Airthings View Plus - Complete Air Quality Monitor Review

[@catherinecheung207]

@IAQJosh i there a TVOC monitor you can recommend? or what level of PPB is considered normal in you opinion? I just learned about VOC after my spouse for the spray paint smell all over the house vent and carpets walls carpets everywhere. i just don't know what was out TVOC prior to the incident. :(

[@IAQJosh]

There isn’t a specific VOC monitor that I recommend, as I don’t have a great deal of experience with consumer level products. Even when it comes to commercial/industrial meters, I’ve only used a handful of PIDs (VOC detectors). As far as what’s considered normal, there are numerous resources that cover this topic. Here is a link to a well known and respected equipment manufacturer’s explanation of VOCs. tsi.com/microsites/ieq/resources/blog/may-2023/a-comprehensive-guide-on-volatile-organic-compounds-(vocs)/

[@WillPhoneman]

That's impressive, even with the inaccurate VOC readings. Some of these consumer sensors are getting fairly accurate. My Acu-Rite weather station is .06 inHg different from the calibrated instruments at our local NWS office, to me that's crazy for a mass produced consumer sensor! Good to know most of the readings are similar to your professional meter. I did see another video where they compare the Airthings radon sensors to pro grade monitors, as well as the mail in kits, and it seems they are fairly accurate.

[@IAQJosh]

Yessir! I’ve been impressed with these devices. I actually saw one for sale at a CVS store nearby yesterday. Looks like they’re making their way around to being even more attainable, which I’m all for!

[@MOVIEKICKS]

Thanks for the review! Have you found a better consumer air quality monitor than the AirThings View Plus that measures VOC's better as well? The website for the Q-Trak XP Indoor Air Quality IAQ Monitor 7585 says to ask for a quote. How much might one expect to pay for this device?

[@explorationivi]

Great video. It would be interesting to compare the results of 2 or 3 of your View Plus models while placed next to each other. Although you've already proven the VOC numbers are innacurate, it could be even worse if they report different values to each other.

[@IAQJosh]

Hey there! Couldn’t agree more! One thing I did different with some other sensors I’ve been testing lately (SensorPush), is running this side-by-side for a couple of days to start. Like you stated, it’s beneficial to know how units compare to one another. Also, it would have been helpful to run all (3) units side-by-side alongside my TSI meter - simply to test out the theory that another product manufacturer mention to me. These consumer level monitoring devices often “flatten” out their readings, as to not alarm folks during isolated events. It’s more intended for mid to long term trending, from my understanding. While I don’t believe that this was the case, I also cannot refute that idea. Maybe another future video or social post will cover this short “addendum”.

[@MartinMarchev]

Such a shame the TVOC sensor is unreliable on this device! I just bought one for this particular reason so I could make sure our new and newly furnished home is safe enough for our newborn 😕 Thanks for the great review!

[@IAQJosh]

Thank you for the kind words on my review, Martin. While I don't want to think that the TVOC sensor is unreliable, I can only speak to the testing that I performed. I also performed some follow-up testing, similarly to what I did in a more recent review of the Atmotube Air Quality Monitor and didn't find much better results. Following my most recent testing, the device did not respond very well to odors such as from spray paint and isopropyl alcohol. While the numerical VOC value did slowly increase while being exposed to the paint aroma, the numbers dropped right back down - never actually showing any values of concern. The device did not even respond to the alcohol exposure.

[@adamsterdam9049]

Great review, the comparison with pro hardware is great

[@IAQJosh]

Thank you for the feedback. I try to use my professional instruments for comparison whenever possible.

[@user-vr8fb5fk9n]

Great review! Can you please review Airgradient One and/or their DIY sensors?

[@IAQJosh]

Thanks for the feedback! Unfortunately, I do not own any Airgradient sensors. However, if I come into one in the future, I’ll be sure to give it a review!

[@AnnoyingCritic-is7rp]

CR said this unit was good, and didn't mention the tvoc issue at all. But, they don't show their actual test results.

[@IAQJosh]

I’m assuming you’re referring to Consumer Reports? I’m not a member, so I’m not sure what they had to say about it. In general, TVOC measurements aren’t outstanding amongst consumer-level devices. Some are much better than this device though.

[@charlesHC]

I just wanted to say thank you for this; I do avicultural work and recently got a lot of new birds in, so I was wanting to get more accurate readings and was looking into the Airthings View Plus. For me, humidity is incredibly important, even down to a single percentage, so seeing that 6% difference is what made me decide on NOT getting the View Plus. I could not find any testing on this one, so this has helped me tremendously - thank you very much!

[@IAQJosh]

Thank you so much for your feedback! The 6% difference can definitely be a rule breaker for some. I would love if Airthing’s software allowed for users to input an offset, this was we can have a more accurate readings display and data log.

[@janellejudy9978]

I just paid $400 for what I thought was a mold assessment, you’d consider just a test, do you have content on what a “healthy” report would look like? My report came back normal levels. I slept outside for a week in a tent, all my symptoms went away, 2 nights back in my room I feel like shit again, water came into the room during Ian

[@IAQJosh]

Hi Janelle. I’m sorry to hear about your situation. Mold assessment is certainly more than just some testing - as it sounds like you already know. As far as a “healthy report” is concerned, there’s unfortunately too much subjectivity in that question. First and foremost, there are no thresholds or permissible limits in relation to mold. Even if there were, the next issue that you would run into is the fact that everyone reacts at different levels. This is the dose response relationship. While the same could be said about other environmental contaminates, I’ve worked with many folks who react so heavily to mold.

[@walter--]

PM1; difference just seems that 1 device is doing less measurements, and causing the peaks to be different. But you conclusion holds anyway, that airthings measure OK for MPx. Really love the quality of your review! One comment, maybe I missed it...: many of these devices need a constant power supply, for sure when they are network connected. But this device doesn't. For me it really stands out here compared to competition. For sure if runs for a few years on these batteries (not tested, but even if hold several months, for me that would be great). Just to say that I don't like this type of device that requires constant power supply ;-). It makes the use of such devices so much easier if you don't need a constant power supply.

[@IAQJosh]

Thanks for the reply! I certainly would consider this a great candidate for an in-home IAQ monitor. With respect the the TVOCs, I was unable to find any rhyme or reason for the numbers reported, however, another monitoring device manufacturer informed me that types of devices often “flatten” spiking of TVOCs, as a means to not alarm users. With that said, I still don’t believe that this was the case during my evaluation of these (3) units. As far as battery operation, you sure can run these off of batteries! Currently, my battery levels on the two devices that are not plugged in is 39% and 55%. The unit with lower battery life has run for only 6 days longer than the other, on battery operation only. Both devices have run since the beginning of 09/2022. I think this battery life is plenty sufficient.

[@claudiavalencia7236]

What is a good TVOC monitor you recommend? (priced under $300k)

[@IAQJosh]

Great question! There are a number of TVOC monitors out there (PIDs, etc.) for varying price-points. My experience thus far has been that the more affordable (sub $1k) units do not report accurately. Honeywell makes some great PIDs, as does TSI, Graywolf and others. I personally own a Honeywell miniRAE for commercial use and a TSI Q-Trak XP for residential investigations. The difference for me being a sensor that provides PPM data vs. PPB - allowing me to read finer resolution in residential settings.

[@gianlucaalpegiani5275]

Has anyone tried to use Nizn rechargeable batteries on View Plus yet?

[@IAQJosh]

I’ve personally not tried any rechargeable batteries in these units yet. Possibly another viewer may have some feedback for you.

[@ken4347]

I trialed the Airthing's View Plus and will re-trial it. One question: It does not say it reads PM10, just PM2.5. My graphs while using it showed PM10 which was always the same as PM2.5. Does it actually differentiate between the two? Thanks again for great videos.

[@IAQJosh]

Are you sure you’re not misconstruing PM1 with PM10? The device shows PM1 and PM2.5. I certainly would have preferred to see PM2.5 and PM10, but I’ll take what I can get. 😎 Thank you for watching this video and possibly others!

[@ken4347]

@@IAQJosh I think I was confusing them. Thanks for letting me know.

[@SladeOb]

What do you recommend for measuring vocs accurately?

[@IAQJosh]

That’s the million dollar question right there… Speaking with colleagues at an Indoor Air Quality conference this past week (many of which whom are well versed with sensor equipment), it sounds like the only way you’re really gaining quality VOC readings is by investing into professional level meters. Something like the TSI Q-Trak XP, a Honeywell PID as well as many other options out there to choose from. I mention those two because I personally own them.

[@markoa6999]

I think that it’s less important knowing the VOC or TVOC count, but more important knowing what chemical compounds are within those counts. TVOC or VOC only tells you that there is stuff in the air, well no shit there is stuff in the air. Bad comparison but if you hear 100% humidity it doesn’t mean that it’s raining, it could be but it might not be. Same as high VOC and TVOC, might be toxic but you might be worried about nothing.

[@WillsM85]

I put 2 airthings devices beside eachother in a room. It's day 3 and there's been an 8% difference in humidity even though the devices are sitting next to eachother. Why would that be?

[@IAQJosh]

Assuming you are talking about an 8 percentage point difference between readings (e.g. one device shows 50% and the other 58%), that would lead me to believe that one of the devices if out of calibration. Unlike handheld thermo-hygrometers, which can be checked for calibration using calibration salts, you’re at the liberty of either using a thermo-hygrometer to compare the readings to the devices or simply contacting the manufacturer for recommendations on how to address this concern. I have personally not had much luck getting high level answers from Airthings, but what you’re seeking to know should be a pretty straightforward question for their support team. I would contact them as a first step and see what they say.

[@deathcore420]

Great video! Thank you very much! What are the intervals for readings you can set on the View Plus?

[@IAQJosh]

Why thank you! Unfortunately, you cannot edit the damping intervals for the Airthings’ devices. Fortunately, there’s really no need to. I’ve not found a need to desire readings more frequent than they provide.

[@franwhiteman9843]

Josh. I have a condo in Miami Springs. I have had it gutted. I am getting ready to have it remodeled. The past two weekend I have been inside and noticed that the dehumidifier is collecting a full bucket of water in 24 hrs. I need your help.

[@IAQJosh]

Hi Fran! While a dehumidifier bucket filling up with water every 24 hours is not necessarily alarming, I’d be happy to discuss anything you’re concerned with. You’re welcome to shoot me an email with any questions that you may have or even call me on my cell. All of my contact info may be found her: poplme.co/hash/7UdaGQ2L/1/share

[@pwoomer1]

Can i move the airthings device from room to room do see what the reading would be? How long until the device càlibrates to give me an accurate reading?

[@IAQJosh]

While I don’t work for the company and therefore can only go by my experiences, my personal thoughts would be no. Giving that there is a calibration period for the device, I’m not sure how moving a unit from room to room will impact the calibrated readings. If your focus is temperature, relative humidity and CO2, I don’t see a problem with moving a device from room to room. Even so, I personally would just invest into another device for the room(s) you want to monitor.

[@ken4347]

Great Review. Very comprehensive. Got it Bookmarked. I am trying where to find my local outdoor air quality readings. I have a My Home Outdoor Air Tile on Dashboard. I did not put it there. But, not for my area. When I click on it I see a map of Oslo, Norway. If I click on the Breezeomoeter link at the bottom it shows me local readings. But, that has me going to their website and not viewing readings within Dashboard. Seems like Dashboard doesn't know my location. Any help appreciated. I did email Airthing's, no response. Thanks

[@IAQJosh]

Hi Ken! Thanks for the feedback! Unfortunately, that’s definitely an Airthings’ support question. Hopefully you hear back from them soon enough.

[@ken4347]

@@IAQJosh Thanks for quick response Josh. Not a deal breaker if I can't monitor it thru app. Easy to find that out in many ways. But, I would like to hear from them as to the app apparently not recognizing my location. Thanks again.

[@corymiller4543]

Josh, one things I've seen in non-video reviews and Airthings literature talks about their initial calibration period. I can't remember now if you mentioned this towards the beginning of your video before the data deep dive comparison started but assume all of your measurements and comparisons especially for CO2 and VOC took place after calibration period? BTW, GREAT frickin video. Very helpful and information for someone that is looking for consumer level residential air quality monitors and keeps stumbling across Airthings products as the one that many other sites are recommending.

[@IAQJosh]

Hi Cory! I appreciate the comments. Regarding the calibration period, I most certainly waited until this was complete. In fact, many of the devices were well past the calibration period. As a whole, Airthings makes some pretty great products. I’m impressed with everything from the build quality to the overall readings. Albeit the VOC reporting was not a “slam dunk”, I still recommend Airthings to folks wanting to monitor their indoor environments frequently.

[@corymiller4543]

Josh, I probably should have known better than to ask if you had allowed for calibration...even as I was typing that I was like, surely he did..he's a professional and has forgotten WAY more about air quality than i could ever dream of knowing but i figured I'd better ask anyway just to get your response. I think at this point mostly based on your outstanding video review efforts, i'm leaning towards one or more AirThings products for my home AQ needs. I wonder too if, as your video and your channel begins to gain traction and Airthings starts to take notice, if they'll respond to your VOC results and address them so that in a follow up, you can maybe talk about things further. And I wonder also (maybe this is something you can talk about now before they reach out to you) if this is the kind of thing they could "fix" with a firmware update, or is this sensor/chipset based and therefore hardwired into the overall package in a way that isn't changeable until they release updated/newer products down the road. Any thoughts on if the VOC measures might be fixable? @@IAQJosh

[@pwoomer1]

What is a good radon/humidity monitor?

[@IAQJosh]

There are numerous options out there for good humidity sensors. As far as radon sensors go, my knowledge of these sensors are limited. I have heard great things about the Airthing’s sensors Radon reporting. I personally cannot confirm or deny any of these reports. For humidity sensors, SensorPush is a great consumer option. Accuracy is excellent and price is very reasonable.

[@cluff0910]

Did you tell me to chillax? Ok boomer😂. Awesome info btw

[@IAQJosh]

😎