Night air quality monitor for child respiratory issues (at high RH)

[Ethan]

@Guilherme

Regarding the additional options that lack CO2, I think it would be helpful for me to have that measurement as well, given that we work from home and might be nice to track CO2 levels throughout the day too. And I think you made a good point about the ability to measure VOCs - I agree it may be worth to have that included too. Then, I also started to consider radon monitoring too. But, except for AirThings devices, I haven’t found other options available yet. What are your thoughts here?

For what it’s worth, I agree with your assessment of having a CO2 sensor. I am not a fan of indoor air quality monitors that lack this important sensor (unless you also have a dedicated CO2 monitor). Having a CO2 sensor is even more important if you work from home, as we both do!

I don’t think a radon sensor is essential unless you are in a radon-prone location (it’s worth checking this online if possible), and it tends to be worst in basements, but from your situation, it sounds like it will be in a bedroom or other room instead. The AirThings device is also much more expensive, and I am not a big fan of the device (it’s expensive and lacks lots of more advanced features).

@Guilherme

I have to say I’ve come to appreciate Air Gradient’s values and principles after reading them. I do like all the documentation provided in their website, how discussions held in different places are always backed by research as well as its transparency around key aspects, e.g. sensors’ accuracy and limitations.

Me, too, which is why I agreed to work with them. They’re extremely transparent, and they have people dedicated solely to the science side, which I think is very important. However, for me the most important aspect is that I’m free to speak my mind and even encouraged to publically highlight issues with the monitors if I find them.

@Guilherme

Based on that, I’d be inclined to go for the AirGradient One Kit at this moment. I was just a bit afraid around the lack of warranty (in contrast to the assembled version) - for example due to eventual damages that it could incur either during shipping or even by eventual inspection from local authorities when it enters the country. Do you think these could pose potential damaging issues?

I can understand your concern - they’re not cheap devices! Personally, I wouldn’t worry too much about the monitor itself, as even if there is an issue with any component, it’s all very easy to replace (and the sensors could likely be sourced locally). However, shipping and inspections are another matter altogether…

I’m unsure if a warranty would even cover these situations, however, as that would be on the shipper’s side, I imagine. If the warranty also covers shipping, then I think that is probably the safer route (and you can still replace parts if needed later down the line after the warranty expires).

@Guilherme

Also, another recent concern that I wanted to check with you: I found someone mentioning they had issues using the monitor in a bedroom due to infrared light emission (comment at bottom here: Apollo AIR-1 Air Quality Multisensor Review - SmartHomeScene). Have you seen this as well? Do you think it could disrupt sleep in a dark room?

I’ve been very interested in this monitor, but I haven’t yet had a chance to try it myself. However, looking at the specifications, these would be my thoughts:

Apollo has a slightly better PM sensor (SEN55) than AirGradient, but AirGradient’s is corrected, so they likely provide similar readings. I mention this issue in this post (which discusses the SPS30 but which performs very similarly to the SEN55). At the end of the day, I think the PM sensor in the Apollo is better and has a longer lifespan.

Outdoor Air Quality Monitors

[CO2 Click Model X] Over the past few weeks, I’ve had a chance to try a few more outdoor air quality monitors, including the PurpleAir Zen, CO2 Click Model X and AirBeam 3. After using AirGradient Open Airs as outdoor monitors almost exclusively for many months, I have quite a few thoughts to share. While I have full reviews upcoming, I want to discuss the CO2 Click Model X in particular, as it’s impressed me so far. This CAD 209 monitor comes in at roughly half the price of the PurpleAir mon…

On the other hand, I prefer the CO2 sensor in the AirGradient monitor (the SenseAir S8) and still trust traditional NDIR more than photoacoustic NDIR (which the SCD40 in the Apollo Air-1 is). While both are accurate, the latter is influenced more by temperature and humidity. Regarding sleep, I don’t think it will matter as the Apollo device uses a photoacoustic CO2 sensor (fully enclosed), and the AirGradient device’s sensor sits near the top of the device and is hidden. I have an AirGradient monitor in my bedroom, and I’ve never noticed the light emissions.

I really like the Apollo Air-1’s small form factor, too. So, if that’s important to you, that could be the better choice.

Of course, I am slightly biased, but I personally would opt for the AirGradient ONE as I appreciate their science and research focus. I also like the non-Home Assistant dashboard, which I’m not sure if Apollo offers.