How is Indoor Air Quality Measured?

Various tools are used to measure indoor air quality. If you have any concerns about how is indoor air quality measured? So, you can use every method to measure indoor air quality.

• Air quality monitor
• Air sample
• Advanced sensors

These methods reveal real-time information about indoor air quality in a particular environment. As everyone spends 90% of their time at home. So the general health of people depends on the air quality.

If the air quality is poor, it can cause many concerns. Therefore, measurement of air quality is more important. In this article, we will discuss various parameters, methods of measuring IAQ, and more tips for air conditioning.

Why is it important to Understand the Metrics for Assessing Indoor Air Quality?

First, maintaining indoor air quality requires knowing the metrics for assessing air pollution. By understanding the factors behind air pollution, you can easily measure and maintain your home’s air quality. Let us see the parameters that are in the air.

MC

Particular Matter is dust, dirt, pollen, and other allergens of small particles. These particles are spread in the air and therefore cause human health problems. So, determining the concentration of particulate matter is essential.

CO2 and CO

To secure the indoor environment, we need to determine the level of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. determine these gasses you can indicate problems with the ventilation or the heating system. High levels of these gases are harmful to residents.

VOCs

Gases that are released into the air are called VOCs. This includes paints, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, etc. Measuring the concentration of VOCs is not only important for detecting potential sources in air quality but also for understanding human health problems.

SO2

SO2 is a potentially hazardous gas that can be present in indoor home air. Human health can be affected by this gas.The permissible SO2 level is suitable for indoor air at 80 g/m3. According to NBC in 2016, it can be measured with a sample volume of SO2 meters or more.  In general, SO2 can cause asthma, lung disease, and other breathing problems. 

Temperature and Moisture

It is essential to strike a balance between temperature and humidity to develop an improvement in the indoor air. Creating a healthy and comfortable indoor environment is essential to achieving and maintaining good indoor air quality. 

If humidity levels rise, respiratory problems occur. Also, if the humidity level is low, it can cause dryness or discomfort.

How many methods of measuring the indoor air quality?

Use accurate equipment and methods to measure indoor air quality. By using these methods you can determine the exact cause of air pollution.

Advance sensors:

These sensors are constantly monitored, detect changes in the air, maintain air levels, or control airflow. Light Sensors, Smoke, Gas, Ultrasonic Sensor, Alcohol sensors, etc are examples of advanced sensors. The use of advanced sensors controls heating, ventilation, or HVAC. 

Air Sample:

To determine the causes of air pollution, it is necessary to take air samples from different places like the kitchen, living room, or any other place. It is important to know the quality of indoor air damage caused by the presence of gases or air fresheners. After collecting the samples, send them to laboratories for testing.

Air Quality Monitor:

Many instruments are used to measure multiple parameters simultaneously. After measurement, they provide accurate real-time data. 

• Airthings Wave Plus
• IQAir AirVisual Pro
• Temtop Air Quality Monitor
• SunRadon Lüft Air Quality Monitor
• Airthings Wave Mini
• Smart Air Quality Monitor 

These devices are available in different sizes and notify a user-friendly interface alert system when there is a problem with air quality.

How is indoor air quality measured?

Once you understand the parameters of air quality and measurement methods for assessing indoor air quality, you can easily maintain your home’s air quality without worrying about how is indoor air quality measured. 

Identify parameters:

After understanding the parameters such as MC,  CO, VOCs, CO2, humidity, etc of indoor air quality remember them.

Choose a measurement method:

Select the devices according to the measurement method of each parameter you want to measure.

Create the measurement plan

Now, locate the area where contamination is likely. Select and measure the interior space area. Also, collect air samples for measurement. 

Real-time monitoring

• Use an indoor air quality monitor to test multiple parameters at once to detect pollution. Carefully place the monitor in different locations to thoroughly test the air. Now, wait for real-time data collection.
• Also, collect air samples for analysis and send them to laboratories for testing. Therefore, use advanced techniques to monitor air quality.
• Use advanced sensors integrated into HVAC to regularly monitor temperature, air quality humidity.

Interpreting and Evaluating the results

Once you have evaluated the air quality and obtained the results, you need to interpret the results. It is often difficult to interpret because there is often a variety of key elements present. Now, consider overall indoor air quality. However, there is no set standard for IAQ. 

IAQ test results are often given to medical organizations to help identify the cause of polluted air. They are experts in evaluating IAQ testing results. After testing, they can give you better recommendations on how to improve your indoor home air quality. 

Improve your Indoor Air Quality

It is very easy to improve the air quality after interpreting the results. By following these steps, you can reduce pollution and improve the air quality in your home.

• Open the windows or fan 
• Use air cleaners
• Reduce polluted sources
• Making the required HVAC system modification
• Improving the ventilation in your building
• Replace your AC filter.

Some more tips to improve indoor air quality

You can maintain your indoor air quality by regularly checking the monitoring tools and HVAC systems. Establish a frequent monitoring routine to maintain the air quality. Here are useful tips to improve indoor air quality.

• Use vents for cooking
• Keep your rugs and carpets clean
• Create a regular cleaning schedule
• Make adequate waste management arrangements
• Purchase indoor plants to help purify the air
• Conduct regular building inspections
• Regularly examine your air ducts
• Control humidity in your home
• Establish a no-smoking policy
• A comprehensive indoor air quality management plan should be established.

On the Whole:

An understanding of measurement methods and air parameters such as CO2, CO, VOCs, temperature, or humidity is essential to improve indoor air quality. Indoor air quality is critical to human health because polluted air can harm human health.

Without bothering, how is indoor air quality measured? You can identify the cause of air pollution and maintaining indoor IAQ is easy. Regular maintenance can keep the air fresh and it also affects human health.