Answers to Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

Pollen, which measures 10–100 µm, is considerably larger than typical fine particulate matter (PM2.5 = less than 2.5 µm, PM10 = less than 10 µm). This means that the air-⁠Q’s fine-particle sensor registers a high PM10 value and thus reacts to some pollen, but it cannot distinguish between pollen, street dust, and other coarse particles.

More significant than whole pollen grains in terms of allergies are what are known as pollen fragments: when it rains or humidity is high, pollen breaks down and releases fragments ranging in size from 0.5 to 5 µm—that is, within the PM2.5 range. These fragments are highly allergenic and often trigger severe reactions and asthma attacks.

The air-⁠Q detects these pollen fragments. However, it cannot distinguish between different types of pollen either.

By comparison, common allergenic pollens include:
Forget-me-not (Myosotis) — 10–12 µm
Birch - 20–25 µm
Grasses - 25–35 µm
Rye - 70–90 µm
Hazel - 20–30 µm
Alder - 20–30 µm
Mugwort - 18–25 µm
Ragweed - 18–22 µm

To collect measurement data, the air-⁠Q needs power. If the power supply is interrupted, it restarts as soon as the device is reconnected to the power source.

We use only sensors from manufacturers that provide us with individual calibration data for each sensor. This ensures that all sensors are as accurate as possible. In addition, we perform a baseline calibration on every air-⁠Q during production. For cost reasons, we do not issue individual calibration certificates.

The smartphone app allows you to perform a basic calibration yourself at home, for example, if necessary due to a shift in the baseline. In addition, the air-⁠Q features automatic basic calibration and drift correction. This function uses a certain number of measurement points and continuously determines a new calibration value; generally, a new calibration value is generated after 1–2 weeks, if necessary.

All data is stored on an SD memory card and in the app as soon as it connects to the device. Data is only transmitted to the internet and to the air-⁠Q Cloud with the owner’s consent. However, this is necessary to properly use certain features that would otherwise not be possible, such as the health advisor.
The server where the data is stored online is physically located in Germany.

The first air quality readings are displayed immediately after turning on the device, in the air-⁠Q app, and also via the LEDs on the device itself. Some sensors (e.g., NO₂, SO₂) require a warm-up period after being disconnected from the power source, so their measurement results are displayed with a delay.

The measurement interval of the air-⁠Q air analyzer in continuous operation is less than two seconds. This means the air-⁠Q measures virtually in real time. The measurement data can then be viewed immediately via the air-⁠Q app (Android / iOS).

The air-⁠Q is virtually silent. A very small fan in the fine-particle sensor is only audible if you listen closely with your ear right up against it. If this noise bothers sensitive users, the fan can be turned off in the app’s night mode. In that case, no fine-particle measurements are taken.

The PM₁₀ value measures particles up to 10 µm in size; PM₂.₅ measures particles with a diameter of up to 2.5 µm; and PM₁ measures particles up to 1 µm in size. The PM₁₀ value therefore also includes the PM₂.₅ and PM₁ values, and the PM₂.₅ value also includes PM₁. For values measured in µg/m³ or as a particle count, the following applies: PM₁₀ value > PM₂,₅ value > PM₁ value.

The air-⁠Q does not need to be cleaned. Its sensors are sufficiently protected from dust. Simply wipe the exterior with a cloth. Any dust that has settled between the slats can be carefully removed by shaking or blowing it away.

In principle, the air-⁠Q is designed as a stationary measurement system, as it continuously adapts to its environment through automatic calibration. However, by using a portable power source (such as a USB power bank or battery), it can also be used on the go—that is, wirelessly.

Here are two examples of how to calculate the required capacity for a given period. The data refers to power banks that list their capacity in mAh at 5 V:

The power supply must provide power to the air-⁠Q for 24 hours. How much capacity is needed?
Calculation: 0.26 A × 24 h = 6.24 Ah = 6,240 mAh.

The power bank has a capacity of 25,000 mAh. How long will it last?
Calculation: 25 Ah / 0.26 A = ~96 h.

Cigarette smoke is a complex and dynamic gaseous mixture characterized by a simultaneous increase in the levels of fine particles, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and VOCs. There is no specific “cigarette smoke” measurement value, since the smoke cannot be accurately quantified based on its source and age.

Cigarette smoke—or smoke of any kind—can be reliably detected by measuring the concentration of fine particles. The fine-particle sensor built into the device is highly sensitive. Even when cigarette smoke is near the threshold of olfactory perception, the sensor reacts immediately. In the air-⁠Q app, you can activate a smart alarm for cigarette smoke via email and/or push notification, so you can stay informed about the situation in your home, apartment, or vacation rental even when you’re away.

If you want more sensitive detection, you can also set a lower threshold of 60 µg/m³ for the fine particulate matter alarm. The alarm will then respond more quickly, but false alarms may also occur more frequently if there are other sources of fine particulate matter in the environment (for example, chimneys or outdoor air that is generally contaminated with fine particulate matter).

The air-⁠Q basic already measures carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter, and is well-suited for detecting and measuring cigarette smoke. If you also want to measure nitrogen dioxide pollution, the air-⁠Q pro is the right device for your needs.

Yes. Smart home standards such as IFTTT, Home Assistant , and others are already supported. Support for Matter is expected by late 2024 or early 2025.

Compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant is currently in development. Unfortunately, voice assistants do not natively support devices with as many sensors as the air-⁠Q. In this case, we are dependent on updates from the manufacturers.

Visit our contact page and reach out to the right person for your inquiry.

The higher price of the air-⁠Q stems from a combination of high-quality materials, innovative technology, and the numerous features we have integrated. We rely on high-performance components, such as the microcontroller and sensors, which not only measure accurately but also offer powerful computing capabilities and a wide range of connectivity options. Another key feature is that all sensors are interchangeable, making the air-⁠Q exceptionally durable and allowing for customization to meet specific requirements. This enables us to offer any conceivable combination of sensors. Please contact us if you have any special requests regarding sensor configuration; we’ll make it happen.

Another important factor is the in-house app, which allows users to easily monitor and analyze data in real time.

If we compare the air-⁠Q with other devices, one thing quickly becomes clear: the air-⁠Q may seem expensive, but most other air quality monitors are designed for specific measurement parameters and don’t offer the same versatility. With us, you don’t just get a device—you get a well-thought-out solution that will serve you for years to come and remains adaptable, and that’s what makes the air-⁠Q a special product.

Asbestos consists of fibrous silicate minerals with a fiber diameter of two micrometers or more. It has the property of breaking down longitudinally into increasingly smaller fibers when it fractures. Because of its low mass, asbestos is carried through the air and can be inhaled.

The air-⁠Q’s fine-particle sensor can partially detect asbestos as a fine particle, since the sensor can detect particles 1 µm and larger. However, asbestos cannot be distinguished from “normal” fine particles. For this reason, the extremely carcinogenic danger posed by asbestos can only be partially reflected. A high level of fine particles is always bad. Unfortunately, the air-⁠Q cannot determine whether the particles are asbestos.

The air-⁠Q and the sensors come with a one-year warranty. During the warranty period, we will repair any defects and replace worn-out sensors free of charge. You can extend the warranty with our warranty packages.

Important: air-⁠Q devices are intended for use in normal home environments. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Yes, thanks to its very low voltage of 5 volts, the air-⁠Q poses no danger. As a high-precision measuring device, however, the air-⁠Q should be kept out of the reach of children. In children’s rooms, a suitable location should be chosen carefully.

The air-⁠Q is designed for indoor use. When used outdoors, splashing water or rain may enter the device and damage the electronics. However, if the device is protected from direct contact with water, it can also be used briefly for outdoor measurements. Condensation must be avoided at all costs, as it could cause irreparable damage to the air-⁠Q. The air-⁠Q can be used within the specifications (technical data sheet), for example, under a roof.

Please note: When taking measurements outdoors, electrochemical sensors (such as those for ozone and nitrogen dioxide) may occasionally provide inconsistent readings, as significant fluctuations in outdoor temperature and humidity affect the sensors due to their measurement principles; calibration must therefore be adjusted (automatic calibration of the air-⁠Q).

Yes, in principle, the air-⁠Q is suitable as a fire detector, since it accurately and quickly detects the substances produced in a fire, such as smoke (fine particles), nitrogen dioxide, and carbon dioxide, as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In addition to a loud alarm tone, a push notification is also sent to the owner.

Legally, however, it cannot replace standard smoke detectors. This is mainly because the air analyzer is not battery-powered and therefore cannot be mounted on a wall or ceiling as required by regulations. Otherwise, the air-⁠Q is every bit as good as a conventional smoke detector.

Unlike conventional smoke detectors, the air-⁠Q measures not only fine particulate matter but also carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and VOCs. This allows smoke to be detected earlier, more reliably, and much more accurately, thereby preventing false alarms.

The air-⁠Q measurement results can help address unwanted and prohibited odors. The air-⁠Q records many different values at a very high frequency. This makes it easy to detect and record harmful odors and vapors caused, for example, by cigarette smoke, hookah bars, heavily smoking chimneys, and other industrial exhaust gases. However, these records can only serve as a first step in a legal proceeding, as self-recorded values can only constitute circumstantial evidence. A specialized expert is generally required. Consult an attorney for specific legal advice regarding your case.

The health index is based on the limit values set by the Federal Environment Agency, the WHO, and the so-called Vienna Health Index. The air-⁠Q health index is always calculated using the “worst” value among all measured parameters at a given time. If, for example, the elevated fine particulate matter level results in a 20% deduction and the high nitrogen dioxide level warrants a 30% health deduction, the health index shows 100% – 30% (nitrogen dioxide value) = 70%.

The calculation of the performance index is based on a different, cumulative method derived from current studies by various research centers that have analyzed performance losses caused by specific contaminants in breathing air. If, for example, a high carbon dioxide content results in a 20% reduction in performance and high temperature results in a 5% reduction, the performance index is calculated as 100% – 20% (CO₂ reduction) – 5% (temperature reduction) = 75%.

Contaminants spread through the room at different speeds. German regulations on smoke detectors stipulate the following: To ensure a sufficiently fast response to emerging gases, one alarm/smoke/air sensor must be installed for every 60 m² of room space (with a standard ceiling height of approximately 2.8–3.2 m). In L-shaped rooms, multiple detection devices must be installed, one on each side.

However, in non-critical areas where the goal is simply to monitor overall air quality, smoke detector regulations do not apply. In these cases, we recommend one air-⁠Q for every 60–140 m². If the air-⁠Qs are mounted on walls, 60 m² is preferable; if they are placed in the center of the room, one air-⁠Q per 140 m² is sufficient to obtain a sufficiently accurate picture of air quality.

In principle, the air-⁠Q is designed in accordance with smoke detector regulations.
To ensure a sufficiently fast response time to emerging gases, we therefore recommend a maximum room size of 60 m² (with a standard ceiling height of approx. 2.8–3.2 m). In L-shaped rooms, multiple air-⁠Q measuring devices should be installed, one on each side.

Mold releases spores into the air, which, depending on the type of mold, can be detected as fine particles. However, the amounts released are very small. Since there is usually a background level of fine particles, the variations caused by mold spores are, unfortunately, barely distinguishable. For this reason, it is not possible to say with certainty that a room is free of mold.

However, the risk of mold can also be assessed indirectly by observing various measured values. The air-⁠Q indoor air monitor detects a tendency toward mold growth, for example, by tracking changes in absolute humidity, relative humidity, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and fine particles in real time. These values can be correlated to assess an existing risk of mold. If these values are higher than normal, or even increase continuously over a period of time, the source of this increase must be identified; it may already be a mold infestation or indicate favorable growing conditions for mold.
To legally determine an existing mold load, a laboratory analysis remains essential.

With its mold index, the air-⁠Q provides a good starting point for monitoring mold risk over time.

The air-⁠Q is powered by a USB-C power adapter (5 volts). In principle, any USB-compliant adapter can be used with the measuring device. However, we recommend using the original adapter included with the device: it is a tested adapter that not only meets legal requirements (EMC) but also the air-⁠Q’s requirements for a constant power supply, ensuring accurate measurement values. The air-⁠Q can also be used wirelessly, that is, powered by a USB power bank or battery.

The air-⁠Q requires approximately 1.5 watts (5 V × 300 mA). A 10,000 mAh power bank is therefore sufficient for approximately 33 hours of mobile use.

Yes, the measurement data is stored on an SD card in the device. Depending on the product model, it has a capacity of 16 GB. With a data volume of 1.5 MB per day and all the planned additional features and data, the storage space is sufficient for well over 10 years.

The air-⁠Q's VOC sensor is highly versatile and can detect a wide variety of VOCs. These include formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, xylene, acetone, styrene, terpenes, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, naphthalene, ethyl acetate, methanol, chloroform, cyclohexane, and 1,3-butadiene, as well as hundreds of other VOCs. We’ve written an interesting blog post about their origins and sources.

Unfortunately, VOC sensors in general—including the one in the air-⁠Q—report the VOC level as a total value. This means that the substances listed are measured, but they cannot be displayed individually. If these or other VOCs are present in the air, the VOC level will increase. However, it is not clear which chemical is responsible for the reading.

The PID VOC sensor, available for the air-⁠Q Science, can be configured for a specific substance, allowing for highly accurate quantification of the exact amount. Please note: The PID VOC sensor is intended only for professional use in laboratories or industrial settings.

You'll find a detailed list of the exact ranges for all measured values in our technical data sheet. It's available for download here.

The service life of the air-⁠Q depends on the service life of the various sensors (see hardware) and is at least five years. The durability of each sensor depends on its measurement principle. Some examples:

• The fine-particle sensor measures particles optically. No wear and tear.
• The carbon monoxide sensor operates on a chemical principle. Service life: > ten years
• The carbon dioxide sensor uses an optical measurement principle. It is wear-free.
• Sulfur dioxide sensor > five years
• Ozone sensor > five years
• The oxygen sensor operates on the principle of optical luminescence. Service life > 5 years
• The nitrogen dioxide sensor uses an electrochemical measurement method. Service life > 5 years
• VOC sensor > ten years

The technical data sheet specifies the service life and operating life of all sensors.

The air-⁠Q uses Wi-Fi at a frequency of 2.4 GHz with channel widths of 20 MHz and 40 MHz (up to Wi-Fi 3 / IEEE 802.11g). The WPA2 encryption standard is currently supported. The Wi-Fi range is 40–60 m, depending on the room layout and walls.

Bluetooth is not supported.

The air-⁠Q has the following dimensions: 114 x 135 x 43 (height x width x depth in mm). The air-⁠Q radon has the following dimensions: 145 x 105 x 105 (height x width x depth in mm)

The air-⁠Q has a very loud alarm tone, for example, to warn of smoke or fire. In addition, the device owner receives an alarm notification via push notification on their smartphone as soon as an alarm situation occurs.

You can also set custom alarm thresholds for each measured parameter, with alerts via sound, push notification, or email. In addition, there are smart alarms for cigarette smoke and access detection, among others.
Alarms can be configured in the smartphone app under the “Notifications” section.

In addition to other air quality parameters, the air-⁠Q radon can also measure the radioactive gas radon.

Most sensors are socket-mounted and can be replaced if they are defective or have reached the end of their service life. In that case, the air-⁠Q displays a notification in the app or on the device.

The air-⁠Q has (depending on the version) one or more empty slots for additional sensors. For example, it can be expanded with a sensor for ultrafine particles or methane. All currently available additional sensors can be found at https://shop.air-q.com/

Yes, the brightness of the LEDs can be adjusted continuously in the app, both in day mode and night mode.

Yes, Wi-Fi can be turned off automatically or according to a scheduled time at night using Night Mode. However, during that time—or until the device is restarted (by unplugging it)—you won't be able to connect to the app.

Yes, the brightness of the air-⁠Q's LEDs can be adjusted using the smartphone app. This allows you to choose a different brightness setting for nighttime than for daytime. The LEDs can also be turned off completely.

Yes, the air-⁠Q has—depending on the version—one or more empty slots for additional sensors. For example, you can add another fine-particle sensor for ultrafine particles or a methane sensor. All currently available additional sensors can be found at https://shop.air-q.com/

The air-⁠Q can also be used without Wi-Fi. After startup, the device records all data to the included SD card. The data can then be accessed—without a router—via a direct Wi-Fi connection (smartphone → air-⁠Q) from anywhere. As soon as a known Wi-Fi network comes back within range, the air-⁠Q connects to it. Depending on the settings (cloud upload enabled), the data is then uploaded to the cloud, including retroactively.

In addition, the air-⁠Q can save multiple Wi-Fi networks. It then connects to the strongest known network.

No, there are currently no plans for a battery-powered version. Since the air-⁠Q has a standard USB-C port, it can easily be connected to a power bank.

El air-⁠Q can now be integrated with IFTTT, Home Assistant, Homey, MQTT, and HomeKit (via HomeBridge). Integration with Matter and other standards will follow soon. Here's an overview of all the smart home standards currently supported.

air-⁠Q, as well as the air-⁠Q app and the web app, support German, English, and French. Starting in the spring of 2025, the app will also be available in Spanish. The language is set when you launch the air-⁠Q app for the first time and can be changed later in the main menu, in the upper-right corner, under “App Settings.”

The air-⁠Q is compatible with MQTT via the“Science option”: only air-⁠Q devices with the Science option allow you to configure your own MQTT automations.

The air-⁠Q is, first and foremost, a high-precision, smart air quality monitor. Long-term air quality analysis helps users track changes in air quality and detect potential spikes in pollutants or noise, so they can avoid them in the future. Thanks to the air-⁠Q app, users also receive useful, personalized tips to help them identify problems. If, for example, there is persistent fine-particle pollution, we recommend high-quality air purifiers from our partner companies, which we have already tested with positive results.

The measurement data is saved in JSON format on the removable micro-SD card and can be exported as a CSV file. There are two ways to do this:

1. Download the data from the SD card and convert it using our JSON-to-CSV converter.
Note: air-⁠Q units with the Science option can generate a CSV file directly on the SD card. In that case, conversion is no longer necessary.

2. Exporting data via our air-⁠Q Web App. (Downloading via the Web App is a convenience feature included with your subscription.)