3 Reasons Why You Need a Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Meter at Home
Carbon dioxide is reasonably harmless at ambient levels, but it can cause a range of health issues when present in sufficient concentration. This article lays out:
- Facts you need to know about CO2
- Three reasons why a CO2 monitor is a must in every household; and
- Excellent examples of CO2 Meters for the home.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Facts
- All aerobic organisms produce carbon dioxide via respiration - from the smallest aerobic bacteria to our pets and us.
- Outdoor sources of CO2 include industry, deforestation, burning fossil fuels, bush fires and decomposing vegetation/biomass.
- Indoor CO2 concentrations are influenced by both respiration and occupant density. On average, humans breathe out around 1kg of CO2 per day. Fit friends, I have news for you – engaging in vigorous exercise can produce up to eight times that amount!
- The speed of CO2 concentration change is influenced by ventilation adequacy and air exchange rate in the room, which is why it is one of the most important indoor air quality parameters.
- CO2 is odourless and colourless, making it difficult to detect until safe concentration levels have been exceeded. Are you sitting in a small office reading this and feeling a bit meh? Before reaching for the coffee, try cracking a window!
- CO2 is heavier than air and displaces available oxygen to breathe. Elevated concentrations will result in headaches, dizziness, and lethargy.
- The only way to identify elevated levels of carbon dioxide indoors is with a carbon dioxide meter.
3 Reasons Why You Need A Carbon Dioxide Meter at Home
1. Health, Safety and Wellbeing
The relationship between wellness and indoor air quality is well established. Indoor CO2 concentration is related to occupant density and ventilation adequacy, making it a sound indicator of overall indoor air quality.
As described in the table below, levels exceeding 1000ppm become uncomfortable, with drowsiness and stuffiness being indicators. Above 2000ppm, things get a bit more severe with drowsiness, loss of attention, difficulty concentrating and headaches. Although extremely rare in the home, high levels can be life-threatening.
The table below details the effects of elevated carbon dioxide levels on occupants. As a general rule, aim to keep indoor CO2 levels below 1000ppm.
Level (ppm) |
CO2 Effects on Occupants |
|
250-400 |
The typical CO2 concentration of outdoor air. |
400-1000 |
400-1000ppm concentrations are usually associated with occupied indoor spaces with acceptable air ventilation. |
|
1000-2000 |
This CO2 level is associated with the onset of drowsiness and complaints of poor air quality. |
|
2000-5000 |
Expect stale or stuffy air resulting in drowsiness, loss of attention and concentration. In some scenarios, occupants may experience slight nausea and an increased heart rate. |
|
5000 |
5000ppm is the 8-hour time-weighted average limit as defined by SafeWork Australia (Average over 8-hours of exposure). |
|
>40,000 |
Immediately dangerous to life or health. |
Table 2 Carbon dioxide concentrations and the effects on occupants
2. Productivity and Performance
Are you making important decisions or still working from home? Carbon dioxide also affects cognitive performance. Numerous studies have shown that high CO2 levels lead to lower productivity, impaired decision-making and loss of concentration.
3. Speed of Change
As mentioned above, without a carbon dioxide meter in your home, there’s no way to know for certain if safe carbon dioxide levels have been exceeded, except when experiencing side effects. It does not take long for concentrations to breach recommended levels.
Instrument Choice Scientific ExperimentA team member recorded CO2 concentrations over a working day using the IC-bun-Green. In a single occupant, 4m x 6m office with the window closed and the door ajar, we recorded CO2 at 722ppm at 8:05 am (before occupancy). By 11:00 am (during occupancy), levels exceeded 1027ppm. Concentrations peaked at 1540ppm around 4:45 pm. (Huston, we have a problem!) |
CO2 Meters that are Perfect for Your Home
Our scientists have prepared five exceptional examples of CO2 meters suitable for measuring CO2 concentrations in domestic structures.
Laser Egg + CO2
|
| Get smart about CO2 monitoring – View the full features of the Laser Egg + CO2 here |
bun Green Carbon Dioxide and & Temperature Recorder-Alarm
|
| The bun Green Carbon Dioxide & Temperature Recorder offers 24/7 CO2 monitoring and complete peace of mind. Click here to view the product page. |
uHoo Indoor Air Quality Sensor
|
| An internet-enabled weather station and CO2 meter in one - Discover everything you need to know about the Netatmo Urban Weather Station here |
Extech CO220 Desktop Indoor Air Quality CO2 MonitorProduct code: IC-CO220
Are you looking for a straightforward tabletop solution? Look no further than the IC-CO22, an easy-to-use CO2 meter that measures and displays results on an extra-large LCD. Special Features: Along with the measured levels, the unit has six icons for easy interpretation of CO2 levels, user-adjustable alarms and a data logging function for 99 time/date stamped readings. Specifications: CO2 Range: 0 to 9999ppm |
| For a straightforward desktop CO2 Monitor - the IC-CO220 is the ideal choice. Discover everything you need to know about the Extech CO220 Desktop Indoor Air Quality CO2 Monitor |
NETATMO Urban Weather Station
|
| The IC0370 will make his Father’s Dads day one he’ll always remember – we guarantee it! View the station product page here! |
The Final Word
Monitoring indoor air quality and carbon dioxide levels can make a vital contribution to improving the focus, productivity, and overall comfort of the occupants in your home. We recommend you try it!
For more information on CO2 or other indoor air quality meters, speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist. Call 1300 737 871 or email [email protected].
Also interesting
A pH tester is a device used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
There is an extensive range of pH testers available at Instrument Choice, each with different specifications. So, to help you select the best pH tester for your application, we have put together a glossary of key terms and definitions you are bound to encounter in pH tester specifications.
The Instrument Choice team of scientists regularly reviews new and popular products, so you can make more informed decisions when searching for the perfect scientific instrument for your application.
This edition reviews the IC-800050 Datalogging Indoor Air Quality CO2 Meter, a handheld indoor air quality assessment and data logging tool that accurately measures CO2, temperature, relative humidity, dew point and wet bulb temperature.
Get our scientists’ review of the IC-800050 Datalogging Indoor Air Quality Meter
