Smart indoor air quality monitors are becoming essential in every home and office. They help you track pollutants, understand how clean or polluted your indoor air is, and take corrective actions at the right time.
But one challenge remains:
How do you read the numbers these devices show — AQI, PM2.5, CO₂, VOCs, humidity — and know what they mean?
This guide explains how to read, interpret, and use your smart indoor air quality monitor data like a pro.
1. Understanding AQI: Your Overall Air Score
AQI (Air Quality Index) gives you a single score representing overall air health.
0 to 50 means the air is clean and safe.
51 to 100 means acceptable air, though sensitive individuals may feel discomfort.
101 to 150 means sensitive groups should limit exposure.
151 to 200 means everyone may start experiencing irritation or trouble breathing.
Above 200 indicates very unhealthy or hazardous conditions.
If your AQI frequently crosses 150 or 200 indoors, you should immediately improve ventilation or use an air purifier.
2. PM2.5 and PM10: The Most Critical Readings
PM stands for particulate matter — tiny particles suspended in the air.
PM2.5 (Fine Particles)
These particles come from cooking smoke, outdoor pollution, dust, candles, incense, and even AC filters.
They are dangerous because they can enter deep into the lungs.
Ideal indoor PM2.5 is below 25 µg/m³.
If it crosses 50 µg/m³, your air is considered polluted.
If your PM2.5 suddenly spikes, check for activities like frying, sweeping, or opening windows during a dusty hour.
PM10 (Coarse Dust Particles)
These come from pet dander, fabric fibers, pollen, and general dust.
Good PM10 levels remain below 50 µg/m³.
High PM10 usually indicates poor cleaning cycles, heavy dust deposits, or pollen entry.
3. CO₂ Levels: The Key to Fresh, Breathable Indoor Air
CO₂ is a crucial measurement because it tells you how stale your indoor air is.
When CO₂ rises, you may feel sleepy, tired, or unable to focus.
Here’s how to interpret it:
350 to 700 ppm: Fresh and well-ventilated.
700 to 1000 ppm: Acceptable, but ventilation may be needed.
1000 to 1500 ppm: Poor ventilation; discomfort begins.
Above 1500 ppm: Unhealthy and uncomfortable.
If levels are consistently high, open windows, improve air circulation, or check for blocked vents.
4. VOCs: Understanding Chemical Pollution
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are invisible chemical pollutants that come from daily household items.
Common sources include:
Fresh paint
New furniture
Cleaning sprays
Air fresheners
Cosmetics
Cooking fumes
Petrol fumes entering indoors
Low VOC levels indicate a safe environment.
High VOC readings may cause headaches, dizziness, and irritation.
If your VOC reading rises:
Reduce chemical cleaners
Improve ventilation
Avoid synthetic fragrances
Keep freshly painted or renovated rooms well-ventilated
5. Humidity Levels: Comfort and Mold Prevention
Humidity matters because it affects comfort and mold growth.
30% to 50% humidity is ideal.
Anything above 60% encourages mold, dampness, and musty smells.
Anything below 30% leads to dry skin, throat irritation, and discomfort.
If humidity rises too high, use a dehumidifier or increase ventilation.
If it drops too low, consider a humidifier.
6. Using Trends and Alerts from Smart Monitors
Smart indoor air quality monitors help you understand pollution patterns over time.
They show:
Hourly fluctuations
Daily peaks
Identifiable triggers
Automatic alerts for sudden changes
For example:
A PM2.5 spike may occur every evening when traffic pollution enters through windows.
A VOC spike may appear whenever you use cleaning sprays.
CO₂ rises at night in a closed bedroom.
Humidity rises after showers or in storage rooms.
These insights help you adjust habits, improve ventilation, and optimize purifier usage.
7. How OxyIOT Makes Air Quality Interpretation Simple
Most monitors show numbers — but OxyIOT shows insights.
It uses:
Clear color-coded indicators
Real-time alerts on your phone
Trend analysis for each pollutant
Mold-risk predictions
Smart automation with purifiers or AC systems
Instead of interpreting data manually, OxyIOT tells you what’s happening and what to do next.
Conclusion
Understanding your indoor air quality monitor is the first step toward a healthier home.
Once you know how to interpret PM2.5, VOCs, CO₂, AQI, and humidity, you can take targeted actions to improve your environment quickly.
Smart monitors like OxyIOT simplify the process by giving you real-time insights and recommendations, not just numbers.
Cleaner air means better sleep, stronger immunity, improved productivity, and a safer home for your family.
