Carbon Dioxide Monitoring: What You Need to Know to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Carbon Dioxide Monitoring: What You Need to Know to Improve Indoor Air Quality

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What Does CO₂ Monitoring Mean for Indoor Air Quality?

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) is one of the most important metrics in indoor environments where people work or live. CO₂ levels are simply the amount of carbon dioxide present in the air. As people breathe, they take in oxygen and emit carbon dioxide. This is why a more accurate measurement of CO₂ is critical for health conditions as low oxygen and high CO₂ can have a negative impact on health and productivity.

For example, high carbon dioxide levels will result in tired occupants with lower productivity.  

If CO2 levels are too low, occupants will suffer from headaches and dizziness due to the lack of CO2. This can lead to increased absences, reduced motivation and loss of productivity.

Continuous Carbon Dioxide Monitoring for Indoor Air Quality

High-accuracy carbon dioxide (CO₂) monitoring is essential for early detection, control and correction of indoor CO₂ levels. With continuous measurement, it is possible to identify trends and address issues immediately.

Continuous CO₂ monitoring also provides real-time trend data for better decision-making. CO₂ measurement instruments are available as portable and wall-mounted devices. Portable CO2 meters can be carried from location to location to measure CO₂ levels in specific areas. Wall-mounted CO₂ monitors are typically installed in high-traffic areas.

CO₂ is typically measured in parts per million (ppm). As a rule of thumb, CO₂ levels less than 1000 ppm are considered acceptable for indoor air quality. CO₂ levels between 1000 ppm and 2000 ppm are considered moderately high while levels above 2000 ppm are high enough to cause a significant impact on indoor air quality.

Monitoring CO₂ across environments: cold storages, greenhouses, offices and educational institutions

Cold storages and refrigeration plants - Cold storages and refrigeration plants are the areas where carbon dioxide is critical for detection to ensure personnel safety in CO₂ refrigerated facilities and product storage life.

Greenhouses - Greenhouses are areas where CO₂ needs to be tightly controlled. In most cases, CO₂ levels are kept at a minimum. This is because plants require CO₂ for photosynthesis.

Offices and educational institutions - CO₂ monitoring is recommended in offices and educational institutions. This is mainly because of the high number of people and various activities in these areas. Continuous CO₂ monitoring will help detect levels lower than 1000 ppm as well as levels above 2000 ppm.

Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality and Lower CO₂

• Keep temperatures low: High temperatures can lead to higher  CO₂ levels. In most cases,  CO₂ levels are recommended to be kept below 2600 ppm. 
• Use air filters: Air filters can help clean the air, which can help lower CO₂ levels. This can be attributed to the fact that dirty filters capture less CO₂ from the air. 
• Open windows: Opening windows can help bring in fresh air and reduce CO₂ levels. This can be attributed to the fact that fresh air contains less CO₂.

Ace Instruments’ Carbon Dioxide Monitoring Range

Carbon dioxide is an important metric to be monitored when assessing indoor air quality. High levels of  CO₂ have been correlated to reduced productivity and health effects, including headaches and nausea. Continuous CO₂ monitoring in indoor air environments across applications can improve ventilation levels, productivity and ensure detection of rapid level changes for appropriate interventions. The Ace Instruments’ carbon dioxide monitors are available as wall-mounting transmitters with/without display and also with duct mounting options. The carbon dioxide monitoring range leverages Swiss photoacoustic sensors to deliver the latest advancements in sensing technology to users and enabling accurate tracking of carbon dioxide levels.