As upgrading HVAC systems can be a challenging and costly endeavor, portable air purifiers have emerged as crucial assets in modern buildings and retrofit projects. Recognizing the important role that air purifiers play in maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ), facility managers are increasingly turning to stationary indoor air quality meters to gauge their effectiveness and make informed decisions.

Measuring Air Quality with Air Purifier Sensors

Air purifiers play a pivotal role in controlling indoor air pollution and promoting occupant well-being. Purification systems can potentially decrease operational costs through targeted purification strategies by utilizing precise air quality data.

However, when evaluating air purifiers, it is crucial to approach the topic of built-in air quality sensors with a discerning mindset. While these sensors serve as valuable components of air purification devices, it is important to acknowledge that they may not always meet the highest standards of quality. Given that air quality monitoring is not their primary focus, these sensors may fall short of delivering the comprehensive and accurate data required for effective air quality management.

Another consideration is that purifier air quality sensors often provide only localized measurements, limited to the immediate surroundings of the device itself. This limited coverage can result in incomplete and potentially misleading readings, which may give a distorted perception of the overall air quality within a facility.

Combining Air Purifiers with Stationary Air Quality Monitors

How can facility managers ensure that their decisions regarding air quality are based on accurate data? 

The answer lies in the utilization of stationary indoor air quality monitors. These devices are capable of providing real-time data on multiple pollutants (PM, VOCs, CO2) present in the air, as well as measuring other parameters (temperature, humidity, noise, and light levels), contributing to indoor comfort.

Facility managers will have the ability to make informed decisions backed by accurate, up-to-the-minute data. Depending on the capabilities of selected monitoring and purification systems, facility managers can activate need-based targeted purification, increasing the air quality while keeping the operational costs under control.

Demonstrating Air Purifier Effectiveness with Independent Monitoring Devices

Manufacturers of air purifying and air cleaning solutions can effectively showcase the efficiency of their products in tackling indoor air pollution by utilizing real-time, precise indoor air quality data. 

For instance, AirLife conducted a pilot study at Clemenceau Medical Center aiming to optimize indoor air quality and enhance safety for staff and patients. The study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of the AirLife in-duct filtration system installed in the ventilation system. To gather accurate data, Atmocube air quality monitors were installed in reference rooms before and after the installation of the AirLife Swiss filters. The results showed a significant decrease of 50-60% in particulate matter (PM) and TVOC levels in rooms with the AirLife filtration system compared to those without it. The study confirmed the three-layered air purification system's efficacy in removing mechanical and microbiological pollutants, as well as reducing TVOCs and odors. The findings highlighted the ability of the AirLife system to improve indoor air quality, lower energy consumption by reducing the need for preconditioning fresh air, and create a safer environment for healthcare facilities.

Choosing the Ultimate Indoor Air Quality Monitor

When it comes to selecting an indoor air quality monitor, accuracy, reliability, and real-time data availability are paramount. 

Equipped with an array of up to twelve sensors, the Atmocube IAQ monitor measures all the critical parameters contributing to indoor comfort, including PM1, PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, CO2, temperature, humidity, light intensity, and noise levels. This comprehensive data is delivered in real-time, with minute-by-minute updates. Moreover, all the historical data from connected devices is stored in the cloud, providing facility managers with a valuable resource for making data-driven decisions regarding indoor air quality management. One Atmocube monitor can capture air quality data in an open space of up to 3,500 square feet.

Atmocube is placed within the “breathing zone", the vertical zone where the occupants spend the majority of their time. Placing the device in this area will ensure that Atmocube samples the air that the building's occupants are breathing.

Ensuring Precise Air Purification through Seamless Integration

Atmocube integrates directly with air purifiers, enabling facility managers to automate air purification and optimize energy consumption based on real-time air quality data and the specific needs of each facility.

The system can locally read data from Atmocube via Modbus IP and send real-time commands to the air purifier through the API based on the collected air quality data. As a result, the air purifier can dynamically adapt its purification levels to match the precise air quality needs of the facility.

Alternatively, Atmocube can send the real-time AQ data to any other custom cloud solution.

The power of automation lies in facility managers' ability to customize purification settings, establish thresholds, and define preferences that align with their facility's specific requirements. 

Interested in learning more about how the Atmocube IAQ monitor can help you create a healthier home or workplace? Book a call with our team:

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