Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor – Know your air, Works with Alexa

The Air Quality Monitor (AQM) market is horrible for consumers. I settled on the Amazon branded AQM as it was affordable, it seemed relatively decent in regard to what it can monitor, and of course it works with Alexa so there is some added convenience. I should mention that I do not overly rely on digital assistants, I don't really have a smart home but I do have a few devices that have Alexa. I also did some research (mostly on YouTube)on AQM's and most of the affordable options, especially on Amazon, were inaccurate and manipulative. During the fall and winter months in the mid-west something strange happens to the air (there are also a ton of farms within a 10 mile radius of where I reside). It's nice to have more localized idea of what's going on with the air quality. The Amazon AQM does not give many details but it gives you some valuable insight and that's what I want as I do have some troubles with sinuses and allergies. I've only been using it for a few days now and I plan on getting a few more of these AQM's as it has been picking up some air quality anomalies. I'll admit that when these were first released I thought they were gimmicky and another way for Amazon to make money but I kept hearing great things about these little units so I decided to get one to try it out. As for how accurate it is, I really have no idea so I'm trusting Amazon and the unit. The temp and humidity levels seems to be spot on though as it is spot on with my analog and digital weather stations. I would recommend this unit but you have to have Alexa so you can set it up and get updates. If you don't use Alexa, I believe by default it will alert you with light color changes (green, yellow, and red) as to the current air quality. It does not have any other capabilities other than monitoring temp, humidity, particulate matter, CO, and VOC's and then it gives you a air quality measurement based on those five readings.

Ordered the device and had it the next day. I ordered this device to get a handle on our indoor air quality. The motivator of this purchase is the current wildfire pollution effecting many areas of the country and knowing the impact of the winter heating season on air quality. The measured parameters are perfect for this assessment. Carbon monoxide (CO) in particular is a dangerous. As stated by the product description, this device is no substitute for a CO monitor/alarm. What I find interesting is the error some make in not understanding the difference between CO2 carbon dioxide and CO carbon monoxide. CO2 is not a life threatening gas, but CO is! CO2 is produced by the human body as a end product of body metabolism whereas CO is an end product of combustion. Bottom line, elevated CO can kill you within a matter of hours based on how it arrests the carrying capacity of oxygen in the blood. Every home should have a CO alarm! The other misunderstanding is about radon. You measure for it once in your home, if it is high, you install a system to eliminate it. Done. This little device is just what you need to make sure the air you breathe is safe, no more, no less. Newer homes that are built tight for heating and cooling efficiency need a ventilation system to introduce fresh air and eliminate stale air utilizing filtration. An older home such as ours (built 1956) tends to allow air infiltration so there is an element of air exchange at the expense of efficiency. Either way, an air quality monitor such as this device can give you peace of mind. Installation took less than 10 minutes having multiple Alexa devices. Got my 1st report and a green light on the monitor within minutes. I really like the report on the Alexa app and Echo Show. I can access it from my phone as well. Nicely done Amazon. Recommended. Update: 8-2-23 Had this for a few days, very impressed with the overall sensitivity of the monitoring. Examples; 1) was sanding a piece of furniture in the basement one level below the monitor. Within minutes the monitor displayed a yellow light and the monitor readings indicated a moderate elevation in the pm, particulates. This resolved back to a green light, good air quality level, within an hour after I stopped sanding. 2) had our home cleaning service in to do a complete deep cleaning, within minutes of their use of cleaning products (strong smell), the monitor went from yellow to red indicated a high level VOC’s in the air. This too reversed within several hours after the home cleaning was completed. If anything this demonstrates that knowing about changes in air quality in the home can be valuable to help with selection of safer home products and better control of hobbies or habits that create environmental dusts. For me and my health this is a valuable tool to manage home air quality. Update: 8/8/23 Spouse used denatured alcohol in the basement to clean wood table surface. Within minutes of using the chemical, the monitor responded with elevated VOC’s. I noticed the red light on the monitor an hour after use and checked the parameters from the Alexa app. The air quality was poor! VOC’s were in the 90’s. Opened windows on the 1st floor and basement. Within 20 minutes the poor air quality began to reverse. VOC’s were now in the 30’s with moderate air quality and a yellow light. Next time no use of denatured alcohol in the house. Final update/comment 08/20/2023 Overall, very pleased with this device. I’ve read other comments and find some that (I believe) have unrealistic expectations. This is a simple air quality monitor not a laboratory grade instrument. There are established ranges of accuracy but for what you pay this thing is great. As far as it’s integration with Alexa, I find it easy to use, gives me a quick account of air quality, and provides historical information. Graphics are good when using my phone or iPad. If you have concerns about indoor air quality and you use Alexa devices, I don’t see how you can go wrong. Highly recommended.