Helena Joyce
Many people are unaware that the air inside their homes can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside. The air you breathe, whether indoors or outdoors, can have a significant impact on your health. The good news is that there are many ways to test and improve your indoor air quality. This article will discuss how to measure pollution at home, including the use of indoor air quality monitors, carbon monoxide detectors, and other simple yet effective steps to reduce indoor pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Devices | Air quality monitors, carbon monoxide detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, apps |
| Pollutants Monitored | Particulate matter, pollen, dust, formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon, carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, humidity |
| Actions Taken | Alert user to unsafe levels, trigger other smart appliances (e.g. air purifier, humidifier, air conditioner, fan, dehumidifier), provide advice for dealing with problematic conditions |
| Cost | Home air quality testers range from $50 to over $300, with an average starting price of $100. Carbon monoxide alarms cost around $8. |
| Other Methods | Opening windows, using cooker hood and fans, avoiding unvented appliances, using plants |
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What You'll Learn
- Use an indoor air quality monitor to measure CO2, VOCs, PM2.5, formaldehyde, radon, humidity, temperature, and air pressure
- Install a carbon monoxide detector to be alerted to unsafe levels of CO
- Open windows to remove polluting particles and bring in fresh air
- Avoid unvented appliances, such as freestanding gas heaters, which release harmful pollutants
- Use extractor fans and cooker hoods to clear the air of smoke, grease, and other pollutants
Use an indoor air quality monitor to measure CO2, VOCs, PM2.5, formaldehyde, radon, humidity, temperature, and air pressure
There are various indoor air quality monitors available on the market that can help you measure CO2, VOCs, PM2.5, formaldehyde, radon, humidity, temperature, and air pressure. These devices can be a great way to identify specific indoor air quality problems.
The Airthings View Plus, for example, is a highly-rated monitor that can detect all of the above air quality indicators. It features a screen that displays two measurements of your choice, along with a green-yellow-red LED alert to indicate if there's anything of concern. It also has a companion app that allows you to check your air quality remotely and view trend data to help pinpoint sources and patterns of air pollution.
The SAF Aranet 4 is another option that is known for its accuracy in measuring CO2 levels, which can be a good indicator of overall indoor air quality.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Temtop LKC-1000S+ is a handheld air quality monitor that measures PM2.5, PM10, formaldehyde, VOCs, temperature, and relative humidity. It features a color LCD screen and can store up to three months of continuous data.
For Apple HomeKit users, the Eve Room is a good choice. It works seamlessly with Apple TV or HomePod to automate your air purifier, humidifier, or air conditioner based on the air quality in the room.
When choosing an indoor air quality monitor, it's important to consider your specific needs and budget. While these devices can provide valuable insights, they may not detect all types of pollutants, so combining them with other approaches, such as using air purifiers or improving ventilation, is recommended for maintaining good indoor air quality.
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Install a carbon monoxide detector to be alerted to unsafe levels of CO
Carbon monoxide is a deadly, odourless, and invisible gas that can enter your home without you noticing and cause your blood oxygen levels to drop rapidly, leading to dizziness, nausea, and even death. As such, it is imperative that you install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to alert you to unsafe levels of CO.
When purchasing a carbon monoxide detector, you should consider its cost and efficacy. While some detectors can cost upwards of $100, you can find reliable options for as little as \$8 at local department or big-box stores. The First Alert CO615, for example, is an affordable option that offers handy features and decent performance. It has a digital display that shows real-time carbon monoxide concentration, a test/silence button for weekly testing, and a peak carbon monoxide level button. It is also backed up by two AA batteries, ensuring that it continues to work even during a power outage.
When installing a carbon monoxide detector, it is important to place it within 10-15 feet of each sleeping area and at least 5 feet away from any fuel-burning appliance. Additionally, try to keep the detector out of corners and place it near or on the ceiling, as carbon monoxide is lighter than air and rises.
It is also worth considering smart carbon monoxide detectors, which can be paired with your smart device to receive alerts when you are away from home. Some systems even offer both carbon monoxide and smoke detection in one device. These detectors can work in unison with other detectors, so that when one goes off, they all do, providing you with maximum protection.
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Open windows to remove polluting particles and bring in fresh air
Opening windows and doors is a simple yet effective way to improve the air quality in your home. It is a good way to remove polluting particles and bring in fresh air.
Firstly, opening windows and doors increases the outdoor ventilation rate, allowing fresh air to circulate through your home and push out compromised indoor air. This is especially important if you are engaging in activities that generate high levels of pollutants, such as cooking, painting, or welding.
Secondly, opening windows can help to reduce the concentration of indoor air pollutants. The air inside your home can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside due to indoor sources of pollution such as air fresheners, cleaning products, and building materials. By opening a window, even just for a few minutes, you can let in fresh air and reduce your exposure to these pollutants.
Thirdly, opening windows can improve your mental wellbeing. Fresh air can boost your mood and make you feel happier. This is especially beneficial if you are spending a lot of time indoors, which is common for many people who spend around 90% of their time inside.
Finally, opening windows at night, when there is less traffic, can be a good option to let in fresh air without letting in as many outdoor pollutants. This strategy can help to ensure that you are not "stuck in a house with no ventilation all day," as Dr Paul Young of Lancaster University warns.
While opening windows is a great way to improve indoor air quality, it is important to also consider other strategies such as eliminating individual sources of pollution, using air purifiers, and installing carbon monoxide alarms to ensure the air in your home is as fresh and safe as possible.
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Avoid unvented appliances, such as freestanding gas heaters, which release harmful pollutants
Unvented combustion appliances, such as gas stoves, kerosene heaters, and charcoal grills, are significant sources of indoor pollution. These appliances release combustion pollutants directly into the home, leading to high levels of indoor air pollutants. Unvented gas heaters, specifically, are designed to release combustion products, such as water vapour and carbon dioxide, directly into the living space.
While these appliances are inexpensive to purchase and install, they can pose serious health hazards. The combustion process can produce hazardous air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, benzene, formaldehyde, and particulate matter, which are linked to asthma, cancer, heart disease, and other health issues. Additionally, unvented or poorly vented sources can quickly fill your home with dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and other pollutants.
To avoid these risks, it is recommended to choose "sealed combustion" or "direct vent" gas appliances, which have their exhaust vents and air supplies completely sealed from the indoors. Alternatively, consider using high-efficiency electric appliances or solar heating systems. If you must use a combustion appliance, ensure it is properly installed, maintained, and used only for its intended purpose. Regularly check for spillage and keep your home well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of indoor pollutants.
To monitor the air quality in your home, you can invest in an indoor air quality monitor. These devices can measure carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), humidity, temperature, and more. Some monitors also offer visual and app-based displays, allowing you to track air quality remotely and take steps to improve it when necessary.
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Use extractor fans and cooker hoods to clear the air of smoke, grease, and other pollutants
Cooking produces various pollutants, from water vapour to grease and smoke, which can cause problems if not properly ventilated. To maintain good air quality in your home, it is essential to invest in good ventilation systems such as extractor fans and cooker hoods.
Extractor fans are a type of electric fan used to remove stale air, odours, smoke, steam, and moisture from kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. They are smaller in size compared to cooker hoods, making them energy efficient as they can run for longer periods without consuming as much power. Modern extractor fans are often equipped with automatic sensors, allowing them to detect and remove humidity as soon as it is sensed. Ducted extractor fans expel air from inside the house to the outside environment, making them more effective at eliminating odours, moisture, and grease from the entire house. Integrated extractor fans are designed to seamlessly blend into the kitchen decor, offering the same functionality as regular extractor fans without compromising the aesthetic appeal.
Cooker hoods, on the other hand, are typically installed above the cooker or stove in the kitchen and are designed to capture and extract smoke, steam, smells, and grease particles that arise during cooking. They use filters, such as charcoal and grease filters, to clean the air before recirculating it back into the kitchen. While they improve air quality, cooker hoods are generally less efficient than extractor fans in completely removing odours and moisture. Ducted cooker hoods are more powerful and efficient as they expel pollutants outside through a duct system, while recirculating cooker hoods filter and recirculate air within the kitchen, trapping odours, pollutants, and gases with activated carbon filters.
To ensure the optimal functioning of your extractor fans and cooker hoods, it is important to clean them regularly. Grease particles can accumulate within the filters, requiring occasional cleaning or replacement to maintain the efficiency of these devices. Additionally, cleaning the inside of the cooker hood once a year can help prolong its life and maintain the freshness and comfort of your home environment.
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Frequently asked questions
You can measure pollution at home using an indoor air quality monitor. These devices can measure carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), radon, humidity, temperature, and air pressure. Some monitors can also detect mould risk.
Some of the best indoor air quality monitors include the Airthings View Plus, the Airthings Wave, the Eve Room, and the Temtop Air Quality Monitor.
Aside from using an air quality monitor, you can improve your indoor air quality by opening windows regularly, using extractor fans when cooking, and avoiding unvented appliances.
