Indoor air quality is poised to become one of the important drivers for whole house oriented businesses delivering healthy, efficient, comfortable buildings. One of catalysts for this opportunity is the explosion of sensors and devices for measuring and testing the air quality in buildings, including particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), temperature, humidity, CO2 and others. A key part of the smart home/connected home trend, these devices are increasingly available and affordable, and are coming to market at a torrid pace. Sensors and measurement devices that were once expensive and only for professional use are now available to any homeowner, can be installed for 24/7/365 monitoring, and are selling for prices under $200.
The team at Energy Circle, along with clients and industry partners, is committed to tracking these devices. We plan to add to this Guide to Indoor Air Quality Monitoring document over time. We welcome your input on our evaluation, on new products we might not be aware of, and any other comments. Please chime in and help us build out this resource.
| Name | Brief Description | Sensors | Price | Read more |
| Foobot | The most available IAQ monitor on market; Built to detect most indoor air pollutants. | 6 sensors detect: PM2.5, VOC's,Temp, Humidity, CO2 & CO | $199.00 | Read more about Foobot |
| Air Advice | Professional grade model; Thorough and comprehensive reports on IAQ, causes & solutions | 6 sensors detect: Particulates (dust), VOC's, Temp, Humidity, CO2 & CO | $2490.00 | Read more about Air Advice |
| uHoo | Smart indoor air device; Features Ozone & Air Pressure monitoring. | 6 sensors detect: Particulates (PM2.5), VOC's, Temp, Humidity, CO2, CO, Ozone & Air Pressure | $149.00 | Read more about uHoo |
| Birdi | Smart detector; Specializes in IAQ & CO monitoring. | 6 sensors detect: Particulates (PM2.5), VOC's, Temp, Humidity, CO2 & CO | $119.00 | Read more about Birdi |
| Awair | Smart device that syncs with phone; Detects indoor air issues & offers solutions | 5 sensors detect: Particulates µg/m3 , VOC's, Temp, Humidity & CO2 | $199.00 | Read more about Awair |
| Cube Sensors | Multi-room IAQ monitoring devices;Sold in bundles | 5 sensors (per cube) detect: Particulates (allergens), VOC's, Temp, Humidity & CO2 | $139.00 | Read more about Cube Sensors |
| Koto Air | Mach 2 of Cube Sensors; Multi-room monitoring features | 5 sensors detect: Particulates (allergens), VOC's, Temp, Humidity & CO2 | $139.00 | Read more about Koto Air |
| Air Mentor PRO | International smart device; Detects IAQ and sends reports via app to smartphones | 5 sensors detect: Particualtes (> 1.0μ m), VOC's, Temp, Humidity & C02 | $197.83 | Read more about Air Mentor PRO |
| UNI-T UT338C | International desktop model; Measures room-to-room IAQ | 4 sensors detect: Particulates (1ug/ m³), VOC's, Temp & Humidity | $117.48 | Read more about UNI-T UT338C |
| Fluke 975 AirMeter | Hand-held professional IAQ monitor; Useful for home inspections | 4 sensors detect: Temp, Humidity, CO2 & CO | $3,281.01 | Read more about Fluke 975 AirMeter |
| HoneyWell IAQ Point2 | Touchscreen wall mount thermostat device; Monitors IAQ for entire sections of buildings | 4 sensors detect: VOC's, Temp, Humidity & CO2 | $300.00 | Read more about Honeywell IAQ Point2 |
Foobot
Foobot is an indoor air quality monitor that’s equipped with 6 sensors (a high total for one device). It also comes with it’s own standard mobile app, which can send alerts via smartphone. Foobot offers real time analysis of indoor air quality as a main feature and sends comprehensive reports via its smartphone app daily. It’s fairly compact (3.2 x 2.6 x 6.7 inches) and lightweight (1 lb).
Pricing
- $199.00
- Status: Available For Purchase Online (In U.S. & Europe)
Features
- The 6 sensors can detect:
- Particulates (PM2.5)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (Formaldehyde, Toluene, Xylene, etc.)
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Available mobile app which allows IAQ reports to be sent to phones and other relevant mobile devices for away-from-location check-ins.
- Compact design that allows easy placement in buildings and homes.
Customer Comments
- “Like most smart home devices, the brilliance is in the app and the Foobot is no exception. The app is clean with easy to read and understandable charts for each of the measured data points.” - Balls and Bytes Gadget Review
- “I don't understand what is setting it off, but my Foobot is pretty consistently freaking out in my living room. It's often when the fireplace is running (closed gas with combustion air coming from inside the house), but not always.” - Nate Adams, IAQ Intel Facebook Group
Resources
- Manufacturer Website
- Gadget Review Article on Foobot
- Nate Adams, IAQ Intel Facebook Group (Comments & Image)
Air Advice
The M5200 AirAdvice Monitor is an American-made, professional grade indoor air quality monitor that measures six IAQ parameters. It is intended for temporary placement in homes by contractors and other professionals. The M5200 model has a feature not in prior models that collects IAQ data for 30 minutes and then uploads the report via 4G service. This enables the contractor/diagnostitian to deliver initial findings immediately after installation. The M5200 also generates a traditional, multi-day SmartIAQ report. Both reports compare detected levels to standards set by health authorities like the World Health Organization, US EPA, ASHRAE and OSHA.
Pricing
- $2,490, with annual subscription fees of $995.00 (Some discounts are available to qualified contractors). Pricing also includes annual sensor re-calibration as well as more frequent re-calibration if built-in diagnostics indicate need.
- Status: Available For Contractors in the U.S., Canada, China & Japan.
Features
- Complete with 6 sensors that can detect the following:
- Particulates (measured in ug/m3)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (Chemical Pollutants)
- Temperature
- Relative Humidity
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Extensive system and sensor diagnostics to catch potential sensor anomalies.
- 30-minute placement for automatic IAQ report and long-term report if desired.
- Standalone monitor without the need for connected mobile devices.
- Formaldehyde and PM2.5 firmware upgrades are scheduled to be released in 4Q,2016 / 1Q,2017
- Training on IAQ fundamentals, monitor usage and report interpretation
User Comments
- “Energy Smart Home Performance utilizes Air Advice Indoor Air Quality monitors to begin to narrow in on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) problems. We find their report to be particularly useful and readable by laypeople and pros alike.” - Energy Smart Home Performance
Resources
- Manufacturer Website
- Energy Smart Home Performance: What do I get with an Air Advice Indoor Air Quality Test?
- Nate Adams, IAQ Intel Facebook Group (Image Source)
Awair
The Awair monitor from Bitfinder works directly through a smart-phone and provides regular updates and reports regarding a location’s air quality (room to room). Complete with semi-customizable settings (three major categories are Allergy, Sleep & Productivity), Awair is similar to other IAQ monitors, but with the distinction that offers suggestions for fixing the air quality problems detected. Aside from its features, the Awair’s build is lightweight (1 lb) and compact (5 x 16 x 9 inches).
Pricing
- $199.00
- Status: Available For Purchase Online (In U.S, Canada & S. Korea)
Features
- Complete with 5 sensors that can detect the following:
- Dust (Particulates; µg/m3)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (Index)
- Temperature (°F)
- Humidity (%)
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2; ppm)
- Recommend: Provides advice and quick fix tips to promote healthier indoor living
- Analyze: Tracks and graphs air quality data to reinforce understanding of air quality
- Connectivity: Sync capability to your mobile device for updates, reports & alerts
User Comments
- “Trend graphics look impressive; not so impressed by ‘advice’ offerings.” - Cameron Taylor, IAQ Intel Facebook Group
Resources
- Links:
- Manufacturer Website
- Fox News Article About Awair
- Another Awair-Related Article
- Cameron Taylor, IAQ Intel Facebook Group (User Comments)
- Nate Adams, IAQ Intel Facebook Group (Image Source)
uHoo
UHoo is an indoor air quality device with a broad array of sensors that detect indoor air quality in real-time. UHoo has smart phone compatibility, feeding live data to your phone via a wifi connection. UHoo also has some additional capabilities we haven’t seen in other devices, like detecting levels of Ozone and Air Pressure. The UHoo websites claims “uHoo detects more chemicals, particles and toxins than any other air detector.” The specifications of these sensors (as well as the other more standard sensors) are listed below. UHoo is set for a December 2016 release and can be pre-ordered on it’s website in a single or a premium home and office package purchase.
Pricing
- $149.00 OR $289.00 (For premium package)
- Status: In Production, But Pre-Orders Available (In U.S.)
Features
- Complete with 5 sensors that can detect the following:
- Particulates (PM2.5)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's)
- Temperature (°F)
- Humidity (%)
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
- Cabon Monoxide (CO)
- Ozone (ppb)
- Air Pressure (mbar)
- Connection: Connects to your phone via app and Wi-Fi
Resources
- Links:
- Manufacturer Website
- Venturebeat Article About uHoo
- Engadget Article About uHoo
- uHoo Image Source
Birdi
Birdi is a smoke, carbon monoxide alarm and indoor air quality monitor. Birdi detects air quality inside a building. Syncing with smartphones using wifi or bluetooth, trends in local outdoor air conditions can be announced via online weather reports. Despite remaining in pre-production after a year, Birdi has still managed to gather some interest with its range of detection capabilities. As of early February 2016, their site says it is shipping in “early 2016.”
Pricing
- $119.00
- Status: In Production, But Pre-Orders Available (In U.S.)
Features
- Complete with 6 sensors that can detect the following:
- Particulates (PM2.5)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's)
- Temperature (°F)
- Humidity (%)
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
- Cabon Monoxide (CO)
- Connection: Wireless connectivity to internet and landline phones
Resources
Cube Sensors
The Cube Sensor is an indoor air quality and environmental monitor that has recently been sold out (we think it is being sunsetted in favor of the Koto, but that’s not entirely clear). It is small (2x2x2 in), and can be deployed in an integrated fashion in multiple locations throughout a building. This room-to-room analysis capability is probably the cube’s most attractive feature, as cube bundles offer an opportunity for a more comprehensive building analysis (for a reasonable price). Despite currently being sold out, there is a chance to pre-order a similar device (called Koto) on its webpage to get a comparable experience.
Pricing
- $139.00
- Status: Currently Sold Out (Sales to Reopen?)
Features
- Complete with 5 sensors that can detect the following:
- Particulates (Dust & Other Allergens)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (Including CO)
- Temperature (°F)
- Humidity (%)
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
- Other Non IAQ features include:
- Light detection
- Noise detection
- Bluetooth
- Offline storage of data
- Operation: Wireless connectivity; syncs with mobile devices
User Comments
- “We were surprised by just how useful the CubeSensors were. In retrospect it's obvious environmental factors are as important to how you feel as your own body metrics, but it was interesting to see (and feel) the real world changes that could be experienced by acting on the CubeSensors' advice.” - Simon Crisp, gizmag.com
- “However, the Cube Sensors are not without issues. The big one being that information is currently only available for the previous 24 hours. This means you can't easily see if a change in habit is having the desired effect on your environment over a period of time.” - Simon Crisp, gizmag.com
Resources
Koto Air
Koto Air appears to be the successor to the Cube Sensor. Similar to the Cube Sensors, the Koto Air sensors also have the room-to-room analysis feature, which allows multiple sensors to be placed in different rooms around the house. As part of the “next generation” wave, Koto has a new feature: real time alerts. This new feature offers the opportunity to track air quality data as concentrations develop. Much like it’s predecessor, Koto is small (2x2x2 in) and lightweight (2.47 ounces). Koto’s website currently lists a ship date of March, 2016.
Pricing
- $139.00
- Status: Available For Pre-Order Online In U.S., U.K. & Europe
Features
- Complete with 5 sensors that can detect the following:
- Particulates (Dust & Other Allergens)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (Including CO)
- Temperature (°F)
- Humidity (%)
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
- Other Non IAQ features include:
- Light detection
- Noise detection
- Bluetooth
- Offline storage of data
Resources
Air Mentor PRO
Air Mentor PRO is an indoor air quality and environmental monitor. Using bluetooth to connect to smartphones (IPhone 5, 6, iOS8 & Android 4.3) via app, Air Mentor offers an analysis of local indoor air. The features that distinguish the Air Mentor PRO is its portability and battery power. Capable of running for 48 hours straight on a full battery, it can be moved around buildings or homes to conduct a comprehensive room-to-room analysis. Air Mentor is a moderate size (7 x 2.1 x 5.8 inches) and lightweight (~1 lb).
Pricing
- $197.83 (When converted to U.S.D.)
- Status: Available In Taiwan & U.S
Features
- Complete with 5 sensors that can detect the following:
- Particulates (Detection Size > 1.0μ m)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (Organic Acids, hydrocarbons, etc.)
- Temperature (-20℃ to 80℃, Resolution: 0.1℃)
- Humidity (Range from 0 - 100%)
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2 Range Of 400 - 2000 PPM)
- Other Non IAQ features include:
- Connectivity: Reports sent to smartphones through Bluetooth & app
Resources
UNI-T UT338C
UNI-T UT338C is an indoor air quality monitor made by UNI-T in China. Complete with 4 sensors, UT338C’s main feature is its VOC detection capability (specifically formaldehyde). It’s a stand alone monitor, independent from wifi or smartphones. Its portable design and rechargeable battery offers an opportunity for multi-room analysis. UT338C is compact (58mm x 76mm x135mm) and lightweight (6.3 oz).
Pricing
- $117.48
- Status: Available for online purchase in China and the U.S.
Features
- Complete with 4 sensors that can detect the following:
- Particulates (Resolution Of 1ug/ m³)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s With A Resolution Of 1 mg/ m³)
- Temperature (Ranging From - 20℃ to 50℃)
- Humidity (Ranging From 5% to 99%)
- Other Non IAQ features include:
- Accessories: USB Charger & Adaptor
User Comments
- “It is not as ‘shiny’ as the Foobot but does a similar job at a more affordable price.” - nwclimate.org
- “It is a great basic IAQ meter. It’s reliable unit and will allow you to measure the things you need to measure. It has the most important features air quality meter needs.” - nwclimate.org
Resources
Fluke 975 AirMeter
Fluke 975 AirMeter is a made for industry environmental monitor and can detect 4 major elements of indoor air quality (temperature, humidity, CO2 and CO). Two distinguishable features of the Fluke 975 AirMeter is its hand-held model interface and attachable probe that measures velocity (speed of air circulation). Intended solely for contractors and indoor air quality professionals, the AirMeter is an expensive online purchase. The niche of the AirMeter in the light of low-cost indoor air quality products is not clear.
Pricing
- $3,281.01
- Status: Available For Online Purchase In U.S.
Features
- Complete with 4 sensors that can detect the following:
- Temperature (°F)
- Humidity (%)
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Hand-held device
- Multi-Language user interface
- Data and reports downloadable onto computers via USB
- Averages based on all calculated readings (in reports)
Other Non IAQ features include:
Resources
HoneyWell IAQ Point2
Honeywell IAQ Point2 is a smart thermostat that is geared for connected-building performance and detects 4 elements of indoor air quality. IAQ Point2’s main feature is its touchscreen display, which offers adjustable indoor temperature control. This gives occupants the opportunity to monitor air quality and modify comfort within a building. IAQ Point2 is a compact 3.0 (w) x 4.6 (h) x 1.5 (d) inches.
Pricing
- $300.00
- Status: Available For Online Purchase In U.S.
Features
- Complete with 4 sensors that can detect the following:
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s)
- Temperature (°F)
- Humidity (%)
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
- Touchscreen interface
- Wall mount
Other Non IAQ features include: