As Australians spend more than 90% of their time indoors, keeping your air clean could stop you from catching seasonal illnesses like hay fever, help increase productivity and stop the spread of airborne viruses and bacteria.
Although we might think that the air in our homes are clean, seeing the results from air quality monitors might surprise us as daily activities like cooking, or the use of cleaning agents could in fact, pollute our air. Poor ventilation will only worsen this issue, leading to poor indoor air quality.
Here, we explore the different ways to monitor your indoor air quality and which ones are most accurate.
How do I monitor the air quality in my home?
You can monitor the air quality in your home through the use of a humidity meter (only used to measure humidity and temperature), an eye test (least accurate), and, the most accurate, an indoor air quality monitor.
Indoor air quality monitor (IAQ monitor)
IAQ monitors on the market are usually able to calculate the concentration of different particles or compounds in the air, including PM2.5, PM10 and even carbon dioxide.
Many of Ionmax’s air purifiers come with built-in IAQ monitors. This feature analyses the concentration of particulate matter in the air, particularly PM2.5 and displays it on its easy-to-read display.
Ionmax air purifiers also have a smart feature that allows the unit to adjust the speed of the fan to combat high concentrations of airborne particles. This means that the more polluted the air is, the stronger the air purifier will function.
Humidity meters
Humidity meters are able to detect the relative humidity and absolute humidity levels of rooms that they’re in. Although not the most accurate way of measuring indoor air quality and pollution levels, humidity is an indicator of the health of a room’s air, as high humidity levels can contribute to the cultivation of mould, pests, and other pollutants.
READ MORE: How relative humidity affects your health
Eye/smell test
While not being as precise as IAQ monitors, you can perform basic visual assessments to get an idea of your indoor air quality level by doing the following
- Observing dust and particles: Check for visible dust accumulation on surfaces, especially in corners or on furniture.
- Looking out for signs of mould and mildew: Look for signs of mould or mildew growth on walls, ceilings, or in damp areas like basements, laundry rooms or bathrooms.
- Unpleasant odours: Unpleasant odours that linger could have stemmed from pet dander, cooking, smoking, mould or other indoor pollutants.
- Check ventilation: Poor ventilation leads to stagnant air that could cause the room to feel stuffy and excessively humid. Ensure your spaces have proper and adequate ventilation via open windows, doors, or HVAC systems.
While the eye test provides general indications of potential air quality issues, note that it’s essential to note that it doesn’t offer precise measurements of specific pollutants or their concentrations. For a comprehensive evaluation of your IAQ, consider using dedicated IAQ monitors or air purifiers with IAQ monitors.
Air purifiers to improve indoor air quality
Ionmax air purifiers, including the Ionmax+ AIRE and AIRE X, Ionmax Breeze and Breeze Plus, and the ION430, come with built-in IAQ monitors that we call SmartSens. These monitors calculate the concentration of particulate matter in the air and display it in real time. Selected models come with mobile phone pairing, making remote monitoring and control of your air purifiers possible.
It’s worth noting that although air purifiers with IAQ monitors provide valuable insight, they may not have a holistic reading of the concentration of other pollutants in the air. Standalone IAQ monitors or smart home systems are able to track other pollutants in the air to provide users with comprehensive readings and make educated decisions on their next best course of action.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general reference only. Please seek advice from professionals according to your needs.
Ionmax Australia
Founded in 2003, Ionmax Australia has received numerous awards and accolades for its innovative products and commitment to customer satisfaction. Ionmax dehumidifiers and air purifiers have been recognised for their effectiveness in reducing indoor air pollutants and improving air quality. The company is committed to researching and developing new and improved products that meet the needs and expectations of its customers, making it a trusted name in households across Australia and beyond.
