suggests, “Look for indoor air quality monitors that are RESET certified. This group tests and validates the performance of the monitor.”
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