Is HomeKit’s Cheapest Air Quality Sensor Worth It?

[@myHomeKithome]

⭐Purchas the Aqara TVOC Air Quality Monitor: geni.us/QNYLhB

[@gregghayes6710]

Excellent review Dustin. I appreciate that you make sure to include Accessibility in all of your latest videos!

[@myHomeKithome]

I appreciate it Gregg! I go into even more detail in my written review on the blog. Thanks for watching!

[@TheBradLloyd]

I’m a big fan of this TVOC Air Quality monitor Dustin! Especially when paired with an air purifier which I don’t have just yet. That’s the ultimate combo so you can trigger an automation to clean the air when the monitor detects VOCs. Great work!

[@myHomeKithome]

That really means a lot coming from you, Brad. I absolutely love my air purifiers. The two that I have have built in air quality sensors, so it’s really just said it and forget it. Thanks for watching and the kind words!

[@Dr_Cole]

You asked about an air quality monitor program. I added one via Eve (which allows me to pick a high and low level on a sensor) and programmed it to change the color of one of my Nanoleaf bulbs to a corresponding color on my VOCOlinc air purifier.

[@myHomeKithome]

Interesting was this just one automation or did you have to set up a series of automations?

[@Dr_Cole]

@@myHomeKithome It is a series of automations - one per level. Heh - thought I could paste photos but that shows my KZbin naïveté. Basically, I created a series of rules that state when the VOCOlinc state = a specific level (and Eve can read the levels), then change my in ceiling Nanoleaf to a corresponding color. My office has a scene that when I am on a client call, it lowers my fans (air purifier, HVAC unit) to the lowest level. However, if I see that the air quality is not great via this indicator light (I cannot see the air purifier itself from where I sit), I can push the fan up a bit, especially if I am not the primary speaker.

[@rcoletti1]

Glad you’re back! I have one and generally really like Aqara. I’ve had an open support case for a while though. When comparing the TVOC to their Temp/Humidity there is a big discrepancy in the data, especially humidity readings which had 10-15% differences. This was important to me for automations in the space I use it (and the main reason I bought it). After some troubleshooting and comparing different devices, I’m waiting on Aqara to tell me which device is more accurate. So if I can’t trust humidity readings, can I trust the TVOC readings? Makes me unsure.

[@myHomeKithome]

Thank you🙏 that’s a pretty significant difference. I completely accept and almost expect some margin of error in these sensors. However, 10% shifts in humidity is drastic and arguably unusable. Best of luck with your support case. Let me know how it turns out.

[@NeilWatkinsfromaccounting]

I have this TVOC sensor and unfortunately it’s a dud. It frequently loses connection (approx every 4 days) and requires that I reset it and re-pair it). Also, the Aqara app won’t allow me to update the device. I’ve seen many people on Amazon with the same feedback. Combine this with its inaccuracy, and I couldn’t recommend it to anyone. It’s been a source of frustration to me and little else. I really like your video, though. You do a great job presenting the product. Thanks for doing it.

[@myHomeKithome]

Sorry to hear about your experiences with it. I've seen and heard similar stories, though mine has been working pretty well with a few exceptions. Thanks for the kind words about the video and I'm glad you liked it!

[@myHomeKithome]

That sucks! I would leave it unplugged and forget about it for a few days. Plug it back in after a while and see what happens. If it stays in that state, you might have to take a trip to the Apple Store. Thanks for watching!

[@GD99-p7u]

Great review! Been considering Aqura products. Now is it "A-Car-A" or "Ack-a-ra"... hear both in lots of videos. Personal preference I guess! :)

[@myHomeKithome]

Hey thanks! According to the company, the pronunciation should be AA-kuh-rah. But it’s definitely hard to remember the desired pronunciation when filming videos, that’s for sure. They are among my favorite Smart Home products out there and I definitely recommend them. Thanks for watching!