Market guide
Choose channels and the reference boundary
Match each sensor to the question it can observeAn indoor-air monitor is a collection of sensing methods, not one score. Start with the pollutant, ventilation or building question and then identify the channel and reference method that could support it.
01
Question
Name the decision before the device
Separate ventilation timing, particle events, radon screening, humidity, combustion concern and VOC trend exploration.
- Direct
- Record which quantities are measured by a named sensor method.
- Derived
- Keep indexes, comfort scores and algorithmic classifications separate from concentrations.
02
Channel
Audit ranges and exclusions
Compare nominal range, resolution, accuracy conditions, response time, averaging and channels the product does not contain.
- CO2
- A true CO2 channel is different from an estimate based on another gas sensor.
- VOC
- Broad gas response cannot identify a compound, source or health risk by itself.
03
Reference
Define the authority required
A consumer monitor can reveal trends and prompt investigation but does not replace regulatory, occupational, laboratory, radon or life-safety methods.
- Alarm
- Use listed smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms for life safety.
- Health
- A reading does not diagnose symptoms or establish that a room is safe.
Evidence used
First-party sources behind this guide
- 01Indoor air qualityU.S. EPA · checked August 18, 2026Open source
- 02Air-sensor performance resourcesU.S. EPA · checked August 18, 2026Open source
- 03Current indoor air-quality monitorsAirthings · checked August 18, 2026Open source