Answers to Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

Pollen, which ranges from 10 to 100 µm in size, is significantly larger than typical fine particulate matter (PM2.5 = less than 2.5 µm, PM10 = less than 10 µm). This means that the air-⁠Q fine particulate matter sensor reports a high PM10 value and thus reacts to some of the pollen, but cannot distinguish pollen from street dust or other coarse particles.

Pollen fragments are more problematic for people with allergies than whole pollen grains: when it rains or humidity is high, pollen bursts open and releases fragments ranging from 0.5 to 5 µm in size—which fall within the PM2.5 range. These fragments are highly allergenic and often trigger severe reactions and asthma attacks.

The L’air-⁠Q detects these pollen fragments. Here, too, however, it is not possible to distinguish between the different types of pollen.

For comparison, common allergenic pollens:
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 requires power. If the power supply is interrupted, it restarts as soon as power is restored.

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

In the smartphone app, you can perform a reference calibration yourself at home—for example, if a baseline shift makes it necessary. The air-⁠Q also features automatic reference calibration and drift correction. This function uses a number of measurement points to continuously determine a new calibration value—generally, a new calibration value is generated after 1 to 2 weeks, if necessary.

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

The first air quality readings appear immediately after the measuring device is turned on, both in the air-⁠Q app and via the LEDs directly on the device. Some sensors (e.g., NO₂, SO₂) require a warm-up period after being unplugged, so their measurement results appear with a slight delay.

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

The L’air-⁠Q is completely silent. A very small fan inside the fine-particle sensor is only audible if you listen carefully with your ear pressed against the device. If this noise were to bother sensitive individuals, the fan can be turned off in night mode via the app. In this case, no fine-particle measurements are taken.

The PM₁₀ fine particulate matter value captures particles up to 10 µm in size; PM₂.₅ captures particles with a diameter of up to 2.5 µm, and PM₁ captures 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 order is therefore: PM₁₀ value > PM₂,₅ value > PM₁ value.

The L’air-⁠Q does not need to be cleaned. Its sensors are sufficiently protected from dust. On the outside, simply wipe it down. Any dust that has fallen between the slats can be gently removed by shaking or blowing on it.

In principle, the air-⁠Q is designed as a stationary measurement system, as it continuously adapts to its environment through automatic calibration. However, when used with a portable power source (e.g., 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 over a given period. The information refers to portable batteries, which list their capacity in mAh at 5 V:

The power source must supply power to the air-⁠Q for 24 hours. What capacity is required?
Calculation: 0.26 A × 24 hours = 6.24 Ah = 6,240 mAh.

The power source 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 mixture of gases, characterized by a simultaneous increase in levels of fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and VOCs. There is no specific measured value for “cigarette smoke” per se, because smoke cannot be precisely quantified based on its source and age.

Cigarette smoke—or smoke in general—can be reliably detected by measuring fine particles. The fine-particle sensor built into the device is highly sensitive. As soon as cigarette smoke approaches the threshold of olfactory perception, the sensor reacts immediately. In the air-⁠Q app, a smart cigarette smoke alarm can be activated via email and/or push notification, so you can stay informed about the situation in your house, apartment, or vacation rental even when you’re on the go.

If you want more sensitive detection, a lower threshold of 60 µg/m³ can also be set 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 (e.g., 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 ideal for detecting and measuring cigarette smoke. If you also need to measure nitrogen dioxide pollution,the air-⁠Q pro is the right device for your needs.

Yes. Smart home standards such asIFTTT, Home Assistant , and others are already supported. Support for Matter is planned for 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. We are relying on updates from the manufacturers in this regard.

Please visit our contact page and reach out to the appropriate contact person for your inquiry.

The higher price of the air-⁠Q stems from a combination of high-quality materials, innovative technology, and the many features we’ve incorporated. We rely on high-performance components, such as the microcontroller and sensors, which not only measure accurately but also offer high computing power and numerous connectivity options. Another key feature: all sensors are replaceable, making the air-⁠Q particularly sustainable and allowing for customization to meet different requirements. This enables us to offer any conceivable combination of sensors. Please feel free to contact us if you have specific requests regarding sensor configuration—we’ll make it happen.

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

When comparing the air-⁠Q to other devices, one thing quickly becomes clear: the air-⁠Q may seem expensive, but most other air quality monitors are designed for individual measurement parameters and do not 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 sets the air-⁠Q apart.

Asbestos refers to fibrous silicate minerals whose fibers have a diameter of two micrometers or greater. It has the property of breaking down longitudinally into increasingly smaller fibers when fractured. Because of its low density, asbestos is carried through the air and can be inhaled.

The air-⁠Q fine particulate matter sensor can partially detect asbestos as a fine particulate, since the sensor can detect particles 1 µm and larger. However, asbestos cannot be distinguished from “normal” fine particulate matter. As a result, 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 L’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 must be used in a normal home environment. Please feel free to contact us.

Yes, thanks to its very low voltage of 5 volts, the air-⁠Q poses no danger. However, as a high-precision measuring device, the air-⁠Q should not be left within reach of children. In children’s rooms, a suitable location must therefore be carefully chosen.

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

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

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

From a purely legal standpoint, however, it cannot replace standard smoke detectors. This is mainly because the air analyzer is not battery-powered and therefore cannot—as required by regulations—be mounted on a wall or ceiling. Other than that, the air-⁠Q is every bit as good as a standard smoke detector.

Unlike conventional smoke detectors, however, 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 with much greater precision, while avoiding false alarms.

The air-⁠Q measurement results can help address unwanted and unauthorized odor nuisances. The air-⁠Q records many different values at very short intervals. Thus, harmful odors and vapors—such as those from cigarette smoke, hookah bars, heavily smoking chimneys, and other industrial exhaust gases—can be easily detected and recorded. However, these recordings can only serve as a first step in legal proceedings, as self-collected data can only constitute circumstantial evidence. As a general rule, a specialized expert is required. Please seek legal advice from an attorney regarding your specific case.

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

The calculation of the performance index is based on a different, cumulative method derived from recent studies by various research institutions that have analyzed performance losses caused by certain types of air pollution. If, for example, high carbon dioxide levels in the air result in a 20% performance reduction and high temperatures result in a 5% reduction, the performance index is calculated as 100% – 20% (CO₂ reduction) – 5% (temperature reduction) = 75%.

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

However, for non-critical areas where only the general air quality needs to be monitored, smoke detector regulations do not apply. In these cases, we recommend one air-⁠Q for every 60 to 140 m². If the air-⁠Q units are mounted on the wall, 60 m² is the preferred coverage area; if installed in the center of the room, one air-⁠Q per 140 m² is sufficient to obtain an accurate picture of air quality.

In principle, air-⁠Q follows the regulations governing smoke detectors.
To ensure a sufficiently fast response to emerging gases, we therefore recommend a maximum room size of 60 m² (with a standard ceiling height of approximately 2.8–3.2 m). In L-shaped rooms, multiple air-⁠Q measuring devices must 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 generally a background level of fine particle pollution, the variations caused by mold spores are, unfortunately, barely distinguishable. It is therefore impossible 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 real-time changes inabsolute humidity,relative humidity, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and fine particles. These values can be correlated to assess an existing risk of mold growth. If these values are higher than normal, or even continue to rise over a given period, the source of this increase must be identified—it may already be a mold infestation or indicate favorable conditions for mold growth.
To legally determine the existence of mold contamination, however, a laboratory analysis remains essential.

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

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

The L’air-⁠Q consumes about 1.5 watts (5 V x 300 mA). A 10,000 mAh portable battery is therefore sufficient for about 33 hours of mobile use.

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

The air-⁠Q VOC sensor is highly flexible and can detect a wide range of VOCs. This includes 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 a fascinating 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 cumulative value. This means that the substances mentioned above are measured but cannot be reported individually. If these substances or other VOCs are present in the air, the VOC level will increase. However, it remains impossible to determine which specific chemical is responsible for this reading.

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

A detailed list of the exact ranges for all measured values can be found in our technical data sheet. It is 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 service life of each sensor depends on its measurement principle. Here are a few 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. No wear and tear.
• 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 electrochemical measurement. Service life > 5 years
• VOC sensor > ten years

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

L’air-⁠Q uses Wi-Fi on the 2.4 GHz frequency band 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 to 60 m, depending on the room layout and walls.

Bluetooth is not supported.

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

L’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 a push notification on their smartphone as soon as an alarm situation occurs.

It is also possible to configure your own alarm thresholds for each measured parameter, with alerts via sound, push notification, or email. There are also smart alarms for cigarette smoke and intrusion detection, among other things.
Alarms can be configured in the smartphone app under “Notifications.”

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

Most sensors are mounted on a base and can be replaced if they malfunction or reach the end of their service life. In this case, the air-⁠Q displays a notification in the app or on the device.

The L’air-⁠Q has (depending on the version) one or more open slots for additional sensors. For example, you might consider adding a sensor for ultrafine particles or for 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, in both day and night modes.

Yes, Wi-Fi can be turned off automatically or according to a scheduled timetable at night using night mode. However, during this 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 different brightness levels for night and day. 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 could consider adding an additional 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 saves all data to the included SD card. The data can then be viewed and retrieved—without a router—via a direct Wi-Fi connection (smartphone → air-⁠Q) from anywhere. As soon as a known Wi-Fi network is back within range, the air-⁠Q connects to the network. The data is then—depending on the settings (cloud upload enabled)—also uploaded retroactively to the cloud.

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

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

L’air-⁠Q is already compatible with IFTTT, Home Assistant, Homey, MQTT, and HomeKit (via Homebridge). Support for 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 first launch the air-⁠Q app and can be changed later in the main menu, in the upper right corner, under “App Settings.”

The air-⁠Q supports MQTT with the “Science” option —only air-⁠Q units with the Science option allow you to configure your own MQTT automations.

The air-⁠Q is, first and foremost, a smart and highly accurate air quality monitor. Long-term air analysis helps users track changes in air quality and detect potential spikes in pollutants or noise, so they can avoid them in the future. Throughthe air-⁠Q app, users also receive useful, personalized advice to help them identify problems. For example, if there is consistent fine-particle pollution, we recommend high-quality air purifiers from our partner companies, which we have already tested and found to be effective.

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 devices with the Science option can generate a CSV file directly on the SD card. In that case, conversion is no longer necessary.

2. Export data via our air-⁠Q Web App. (Downloading via the Web App is a paid convenience feature.)