A healthy indoor climate is crucial for well-being and productivity in the workplace. Poor air quality can not only affect concentration, but also have long-term health effects. Air quality measurement is therefore an important part of ensuring a comfortable working environment. Indoor air quality measurement plays a central role when it comes to employee health.
What is air quality measurement?
Air quality measurement is used to record various indoor air parameters in order to assess the quality of the air. These include the CO2 content, the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter pollution (PM10 and PM2.5) as well as temperature and humidity. Measuring indoor air quality therefore means making the invisible factors that influence our health and well-being visible.
Why is it important to measure indoor air quality?
The air quality in enclosed spaces can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as outdoor air pollution, evaporation from building materials and furniture and everyday activities such as cooking and cleaning. In office environments, there is also the high density of electronic devices and printers, as well as CO2 emissions from people breathing.
Poor air quality can lead to symptoms that are often summarized under the term "sick building syndrome". These include headaches, fatigue, concentration problems and respiratory irritation. By continuously measuring air quality, a good indoor climate can be maintained, which has a positive effect on the health and well-being of employees.
What should you look out for when using sensors to measure indoor air quality?
When selecting sensors and measuring devices for air quality measurement, there are some important aspects that should be considered. These criteria will help you to find the optimum solutions for your requirements and thus ensure reliable measurement of indoor air quality.
Indoor air quality is measured using special sensors and measuring devices. For efficient air quality monitoring, you should consider the following aspects:
- Measurement parameters: Decide which parameters are important for your specific application. Commonly measured parameters include CO2, VOCs, particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10), temperature and humidity. Depending on their importance, other parameters such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide or sulphur dioxide may also be relevant.
- Sensor design: When selecting sensors for air quality measurement, the design of the sensor and the location of the measurement must also be taken into account. For example, sensors can be designed for wall mounting or for installation in ventilation ducts
- Output signal: Check whether the sensors provide an output signal that is compatible with your control system or data logger. There should be an interface that allows easy integration into existing building automation systems. Common output signals are 0-10V, 4-20mA or digital interfaces such as Modbus.
- Accuracy and calibration: High measurement accuracy is essential for valid data. Pay attention to the specifications and calibration capabilities of the sensors to ensure accurate measurements over time. Calibration protocols and services can help maintain measurement accuracy over time.
- Real-time measurement and data logging: For continuous monitoring, it is advantageous if sensors can record data in real time and store it over a longer period of time. Such a function enables trends to be tracked and alarms to be triggered immediately if limit values are exceeded.
- Ease of use: Users should be able to install and operate the sensors without extensive training. Intuitive controls and clear displays help to ensure that even non-experts can work with the devices.
- Price-performance ratio: Price is an important factor, especially if several sensors are required for large-scale monitoring. Compare the costs in relation to the functions, measurement accuracy and service life of the devices.
- Maintenance and service life: Some sensors require more maintenance than others. Consider the cost and frequency of maintenance, as well as the expected life of the sensors, to evaluate additional expenses over time.
The sensors should be placed at various points in the building to obtain a comprehensive picture of the air quality. It is important to consider critical areas such as conference rooms and communal areas separately.
Suitable measuring devices for measuring air quality
At SEIKOM Electronic we understand the importance of accurate air quality measurement for the well-being and productivity of your workplace. That's why we offer a diverse range of state-of-the-art sensors that can be wall-mounted or placed directly in the air ducts of your premises.
Our range includes sensors for individual parameters that are specifically designed for the detection of certain substances such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or CO2. We also offer multifunctional combination devices that can simultaneously detect various important air quality parameters such as temperature, air pressure, CO2 concentration and VOCs. These devices enable a comprehensive assessment of your indoor air quality and give you the certainty that the indoor climate is always optimally regulated.
Our experts are ready to provide you with comprehensive advice and work with you to find the ideal solution for your individual needs. We support you from the selection of the right device through to implementation in your building.
At SEIKOM Electronic, we value customized service and first-class technology. Do not hesitate to contact our experienced team and ensure the quality of your indoor air. Your well-being is what drives us.
Measures to improve indoor air quality
With the knowledge of the current air quality, targeted measures can be taken to improve it. These include
- Regular ventilation to ensure air exchange
- Use of air purifiers, especially for high levels of pollution
- Use of low-emission building materials and office equipment
- Plants in the office that can help improve air quality
- Raising employee awareness of the issue of air quality
Continuous air quality measurement is an important step towards a healthy working environment. It forms the basis for targeted improvement measures and therefore helps to increase employee satisfaction and productivity. Companies that are committed to the health of their team can not only improve their well-being, but also benefit from greater employee loyalty and a positive corporate image in the long term.
