AirThings, a Norweigan tech company, is educating and helping homeowners monitor their indoor air quality and radon levels with their range of sensors. They recently sent me a Wave Plus monitor to review.
The set-up process is incredibly simple. Just download the AirThings app, create an account, and log in. Then, turn on the device and connect it to your phone via Bluetooth. A wave of your hand over the Wave Plus triggers a colored ring (green, yellow, or red) to indicate air quality. For more detailed readings, the mobile app offers comprehensive data on each sensor, which can also be viewed on your desktop through the Airthings dashboard. The Wave Plus boasts 6 trackers for Radon, VOC, CO2, Humidity, Temperature, and Pressure.
Radon
Radon, an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas, is a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. The Wave Plus employs “alpha spectrometry,” a technology designed by CERN scientists (European Organization for Nuclear Research), to measure radon levels accurately. The sensor uses a passive diffusion chamber that air flows into, with a photodiode counting radon particles in the air sample. For accurate readings, radon is measured over an extended period, making 30 days the minimum duration at a single location.
Volatile organic compounds
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), measured by the Wave Plus, can have harmful effects on health. While some VOCs are harmless, others can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, and even cancer. VOCs can be emitted from various sources such as fragrances, cleaning products, and paints. The Wave Plus uses a metal-oxide based sensor to detect VOCs, reacting to most VOCs without differentiating between good and harmful types.
Carbon dioxide
The Wave Plus also measures carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, which, when elevated, can negatively impact productivity and sleep. CO2 levels above 2000 ppm need immediate attention through ventilation. The device employs non-dispersive infrared sensors (NDIR) to measure CO2 levels accurately. Monitoring humidity levels is equally important, as high humidity can lead to mold and respiratory issues, while low humidity can cause dry skin and other health problems.
Air pressure
Finally, the Wave Plus measures air pressure, which plays a crucial role in maintaining a balanced indoor environment. Positive air pressure can lead to discomfort, while negative air pressure can increase energy costs and cause condensation and mold issues.
Conclusion
Accessing the Wave Plus data is convenient through the mobile app, dashboard, Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT (If This Then That). The device’s versatility and ease of use, coupled with its long lifespan and reliable performance, make it a valuable addition to any home.
In conclusion, the AirThings Wave Plus is an impressive indoor air quality monitor that provides homeowners with essential insights into their living environment. Its easy setup, comprehensive monitoring capabilities, and reliability make it worth the investment. With a sleek design and extensive features, the Wave Plus is destined to become a standard for airtight homes everywhere.
