Indoor air quality (IAQ) is vital to our health and well-being. With the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, measuring and monitoring IAQ has become more accessible. In this post, we will discuss the advantages of IoT for monitoring IAQ, the sensors used in IoT systems, and the measures you can take to improve IAQ.
Advantages of IoT for IAQ Measurement
IoT technology has changed IAQ monitoring and measurement. IoT devices may deliver real-time data on air quality, temperature, humidity, and other environmental parameters by incorporating sensors, cloud computing, and machine learning. Listed below are some advantages of IoT for measuring IAQ:
Real-time Monitoring
Internet of Things (IoT) technologies provide real-time data on IAQ, enabling you to identify and address air quality concerns before they become significant.
Remote Monitoring
With the Internet of Things, you can remotely monitor IAQ using your smartphone or PC. This is particularly beneficial for enterprises and facility managers who monitor IAQ on multiple sites.
IoT sensors are inexpensive and can be simply integrated into current HVAC systems, making IAQ monitoring accessible to anyone.
IoT sensors are straightforward to install and need low maintenance. Most sensors are wireless and may be set up in minutes.
Customizable
IoT systems can be tailored to match your particular requirements. You can select the most pertinent sensors for your home environment and configure alerts and notifications to inform you of any problems.
Sensor types utilized in IoT Systems
Several sensors utilized by IoT devices measure IAQ. Below are some of the most prevalent types of sensors used in Internet of Things systems:
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Sensors
CO2 sensors measure the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. Excessive CO2 levels can suggest inadequate ventilation and lead to tiredness, migraines, and other health problems.
Sensors for Particulate Matter (PM) PM sensors monitor the amount of particulate matter in the air. Particulate matter can cause respiratory issues and originate from dust, pollen, and other sources.
Temperature and Humidity Sensors Temperature and humidity sensors monitor the air's temperature and relative humidity. Mould can thrive in environments with high humidity, whereas low humidity can cause dry skin and respiratory difficulties.
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Sensors VOCs can be found in cleaning products, paints, and other products, and they can induce headaches, nausea, and other health problems.
Improvements to Indoor Air Quality
Now that we understand how IoT may be used to detect IAQ let's examine ways to enhance indoor air quality:
Ventilate
Adequate ventilation is essential for preserving IAQ. Open windows and utilize exhaust fans to enhance airflow.
Maintain a relative humidity between 30 and 50 per cent to prevent mould growth and other IAQ issues.
Use Air Purifiers
Air purifiers can assist in removing particulate matter and other air contaminants.
Avoid Smoking Indoors
Indoor smoking can emit toxic chemicals and cause respiratory difficulties.
Use Natural Cleaning Products
Avoid harsh cleaning products containing volatile organic compounds. Use natural cleaning products that are free of toxic chemicals instead.
The Internet of Things has changed the measurement and monitoring of indoor air quality. IoT systems can give real-time data on IAQ by merging sensors, cloud computing, and machine learning, allowing us to identify and treat air quality issues before they become a problem. By taking measures to enhance
