FAQ - Answers to questions we are frequently asked.

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

The service life of the air-Q air analyser depends on the service life of the individual sensors (see hardware) and is at least five years.

The air-Q is as quiet as a whisper. A very small fan in the particulates sensor is only perceptible when listening closely directly to the ear. If sensitive people are also bothered by this noise, the fan can be deactivated in the app in night mode. In this case, no particulates measurements are taken.

The first air quality values are displayed immediately after switching on the measuring device in the air-Q app and by the LEDs directly on the device. Individual sensors (for example NO₂, SO₂) require a warm-up phase after disconnection from the power supply, so that their measurement results are displayed with a delay.

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

All data is stored on an SD memory card and in the app as soon as it connects to the device. The data is only transferred to the Internet and the air-Q Cloud with the owner's consent. However, this is useful for making sense of some functions that cannot be implemented otherwise - for example, the health advisor.
The server on which the online data is stored is physically located in Germany.

The air-Q requires approx. 1.5 watts (5V x 300 mA). A power bank with 10,000 mAh is therefore sufficient for mobile operation for approx. 33 hours.

The production of all sensors is subject to manufacturing-related variations - for example, the electro-chemical sensors we also use, such as nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and ozone. We therefore only use sensors from manufacturers who provide us with individual calibration data for each sensor. This is the only way to ensure accuracy.

In addition, we perform an additional base-line calibration prior to shipment of each instrument.

In the smartphone app, there is the option to perform the baseline calibration yourself at home. Furthermore, the air-Q has an automatic drift correction.

For cost reasons, we do not send individual calibration certificates.

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In order to collect measurement data, the air analyser requires power. If the power supply is interrupted, it is restarted as soon as the unit is supplied with electrical power again.

The air-Q does not need to be cleaned. The sensors it contains are sufficiently protected from dust. Externally, wiping is sufficient. Dust that has fallen through the slats can be removed carefully by shaking or blowing.

In principle, the air-Q is intended as a stationary measuring system, as it constantly adapts to its environment by means of automatic calibration. However, by using a mobile power source (e.g. power bank), it can also be used on the move. Here are two sample calculations for the capacity required for a certain period of time. The figures refer to power banks that indicate the capacity in mAh at 5V:

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The power source is to supply the air-Q for 24 hours. How much capacity is required?
Calculation: 0.26 A * 24 h = 6.24 Ah = 6240 mAh.

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The power source has 25000 mAh, how long does it last?
Calculation: 25 Ah/0.26 A = ~ 96 h.

Cigarette smoke is a complex and dynamic gas mixture that can be recognized by increased particulates- carbon monoxide and also nitrogen dioxide and VOC values. There is no measured value for "cigarette smoke", as smoke cannot be quantified precisely depending on the source and age.

Cigarette smoke or smoke of any kind can be reliably detected by measuring the particulates value. The particulates sensor used in the device is very sensitive. The sensor reacts immediately to cigarette smoke close to the odor threshold. In the air-Q app, a smart alarm for cigarette smoke can be activated by email and/or push to inform you about the situation in your house / apartment / vacation home even when you are on the move.

If you require more sensitive detection, a lower threshold of 60 µg/m³ can also be set for the particulates alarm value. The alarm then reacts more quickly, but false alarms can also occur more quickly if there are other sources of particulate matter in the vicinity (e.g. chimneys or generally particulate matter-laden outdoor air).

Yes, smart home standards such as IFTTT, Home Assistant and others are already supported. Support for Matter is planned for the end of 2024 or early 2025.

Compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant is in the works. Unfortunately, the voice assistants do not support devices with as many sensors as the air-Q out of the box. We have to rely on updates from the providers here.

Yes, due to the very low voltage of 5 volts, there is no danger from the air-Q. However, as a high-precision measuring device, air-Q should not fall into the hands of children. Careful attention should therefore be paid to a suitable location in children's rooms.

The air-Q is generally designed for indoor use, as splashing water or dew can cause corrosion after some exposure time. However, if the device is protected from direct water, it can also be used for outdoor measurements for short periods. The air-Q can be used under a roof, for example, within the scope of the specifications (data sheet) .

However, when measuring outdoors, the electrochemical sensors (such as ozone and nitrogen dioxide) may provide inconsistent measured values in places, as the strong temperature and humidity fluctuations outside affect the sensors due to the measuring principle and the calibration must be improved (--> automatic calibration of the air-Q)

Yes, in principle, the air-Q is suitable as a fire detector, as it precisely detects the substances produced in a fire such as smoke (particulates), nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide as well as volatile organic compounds(VOCs) precisely and quickly. In addition to a shrill alarm sound, a push message is also sent to the owner.

From a purely legal point of view, however, it cannot replace the usual smoke detectors. This is mainly due to the fact that the air analyser does not have battery operation and thus cannot - as prescribed - be mounted on the wall or ceiling. Otherwise, the air-Q is in no way inferior to an ordinary smoke detector.

Unlike conventional smoke detectors, however, the air-Q also measures carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and VOC gases in addition to particulates values. This means that smoke development can be detected early, reliably and much more precisely, and false alarms can be avoided.

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The measurement results of the air-Q can help to take action against unwanted and unauthorized odor nuisances. The air-Q logs many different values very closely. Odors and noxious fumes from, for example, cigarette smoke, shisha bars, strong-smoking fireplaces and other industrial exhaust fumes can be easily detected and logged. However, the records can only be a first step in a legal process, since even recorded values can only ever represent circumstantial evidence. As a rule, a special expert is necessary. Please seek legal advice from a lawyer specifically for your case.

Pollutants spread through a room at different speeds. The regulations for smoke detectors in Germany stipulate the following: To ensure a sufficiently high reaction speed to occurring gases, one warning detector / smoke detector / air sensor should be installed per room of 60 square meters (with a normal ceiling height of approx. 2.8-3.2 m). In L-shaped rooms, several measuring devices should be installed - one device on each side.

However, in non-critical areas where the air quality is to be monitored in general, the regulations for smoke detectors do not apply. We recommend installing one air-Q for every 60 - 140 square meters. If air-Qs are mounted on the walls, 60 square meters are preferable; if they are installed in the middle of the room, one air-Q every 140 square meters is sufficient to obtain a sufficiently accurate picture of the air quality.

The Health Index is based on the limit values of the Federal Environment Agency, the WHO and the so-called Vienna Health Index. The air-Q health index is always calculated from the "worst" measured value from all measured variables at a certain point in time. If, for example, the increased particulate matter value leads to a 20% discount and the high nitrogen dioxide value justifies a 30% health discount, the health index shows 100% - 30% (nitrogen dioxide value) = 70%.

The calculation of the performance index is based on a different, cumulative procedure, which is based on recent studies by various research institutions that have analyzed the performance degradation of certain loads in the breathing air. For example, if the high carbon dioxide content of the air leads to a 20% performance penalty and the high temperature leads to a 5% penalty, the performance index shows 100% - 20% (CO₂ penalty) - 5% (temperature penalty) = 75%.

The risk for mold can be assessed indirectly by observing various measured values. The air-Q indoor air meter detects a tendency for mold growth, for example, by measuring the development of absolute and relative humidity, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and particulates in real time and correlating them.
If these values are higher than normal or even increase continuously over a period of time, the source of this increase should be identified - this may already be a mold infestation or may signal good growing conditions for mold.
In order to determine an already existing mold contamination also legally safe, a laboratory examination is nevertheless indispensable.