How to monitor the air quality in the home?

There are a large number of factors that can affect the air quality inside our home. This is the case, for example, of mold, pollen or tobacco smoke. Therefore, it is always convenient to monitor these elements to avoid respiratory problems and allergic episodes. But how can we do it using new technologies?

Monitor air quality

The air quality inside homes is a very important indicator in terms of comfort and healthiness. The elements that have the most impact in this regard are:

• Cleaning chemicals. They are the main source of contamination by volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds.
• Heating and cooling systems. They generate suspended particles in the form of gases and microorganisms, especially if we do not carry out adequate maintenance.
• Tobacco smoke. It is the main responsible for the presence of carbon monoxide in smokers' homes.
• Humidity. It produces mold, whose particles also circulate through the air.
• Domestic animals. The dander present in their fur is one of the main allergens we can find.

To give us an idea, according to a report from Ecologistas en Acción, 30,000 people die in Spain every year as a result of the poor air quality of their homes. The World Health Organization (WHO) extrapolates this data globally, raising the figure to 7 million. Thus, the importance of monitoring this factor and taking appropriate measures is fundamental.
 

New technologies to monitor air quality

Today, monitoring air quality inside a home is relatively easy. Let us not forget that there are many sensors capable of measuring specific values such as carbon dioxide (CO₂). Currently, this is the most effective indicator when it comes to deciding when it is time to ventilate a space.

However, there are many others capable of determining the amount of carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pollen particles or formaldehydes, as well as temperature and percentage of humidity. All of these are key elements to determine air quality.

But new technologies have gone a step further. In fact, thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT), we have the possibility of automating ventilation at home and ensuring a maximum quality air permanently. To achieve this, it is only necessary to connect those sensors to the internet via Wi-Fi and then take advantage of all the benefits offered by home automation.

Benefits of monitoring air quality

The main benefit that monitoring air quality in our home brings has to do with health itself. After all, knowing the presence of pollutants in the environment will help us take the most appropriate measures.

It is evident that by activating the ventilation system, those who live inside the house will be able to enjoy a higher quality air. This will translate into fewer allergic reactions and respiratory problems. In addition, in the long term, it is possible to prevent the onset of chronic diseases.

To ensure optimal air quality, the first step is to monitor the presence of pollutants in the environment. Afterwards, we must have an adapted ventilation system for our home. Only in this way can we guarantee the hygiene and healthiness of the space where we spend the most hours of the day. If you want to learn more about this topic, we recommend knowing what happens if the home air is not properly ventilated.