Modern homes are often filled with more pollutants than you’d expect, especially if you have air conditioning. An air quality monitor can detect various particles, including those that might indicate mold, which can be hazardous to your health. While some might see this as an unnecessary gadget, it’s a game-changer if you’re immune-compromised or just want to breathe easier.
Why would I need this?
An air quality monitor like the Tuya 15-1 can be very beneficial for several reasons:
- Health and Well-being:
- Detect Harmful Pollutants: It helps you monitor levels of harmful pollutants like CO2, formaldehyde (HCHO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can have adverse health effects.
- Allergy Management: By tracking particulate matter (PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10), it can help you manage allergies and respiratory conditions by alerting you to poor air quality.
- Comfort:
- Temperature and Humidity: Maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels can improve comfort and prevent issues like mold growth.
- Safety:
- CO2 Levels: High levels of CO2 can cause headaches, dizziness, and other health issues. The monitor can alert you when CO2 levels are too high, prompting you to ventilate your space.
- Data-Driven Decisions:
- Real-Time Monitoring: Provides real-time data, allowing you to make informed decisions about air quality improvements, such as using air purifiers or adjusting ventilation.
- Historical Data: Some monitors store historical data, helping you identify patterns and sources of pollution.
- Smart Home Integration:
- Automation: Integrate with other smart home devices to automate actions based on air quality, like turning on air purifiers or adjusting HVAC systems.
Specification:
- Temperature Range: 0-50°C
- Humidity Range: 0-99% RH
- CO2 Measuring Range: 400-5000 PPM
- Formaldehyde (HCHO) Measuring Range: 0-1.999 mg/m³
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Measuring Range: 0-9.999 mg/m³
- PM1.0/2.5/10 Measuring Range: 0-1000 μg/m³
- Power Supply: Micro USB 5V/1A
- Communication Protocol: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/ZigBee
- Display: Large LED showing CO2 level, temperature, humidity, date, and time
- Additional Features: Visible and audible CO2 warning alarm, Automatic Baseline Calibration (ABC) for CO2
In Use:
The plastic box is a bit flimsy, but it has only one button (an On/Off switch) and a USB C charger port. Once you’ve found a spot for it, you won’t need to touch it much apart from charging. The screen displays all the data, but you’ll really need the app for full functionality.
Other than the screen which does display all the data. You really need the App.
For Android it’s Here
For Apple it’s Here
I can’t comment on the Apple software since I don’t own any Apple hardware. However, I’ve used the Android software Smart Life with my Tuya Thermostat, PIR sensors, and smart plugs. I’ll review the software separately.
My Plans for the Tuya
I am intent on using the data provided and adding it to my already extensive array of sensors for the weather monitoring system. Once I have worked out how to implement this I will test the system within the house. The unit is not weatherproof, My plan then is to make a housing that will protect it from the elements and allow for outdoor mounting to give both indoor and outdoor data.
As I work out the Software implementation of this I will post my results here and code via GITHub.
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Hi I am Marcus, MM0ZIF, a licenced Radio Amateur, Doctor of Musicology, amateur weather enthusiast. I over the years have been a Amateur Radio Tutor, Examiner, and a Regional Manager for the Radio Society of Great Britain.
This site is dedicated more towards Amateur Radio and Weather, with an angle on Technology too. I also maintain https://havenswell.com/ which is my other blog which is more aimed at cooking, hobbies and life in general as well as businness and networking.
