Where should the air components in the room be measured?
The answer to this question is not always easy, as air quality depends on various factors and can vary greatly depending on the room and how it is used. On the one hand, the pollutant influences the suitable location for setting up the air measuring device, on the other hand, the interest in the findings has an effect on the placement. Finally, the properties of the pollutant determine its characteristic behavior - for example, at what height the air components collect. If you are looking for a specific pollutant in your home and want to determine the source of this, the air analysis procedure will also be different.
As an initial guide, we will show you some important places where you should measure the air quality in the room:
1. measure the air quality in the vicinity of air pollution sources
Do you already have an idea of where the air pollution in the room is coming from? Then you should measure the air quality near these potential sources. These include airborne components such as smoke from cigarettes, cooking fumes, chemicals from cleaning products or even VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from furniture and carpets. These substances can have a significant impact on air quality and should therefore be monitored regularly. To do this, place an air measuring device, such as the air-Q, near the suspected source - ideally at head height.
The air-Q is available both as an air measuring device for purchase for permanent use and as a rental device for 14 days to carry out a selective air analysis.
2. place an air measuring device at different heights in the room
Air quality can vary depending on the height in the room. For example, gases such as carbon monoxide tend to collect on the floor, while lighter gases such as formaldehyde tend to remain at higher levels. Heavy particles such as dust or soot also tend to remain close to the floor and, like carbon monoxide or other gases, can therefore be dangerous when sleeping in a lying position. Other pollutants, on the other hand, reach medium heights in the room due to vertical air movements and their mass distribution. If the pollutants are lighter than air, they even float upwards and collect in the upper half of the room. The distribution of pollutants also depends on other factors, such as the ambient temperature, humidity, ventilation behavior, ventilation systems and the size of the room.
It therefore makes sense to measure the air quality both at floor level and at head height in order to obtain a comprehensive picture. Therefore, place the air measuring device at different room heights for different test phases: sometimes close to the floor, sometimes on a shelf at head height or higher up on a shelf. This will give you a comprehensive picture of the composition of the room air.
In the bedroom, you should place the air measuring device at head height, e.g. on the bedside table. This allows you to monitor the air you breathe in while lying down.
3. analyze the air quality in the vicinity of ventilation and air conditioning systems
Ventilation and air conditioning systems play an important role in regulating indoor air quality. Monitor the air quality around these systems. This is because the equipment may not be working properly or may even contribute to air pollution itself if it is not properly maintained. By placing the air monitor near the ventilation and air conditioning system, you will know if the system is working properly or if it is the source of air pollution.
4. check areas with high humidity
High humidity can not only promote mold growth, but also accelerate the spread of harmful substances such as formaldehyde. It is therefore advisable to monitor the air quality in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens. If you want to detect mold that is not yet visible, you should set up the air-Q where you suspect the spores are. Places with a high exposure to humidity are suitable here: for example, the window sill, next to the shower or bathtub and near the hob.
5. detect the quality of the indoor air in areas with little air circulation
Stagnant air can cause pollutants to accumulate and worsen the air quality. It is therefore important to monitor the air quality in areas with little air circulation, such as corners or behind furniture. This ensures that the air circulates sufficiently here too and prevents the formation of mold, for example. If the air measuring device indicates poor air quality here, you can counteract this with targeted ventilation.
How should indoor air generally be monitored?
In general, we recommend placing air measuring devices far away from the window. This will tell you how the air quality is distributed in the room. This is because ventilation phases that are too short often ensure that not all the stale air in the room is exchanged, but only the air near the window. If you were to place the measuring device near the window, this would dilute the data collection.
If you want to find the source of pollutants in your home, you should proceed according to the exclusion method. Monitor individual rooms with the air measuring device. To do this, close the door in each room to minimize air exchange with other rooms. Once you have identified the affected room, check the air quality in this room at various heights. To do this, place the air measuring device in different positions. If there are no power sockets at different heights in the room, you can also operate the air-Q using a power bank.
Conclusion
By measuring the air quality in your rooms, you can find out whether you have healthy and safe indoor spaces. If the air quality is inadequate, the air-Q will warn you and you can react accordingly. By measuring the air quality at different locations in the room, you get a comprehensive picture of how the air you breathe is doing. Ultimately, regular air quality monitoring helps you make healthy choices and take action to improve the air in your indoor spaces.
