Reddit mentions: The best airflow & air quality products

I know many questions have been answered, but I want to provide some info that hopefully clarifies some of your questions.

From what you wrote, there may be some confusion in if the house is pressurized. You do not need to do a blower door test to find out if a house is pressurized. Pressurized just means a higher pressure than outside. You only need anything that can measure pressure between inside and out. A manometer. In a very, very simple manor, you could also just crack a window and see if air is moving out or in.

To get fresh air in the home, you can do it three main ways: exhaust-only, supply-only, balanced. Exhaust only would be like a bath fan on all the time. This would depressurize your house, which would pull air from all the nooks and crannies of the home from outside (pulling in as much air as is getting pulled out by the fan). Supply only would be like a fan that pulls air INTO the home to, maybe, the return of the HVAC system. It is ONLY supplying air to the home, which is pressurizing the home all the time if it is on all the time. This prevents any air from coming into the home from any other location. If you had a supply only system and put a good filter on it, then that is one way you could control smoke from coming in. Balanced ventilation means a fan pulling in and a fan pushing the same amount of air at the same time. That would be like an ERV. This is a good control method as well AND you could make it so that you pull in juuuust a bit more than you push out, so your house is then pressurized.

You want to reduce the possibility of leakage from outside (blower door will tell you how leaky the home is). That means two things: air seal the home and CONTROL where the ventilation is coming in. This means balanced or supply-only ventilation. THEN you HAVE to make sure that the air you are pulling in is filtered properly. A MERV chart shows that you want at least a MERV 13, but probably higher to start pulling particulates as small as smoke out of the incoming air stream.

If it’s for the home, a VOC detector might be more suitable. CO2 research has largely focused on large meeting places and highly populated buildings. Whereas VOC research for the home in Europe has been considerable. Germany has even adopted official health standards for tVOCs.

Except for smoke detectors, Homekit doesn’t support any notifications from air quality sensors, which very much limits their usefulness. However you can still use them in HomeKit automations.

Eve Systems has a nice VOC sensor but it’s not compatible with Alexa nor IFTTT... and it never will be. https://www.evehome.com/en-us/eve-room.

The foobot seems nice but it’s not Homekit compatible. Foobot Indoor Air Quality Monitor for Homeowners Renters & HVAC Pros - Measures VO... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y8VLCH8/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_HBC2CbXR42B9V

The iAQ sensor I have my eye on is the uHoo. As soon as it’s homekit compatible I’m buying it! Looks like a GREAT sensor. https://uhooair.com

These days I am only buying accessories that are compatible with both HomeKit and Alexa (IFTTT is preferred).

UPDATE: the Netatmo is the only Homekit compatible CO2 sensor that I found, however I’m not 100% certain that it measures CO2 directly rather than measuring VOCs and converting the measurements into equivalent CO2 measurements. https://www.netatmo.com/en-us/aircare/homecoach

You speak the truth, my man.

Don't know if this will make you comfortable or not, but you can get portable and stand alone air quality detectors that can measure down to PM 2.5 (really, really tiny floating stuff in the air). I use the Eve Room that is connected to my home network, but there are dozens of others to choose from.

https://www.amazon.com/Air-Pollution-Formaldehyde-Detector-Temperature/dp/B078ZS8RVL

My air quality is always between excellent and good, unless we are cooking big meals. Then the VOC counts goes through the roof for a few hours.

Lets say you monitor your air and you want it better. Consider a room or even whole house air purifiers. They do an excellent job of removing the little floaties that are causing your concern. Quiet, efficient, and will not blow your power bill all to hell.

It’s a simple test they should be doing, many “ cheap out” and don’t. It’s a device like this ( many variations) Testo 0560 1410 410I Vane Anemometer Smart and Wireless Probe, 1" Height, 2" Width, 6" Length https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018VO5GIM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_katwCbCMF49G8

Air is turned on ( if two speed then Lo/hi) and unit is placed in front of each vent. It records the CFM per minute output. Too much airflow the room gets “ cold” as opposed to temp you want , too little the room is “ too hot “. You get the idea. Dampers are adjusted to provide proper airflow and volume. It also helps discover things like kinked flex duct , obstructions, etc.

Some places call it an air balance report. It’s really essential to the buyer though so you know you indeed are getting what you paid for. Hope that helps.

BTW I was just about to send mine off but I'll post the tvoc results later after k crawl out of bed.

I have this one ($100).
IGERESS Newest Improved Grey Air Quality Detector Meter Monitor of Color LCD Screen and Multifunction Operating System for The Indoor Formaldehyde(HCHO) TVOC PM2.5 PM10 Testing(Grey) ... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L5B34J8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xejIDb28PBM48


Total formaldehyde and total VOCs are a scientifically measurable thing. Waxy plastic smell smells like voc off gas.

It would be interesting to research standards for this in cars and of at some point the lemon law could help you specifically in your scent... Tesla has bought bad model 3s back under this from others. I wonder if just bringing that up initiates contact with some department that actually trusts the seriousness of the situation?

For the most part, the best air quality monitors are going to be lab-grade equipment running into the thousands of dollars. This is going to go for any reliable VOC monitors, and detectors of other gases.

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Particulates, on the other hand, can be measured reasonably accurately with home air monitors, and you thankfully don't have to spend an arm and a leg. I personally have liked my Koogeek air monitor, which can track PM2.5 and PM10 levels. In general, I use this as a surrogate for the overall quality of air in my house and during my commute (which included train stations that are particularly dirty for my city). Here is a link to my thoughts if you want to see some pictures in action

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You can find it on Amazon, and it does seem to do the trick. Industrial-grade monitors you can also find there, with something like this being among the top of the line. I don't think that's neecssary for routine home monitoring, though

There are two tools that may help you fix this:

1. Non contact thermometer: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nice-Non-Contact-LCD-IR-Laser-Infrared-Digital-Temperature-Thermometer-Gun-HY-/271661580611?hash=item3f404ac143:g:184AAOSwGWNUXeZb
   This will tell you for sure if the insulation is the culprit, because you can detect the hot spots.
   
   
2. Air flow meter: https://www.amazon.com/General-Tools-DAF3010B-Airflow-Digital/dp/B004Q07FKS
   
   This can show you the speed at which the air is coming out the vents, as well as the airspeed into the return. This can help you balance your system, so that both levels get the air that they truly need.

I haven't found a perfect all-in-one solution. I have several. I have an AirThings for radon. I've been using a Dylos for particulates for a few years. I've had several VOC detectors. Lately, I've been testing this one, which does VOCs and particulates. It seems to be fairly responsive on the types of VOCs I've tested against it, though particulates aren't as accurate as the Dylos, which I've tested against a certified particulate tester. I also have several Arduino based VOC sensors that I am constantly upgrading for fun.

Honestly, home air quality monitoring is still in it's infancy. You can do okay trending, which is probably what most people need, but it is really hard to figure out exactly what's in the air. If you are technically inclined the Arduino/Raspberry Pi sensor route is the way to go for VOCs. You can pretty much pick up just about every important VOC sensor for under $30, look up some code and get fairly accurate results.

One approach to this might be to start tracking your air quality over time in the Model 3. There was a recent story about a Model S being in the fire area, where the driver had a clever little device for measuring air pollution elements such as parts per million of 2.5 micron or larger particles. Like the readings you can get from airnow.com. His meter registered massive air pollution outside the car, but remarkably low counts inside the car with defense model set to Def Con 1.

I just made up the def con part. But the meter was so interesting that I bought a similar one off Amazon and just took delivery today (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078ZS8RVL/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1).

You'll never get readings from the 3 like you will from an S, but you could compare how good the 3 is over other cars, and also possibly establish a baseline to know when the filter in the 3 needs changing.

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I have [One of these guys!] (https://www.amazon.com/Awair-Whats-Breathe-Quality-Monitor/dp/B011EFY014/) Will sell for $70 shipped (or what you think it may be worth to you) It connects to your wifi and it helps to tell how the air quality in your home is! Got it as a gift from my company.

ok cool, was wondering if it was something like an Awair Glow. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZXY8ZQZ/ref=sspa_dk_rar_aax_0?psc=1

Well, contrary to typical anemometer uses I need to measure airflow through culverts that are actually resting on the ground. We test hundreds a day and it's a back breaker bending over so much. I looked though and extech catalog we had and saw a few with the "hot wire" telescoping rod instead of the traditional pinwheel. I assume the rod still has a passage for air to flow through but I am just trying to do my research before dropping a pile of cash on one.

I'll try to post a link to the one from the catalog that peaked my interest.

Extech SDL350-NIST Hot Wire Thermo-Anemometer and Datalogger with NIST https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HC9MYBK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gvyWzbR5PHJ2R

I would also be open to a telescoping rod with a pinwheel on the end if anyone can find one.

If you just want an indoor air quality sensor, look at these three options:

• Koogeek Air Quality Monitor (has a fan on it to help get more accurate measurements) - wi-fi, rechargeable battery/plugs into power
  
• Eve Room bluetooth, rechargeable battery
  
• Kaiterra Egg+ wi-fi rechargeable battery

Foobot Indoor Air Quality Monitor for Homeowners Renters & HVAC Pros - Measures VOC PM2.5 Humidity Temperature - Works with 120+ IoT Devices via Wifi - Best Protection from Mold & Indoor Air Pollution https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y8VLCH8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_z256CbHZMHHZ8

How do you figure? Filters that are rated MERV13/MPR1900 are meant to clean smoke. I did my testing with a temtop AQI meter that measures 2.5PM which is what the purple air measures.

Temtop LKC-1000E Professional Formaldehyde Monitor Detector with HCHO/PM2.5/PM10/Particles/AQI Accurate Testing Air Quality Detector

https://servicechampions.com/a-guide-to-hvac-air-filters-and-ratings/

Notably:

MERV 13 = MPR 1500 to 1900 = FPR 10

These HVAC air filters additionally capture particulates like:

• Smoke
  
• Viruses
  
• Bacteria

Cheapest I found with some quick googling. What you are looking for is a "PM2.5 sensor" if you want to do some searching

If you are handy with electronics (arduino / raspberrypi etc) there are some PM2.5 sensor boards you can pick up for <$20. You could even hook it up to a PC using a UART adapter, if none of that made sense then ignore this :) I have ordered 4 and plan to make a simple device that lets them report their readings over WiFi so I can install them around the house to see how things change over time

The super cheap option if you are concerned for your kid's health NOW is to get them a face mask, "N95" is the term you want to search for as masks with that rating will filter out the dangerous PM2.5 particles. Amazon has a load and some of the cloth ones even have fun patterns on them and come in a range of colors to make them more appealing to wear, you should get your kid one anyway for the walk too and from school and even in your car as car filters do little to stop PM2.5 particles, you may as well have the windows down if that was all you were concerned about filtering out

I have a working furnace again! Gas valve was the culprit. Fixed it for less than $100 for parts and tools. Thanks for the help.

Original Gas Valve - 36E22 202 ( B12826-14 )
Replacement Gas Valve - 36G22-254
https://www.amazon.com/White-Rodgers-36G22-254-Opening-Single-Natural/dp/B00M21Z6GI

FOSHIO HVAC Gas Pressure Tester
https://www.amazon.com/FOSHIO-Display-Manometer-Pressure-Differential/dp/B078NS5FWN

Bubble Leak Locater
https://www.amazon.com/Rectorseal-65554-8-Ounce-Bottle-Locator/dp/B002YFHXY0

Yellow Gas Tape
https://www.amazon.com/Mill-Rose-70820-3-Wrap-Yellow-Tape/dp/B00O94MZPG

My Mold Detective MMD103 Mold Test Kit, 3-Room Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LM2SOKI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_E8BtDbZ4PVP1R

Definitely get that done ASAP. If the levels are relatively low it's probably fine to do it yourself. High levels I wouldn't personally screw around with. Stachybochrus is the one you want to watch out for

Do you have animals, and how is the indoor air quality? (Allergens, VOCs from cooking, particulates, off-gassing, industrial sector pollutants, etc)

https://airnow.gov/ (if you are in US)

https://earth.nullschool.net/

https://aqicn.org/map/world/

https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-Channel-Quality-Particle-Counter/dp/B008RE1JRO

https://www.amazon.com/Air-Pollution-Formaldehyde-Detector-Temperature/dp/B078ZS8RVL

>I was having trouble with severe eye irritation. It would go away if I slept with the window by my bed open. I left the windows open in the house overnight to clear out the pollution. By the end of the day the gunk in my eyes would make it impossible to read or use the computer. I used the air quality monitor to "sniff" out the sources (there were several) of the TVOC and formaldehyde and got them out of my house. Plastic containers (not food grade) and garden chemicals...laundry detergent in a plastic bottle. All were stored in the laundry room, which made it easier to find them. Life is much nicer now!

It would indeed be interesting if there was in fact a connection between your (likely) 100mW multi-band transmitter and the irritants you are exposed to. I can't really understand the rock salt in a mesh strainer though. For now, before jumping to conclusions, it would be wise to narrow down sources of irritants. If your indoor particle counts are high get a "true HEPA" filter, or if you want to pay out the nose for a biomedical air filter you will want an ULPA (expect to pay $2000 for a few spare filters on a small box with a blower...). That shizz will filter out airborne smallpox samples and dust that would bin an integrated circuit (don't quote me on that if you get an uncurable disease).

If that doesn't work to rid the irritants, you can try swabbing surfaces and wiping the sample onto cleanly prepared Nutrient/BHI Agar in petri dishes (blood can be added to agar for things like Streptococcus). Send it in for cultural analysis or get a microscope and try it yourself. And get an allergen test kit or go to the doctor for one of those skin tests to see if it is caused by a mold allergy or a residue from not properly cleaning surfaces and dishes.

https://cdn.slapdashmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/allergy-test-.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsyO71zb3Ys

https://microbeonline.com/types-of-bacteriological-culture-medium/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-chXVgu8Z0

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Let us know what route you decide to take!

After some further digging this tool looks like it will do the trick: https://www.amazon.com/Testo-Wireless-Hot-wire-Anemometer-Technology/dp/B018VO5GI2

I can drill some small access holes and poke this prob inside with the cabinet closed up and measure local airflow at several points!

If you don't need wind direction, too, this one looks like it'd work. You'd just need to ask about getting a longer wire.

looks like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Awair-Glow-Breathe-Quality-Monitor/dp/B06ZXY8ZQZ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1519860856&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=SMART+AIR+QUALITY+MONITOR&psc=1

You may try calling your county health department to inquire whether they have programs to help with mold inspection. There are also DIY kits that are cheaper than a professional but will still let you know if spore levels are too high.

This is why I hate zoning. With that unit you will never be happy with it, especially in cooling. The only way to zone properly, where the unit is not overheating, and without completely ripping out all of the ducts is to go with a pure Variable speed system, such as American Standard's 20 Seer Platinum Communicating system.

The reason that dealers use the cheaper units is because that unit would run approximately $20,000 installed not including any ductwork... Rheem makes one too but I won't install Rheem as I have had way too many problems out of them. Also I do not know Rheems model number for that unit.

Also it seems like all of the ductwork is undersized, the return because it hums, and the air should not be very strong coming out of the supply vents. If you want to measure the CFM coming out of the vents, they make a cool smartphone CFM reader. It is about $50 and it could tell you how much air the furnace is pulling/pushing through the vents. I have 2 of them and I use it all the time Here is the Amazon link. http://www.amazon.com/AAB-ABM-100-Airflow-Anemometer-Android/dp/B00MWAGX2U

https://www.amazon.com/Awair-Smart-Quality-Monitor-Works/dp/B011EFY014

I found this on amazon, it looks exactly like ours. Except there's no touchscreen on the front. They were allowed to be mounted on the ceilings, some kind of government regulations.

The real issue is that this $10 Chinese "TOMTOP" thing they bought doesn't actually measure anything.

You can buy an actual PM2.5 measurement device from Fluke for $5K+ here: https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-Channel-Quality-Particle-Counter/dp/B008RE1JRO

Try this

I'm not sure if this wifi based Koogeek air quality device is available in Europe, but you can contact the manufacturer and find out: https://www.amazon.com/Koogeek-Temperature-Humidity-Pollution-Rechargeable/dp/B07SHH1T98/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=koogeek&qid=1567973961&s=gateway&sr=8-5

https://homekitnews.com/2019/07/14/koogeek-a1w-environment-monitor-review/

You could test it yourself. Temtop LKC-1000E Professional Formaldehyde Monitor Detector with HCHO/PM2.5/PM10/Particles/AQI Accurate Testing Air Quality Detector https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073VHHNGT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7x39Bb296VJM1

The black soot is most likely brake dust and combustion particulate. Same thing you get on your car rims from driving. If you live near any street you will get it.

SD has little rain to pull particular ematter out of the air. The air quality is pretty bad. I got one of these for my house. It made a noticeable difference in my level of congestion. https://www.rabbitair.com

Change your Hvac filter regularly.

Use science to prove or disprove your theory. This may be what you need to compel apartment management to take you seriously:

https://www.amazon.com/Mold-Detective-MMD103-Test-3-Room/dp/B00LM2SOKI

No by-pass damper, since there is no humidifier.

When it runs after 33 error, I am getting consistently 0.12 now on either of the trunks (measured at take-off). Post filter -.11
I am using one of these:
https://smile.amazon.com/Manometer-RISEPRO-Digital-Pressure-Differential/dp/B01680C4C2/