Maintaining excellent indoor air quality is important for many reasons, especially for DIY enthusiasts who often engage in projects that could compromise the air within their homes. With the myriad of options available, selecting the best indoor air quality monitor can seem daunting. I’ve taken the time to dive into the details of top choices, ensuring you have the information needed to make an informed decision.
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| OVERALL BEST | RUNNER UP | COMPREHENSIVE AIR QUALITY TRACKING | AFFORDABLE AND EFFECTIVE | INTEGRATES WITH HOMEKIT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awair Element | Airthings Wave Plus | Temtop M10 | Eve Room | Airthings View Plus |
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| $190.23* | $212.14* | $94.99* | $99.95* | $299.99* |
| Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
*Price at the time of this review
Why Monitor Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air quality significantly impacts health, comfort, and overall well-being. For DIY’ers, activities such as painting, woodworking, or using adhesives can release harmful pollutants like VOCs, particulate matter, and more into the air. Monitoring these elements is essential to mitigate health risks, ensuring a safe environment for your projects. The best indoor air quality monitors provide actionable insights, allowing you to improve your space’s air quality effectively.
How to Choose the Best Indoor Air Quality Monitor
When selecting an indoor air quality monitor, consider factors like pollutant detection capabilities, connectivity features, ease of use, and price. The ideal monitor for DIY enthusiasts should offer comprehensive tracking of air quality parameters, including VOCs, PM2.5, CO2, and humidity. Additionally, connectivity with smartphones or smart home systems can offer real-time data and alerts, making it easier to maintain a healthy indoor environment.
How To Improve Indoor Air quality
Air purifiers are a great option to help with indoor air quality. There are various technologies available, so choosing the right unit is important. We wrote an article to help guide you through this process answering the question of whether Air Purifiers Help With Smell, check it out here.
Top 5 Best Indoor Air Quality Monitors for 2024
Awair Element (Overall Best: comprehensive air quality tracking): The Awair Element stands out for its comprehensive tracking capabilities, offering insights into temperature, humidity, CO2, VOCs, and PM2.5. Its sleek design, coupled with the ability to connect to the Awair Home app, provides actionable insights to improve your space’s health. With its Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, it’s the top choice for those serious about monitoring their indoor air quality.
Awair Element Indoor Air Quality Monitor
Pros
- ✅ Tracks a comprehensive range of air quality factors
- ✅ Offers real-time insights and actionable advice
- ✅ Wi-Fi connected for easy app integration
Cons
- ❌ Requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection for full functionality
- ❌ Priced higher than some basic models
John’s Take
The Awair Element is a standout choice for anyone serious about monitoring their indoor air quality. It’s particularly good for those who appreciate a detailed analysis of their environment, offering insights into temperature, humidity, CO2, VOCs, and PM2.5. While it requires a stable Wi-Fi connection and comes with a higher price tag, the depth of information and ease of use make it a worthy investment for health-conscious homeowners.
Airthings Wave Plus (Runner Up: includes radon detection): The Airthings Wave Plus is a close second, celebrated for its unique radon detection feature. It also monitors CO2, VOCs, humidity, temperature, and air pressure, offering a comprehensive overview of your indoor air quality. Its ease of installation and use, along with the long battery life, make it a favorite among homeowners.
Airthings Wave Plus – Radon & Air Quality Monitor, Battery Powered (CO2, VOC, Humidity, Temp, Pressure)
Pros
- ✅ Reliable radon results with continuous long-term measuring
- ✅ Clean air sensors for comprehensive air quality monitoring
- ✅ Easy and clear results with color-coded visual indication
Cons
- ❌ May require additional devices for full home coverage
- ❌ Higher price point compared to basic models
John’s Take
The Airthings Wave Plus is a standout choice for those concerned about radon levels in addition to general air quality. Its comprehensive sensor array and ease of use make it a valuable tool for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. While it may come at a premium price and require multiple units for larger homes, its performance and peace of mind justify the investment.
Temtop M10 Air Quality Monitor (Best Budget: affordable and effective): For those on a budget, the Temtop M10 offers an affordable yet effective solution. It accurately assesses PM2.5, AQI, VOCs, and formaldehyde levels, providing essential insights into your air quality with a user-friendly single-button operation. Its portability and affordability make it an excellent choice for DIY’ers looking to monitor their indoor air quality without breaking the bank.
Temtop M10 Air Quality Monitor – Indoor Air Quality Tester AQI PM2.5 VOCs Formaldehyde Detector for Home Air Testing, US Certified Air Sensor
Pros
- ✅ 4-in-1 multifunctional monitor for comprehensive air quality assessment
- ✅ Advanced high-tech components for accurate and reliable detection
- ✅ User-friendly operation with a single button and color LED indicator
Cons
- ❌ Limited battery life requires frequent recharging
- ❌ Readings may fluctuate, requiring time to stabilize for accurate measurement
John’s Take
The Temtop M10 is an excellent budget-friendly option for those looking to monitor their indoor air quality without spending a fortune. Its 4-in-1 functionality covers most pollutants DIY’ers would be concerned about. While its battery life could be better, and readings need a moment to stabilize, its affordability and ease of use make it a great entry-level choice for monitoring air quality at home.
Eve Room Air Quality Monitor (Best for Apple Users: integrates with HomeKit): The Eve Room is the go-to device for Apple users, seamlessly integrating with HomeKit for a smart, connected home experience. It monitors VOCs, temperature, and humidity, offering insights via a high-contrast e-ink display or directly on your iPhone. Its design and functionality cater specifically to the Apple ecosystem, making it a top pick for those invested in that platform.
Eve Room – Indoor air quality sensor to monitor air quality (VOC), temperature & humidity, Apple HomeKit technology, Bluetooth and Thread
Pros
- ✅ Seamless integration with Apple HomeKit for a smart home experience
- ✅ Monitors VOCs, temperature, and humidity for comprehensive air quality tracking
- ✅ High-contrast e-ink display and long battery life for convenience
Cons
- ❌ Requires an iPhone or iPad, limiting its use to Apple ecosystem users
- ❌ Higher price point for the feature set compared to some competitors
John’s Take
The Eve Room is a fantastic choice for Apple users looking to keep tabs on their indoor air quality. Its integration with HomeKit allows for easy monitoring and automation within the Apple ecosystem. While it’s a bit pricier and exclusive to Apple users, its design, functionality, and the convenience of not needing a bridge make it a top pick for those invested in that environment.
Airthings View Plus (Most Versatile: wide range of pollutant detection): The Airthings View Plus is celebrated for its versatility, offering detection of radon, PM2.5, CO2, VOCs, humidity, temperature, and air pressure. Its always-on sensors and Wi-Fi connectivity provide continuous monitoring and real-time data, making it an invaluable tool for those looking to thoroughly understand and improve their indoor air quality.
Airthings View Plus – Battery Powered Radon & Air Quality Monitor (PM, CO2, VOC, Humidity, Temp, Pressure)
Pros
- ✅ Always-on air quality sensors for continuous monitoring
- ✅ Accurate digital radon detector alongside PM2.5, CO2, and VOC sensors
- ✅ Smart, WiFi-connected device with a user-friendly app for easy monitoring
Cons
- ❌ Premium price point may be a barrier for some
- ❌ Battery-powered design may require regular battery replacements
John’s Take
The Airthings View Plus is the Swiss Army knife of air quality monitors, offering a wide range of pollutant detection in a single device. Its continuous monitoring and detailed app insights make it an excellent choice for those serious about understanding and improving their indoor air quality. While the price is on the higher end, the breadth of features and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for those who want the best in air quality monitoring.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Proper installation and maintenance are key to getting the most out of your indoor air quality monitor. Place your device in a central location away from direct sunlight and sources of pollution for accurate readings. Regularly check and clean your device according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it continues to provide reliable data.
DIY Projects and Indoor Air Quality
DIY projects can significantly impact indoor air quality. Understanding the potential pollutants and how to mitigate them is crucial. An indoor air quality monitor can alert you to harmful levels of VOCs, particulate matter, and other pollutants, helping you take action to maintain a healthy environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important feature of an indoor air quality monitor for DIY’ers? The most crucial feature is comprehensive pollutant detection, including VOCs, PM2.5, and CO2, which are common in DIY projects.
How often should I check my indoor air quality? Regular monitoring is recommended, especially during and after engaging in activities known to affect air quality.
Can indoor air quality monitors detect mold? While most monitors cannot directly detect mold, they can monitor humidity levels, which can help prevent mold growth.
Are there DIY solutions to improve indoor air quality? Yes, simple actions like ensuring proper ventilation, using air purifiers, and choosing low-VOC products can significantly improve indoor air quality.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best indoor air quality monitor is essential for DIY enthusiasts committed to maintaining a healthy, safe home environment. Whether you prioritize comprehensive air quality tracking, budget-friendliness, or integration with smart home systems, there’s a device suited to your needs. By selecting one of the top monitors highlighted in this guide, you can confidently tackle your DIY projects knowing your indoor air quality is under control.
If you liked this article, check out our piece on Homeownership Essentials: Common Sense tips All Homeowners should know!