The best indoor air quality test kit for home use will let you nip indoor pollution in the bud before it causes health problems. By monitoring and detecting the presence of harmful pollutants, you can take the necessary steps to restore healthy indoor air quality (IAQ).
Poor indoor air quality can wreak havoc on your family’s health. Despite this fact, not all homeowners get to test their indoor air, making them vulnerable to a slew of respiratory problems.
Poor indoor air quality can trigger more adverse symptoms for those with underlying respiratory problems like asthma and COPD. This is why homeowners should invest in a test kit that could help detect increasing levels of pollutants inside their houses.
Below, I reviewed three monitor and test kits that you can use in your own home. See which one matches your needs and budget:
| AIR QUALITY TEST KIT | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick! IQAir AirVisual Indoor Air Quality Monitor |  | Check Price |
 | EG Indoor Air Quality Monitor |  | Check Price |
 | BIAOLING Indoor Air Quality Monitor |  | Check Price |
Best Indoor Air Quality Test Kit For Home – Top 3 Picks!
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: IQAir AirVisual Indoor Air Quality Monitor
Product Name: IQAir AirVisual Indoor Air Quality Monitor
Product Description: If you’re looking for the best indoor air quality test kit for home use, you’ll never go wrong with the IQAir AirVisual Air Quality Monitor. This professional-grade device has a real-time display of your indoor air condition. Aside from IAQ, it also shows temperature and humidity readings in real-time. Moreover, this air quality test kit has an IFTTT (if this, then that) feature. For example, if the monitor detects CO2 in your home, you can program it to send an alert on a connected device. You can use both mobile and desktop apps for remote monitoring. Aside from that, the IQAir AirVisual Air Quality Monitor uses high-precision laser technology to detect harmful particulates like PM2.5.
Offer price: $$$
Availability: InStock
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Summary
Another thing I really like about this air quality monitor is its colorful and aesthetic display. It will complement your home, not to mention that the display is also lit and easy to read. Also, the device shows instructions on what to do if there are abnormal air quality readings. For example, if it detects heightened carbon monoxide levels, the device will display instructions like opening windows.
Pros
Useful IFTTT feature Easy-to-read, aesthetic display It detects multiple contaminants. Equipped with WiFi and app connectivity Uses professional-grade sensors
Cons
I wish they can improve battery life, but it can be left plugged anyway. Slightly expensive, but understandable for such a high-quality device.
RUNNERS-UP
EG Indoor Air Quality Monitor
If you’re looking for an IAQ test kit that can detect VOCs, my money is on the EG Indoor Air Quality Monitor. This is programmed to detect formaldehyde and other compound gasses. Aside from that, this has a sensor to detect the presence of PM 2.5, a harmful particulate that can travel far into the respiratory system.
Aside from that, this device offers portable testing. It’s battery-powered, and you can leave the device running for two straight days per charge. Once it runs out of power, you can charge or plug it using a 5V micro USB cable.
Inside the EG Indoor Air Quality Test Kit, there’s a fan that draws air into the sensors. This guarantees real-time and accurate readings. It has a laser sensor for solid particles and an electrochemical semiconductor that will detect noxious gasses.
Moreover, this indoor air test kit has two English interface options. You can choose the default interface or the Windows-style, whichever you find easier to read.
BIAOLING Indoor Air Quality Monitor
My last pick for this roundup is the BIAOLING Indoor Air Quality Monitor. Electrochemical sensors detect carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and other volatile compounds. This is also designed to detect both PM2.5 and PM10 in real-time.
Moreover, this indoor air quality test kit has a large LCD screen that’s easy to read. It shows real-time readings in plain numbers and labels. It’s a no-fuss display, though the lack of aesthetic touch is something left to be desired.
This monitor has gas sampling ports to propel indoor air into the sensors at the back. There’s also a separate port for solid particle detection, which has bigger holes for accurate readings.
The BIAOLING Indoor Air Quality Monitor has a 3,000 mAh built-in battery for wireless operation. Each 4-hour charge can last for up to 8 hours on standby.
Take note that you should leave this on for 60 minutes to allow the device to record accurate readings. You can also recalibrate the sensors for reliability.
Signs that your home has poor indoor air quality
Since we stay in our home for long hours, it can be difficult to detect once indoor air quality is becoming worse. Most of the time, occupants will only notice the problem once they are starting to get sick.
To prevent this from happening, you should know the signs of poor indoor air quality. Below are some of the tell-tale symptoms to watch out for:
- Flu-like symptoms all the time. If you keep getting runny nose, cough, cold, and headaches, your indoor air might be the culprit. The accumulation of allergens and particulates will irritate your respiratory system. If this keeps happening to your family, you should consider checking for IAQ.
- Itchy skin. Aside from triggering respiratory problems, indoor air pollution can also cause rashes, skin itching, and dryness. This is much so for those with allergies and recurring sensitivities.
- Difficulty sleeping. Indoor air pollution can also affect your sleeping patterns. If paired with very low or high humidity levels, you’ll feel uncomfortable and unable to sleep.
- Bad odors. It’s common for homes to have malodors from time to time, especially after cooking, cleaning, and so on. However, if the bad odor in your house lingers and you can’t find the source, there might be a bigger problem in terms of indoor air quality.
- Irritated eyes. Airborne allergens and pollutants can get into your eyes and cause irritations. You’ll notice your peepers getting itchy and teary whenever you’re home. Take note that this level of indoor air pollution is alarming and will likely trigger respiratory symptoms.
- Allergy attacks. One of the hallmark signs of polluted indoor air is repetitive allergy attacks. It’s a sign that there’s an accumulation of dust, dander, pollen, and other harmful particulates in your home. Take note that this level of pollution is very harmful to kids, especially newborns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a way to test air quality in your home?
A: There are two main ways to check the indoor air quality of your home. First, you can hire indoor air experts for them to assess your home’s air quality. Another method is to use air quality test kits that you can buy on your own. The latter is cheaper and more convenient, not to mention that it will let you check your indoor air quality anytime you wish.
Q: Are DIY air quality tests accurate?
A: The accuracy of home indoor air quality tests varies widely. It all depends on the tool you use and how you utilize it. Most of the time, IAQ kits will indicate the accuracy range of the device, so you’ll know the reliability threshold of your DIY tests. If you want on-point test results, it’s best to hire professionals to conduct the testing.
Q: Do air quality monitors detect mold?
A: Many air quality monitors can detect mold, but they won’t tell you how much mold is present in your home. Still, detection of mold should raise concerns, especially if you’re also noticing other signs like the musty smell, the presence of black spots on surfaces, and your family members getting flu-like symptoms.
Q: Is an air quality test worth it?
A: Homeowners should consider investing in air quality tests to prevent air pollution from building up in their living spaces. Also, a professional air quality test will give you a more accurate understanding of what’s present in the air. Aside from the results, the professional will also provide recommendations on how to move forward with the results of the testing.
Q: How can I test my VOC levels at home?
A: You can check the VOC levels in your home through an air quality test kit. You can also hire the expert service of a professional indoor air tester. This professional can provide a detailed report of the volatile compounds present in your home. Please take note that it’s important to check your home for VOCs as it can cause serious health problems.
Final words
The best indoor air quality test kit for home use will help you combat pollution before it causes health problems. Being proactive is always the best move when it comes to indoor air pollution.
Aside from detection, knowing the right action is also critical for your safety. Feel free to consult an indoor air professional to restore your home’s indoor air quality.
Home Air Quality is founded by Bernard K to provide information on Indoor Air Quality in Homes and enlighten people about what they need to know about creating and maintaining a comfortable and healthy home environment.
We believe that “Quality air brings a healthy life.”
