Frequently Asked Questions

VisiblAir distinguishes itself in the air quality monitoring market through several key features:

1. High-Quality Sensors
   VisiblAir consistently utilizes top-tier sensors, such as the Sensirion SPS30 particle sensor and the SCD30 dual-beam NDIR CO2 sensor. These components are known for their accuracy and reliability, ensuring precise air quality measurements.
2. Open-Source Technology
   By leveraging open-source technology, VisiblAir offers customizable solutions, allowing users to tailor the devices to their specific needs. This approach fosters transparency and adaptability in air quality monitoring.
3. Comprehensive Monitoring
   Beyond measuring carbon dioxide levels, VisiblAir's devices also track particulate matter (PM), providing a holistic view of indoor air quality. This comprehensive monitoring aids in optimizing living and working environments.
4. Diverse Product Range
   VisiblAir offers a variety of models to cater to different needs, including portable options like the Model F and connected devices such as the Model C and Model G. This range ensures that users can find a monitor that aligns with their specific requirements.
5. User-Friendly Design
   The devices are designed for ease of use, featuring intuitive interfaces and, in some models, Wi-Fi connectivity for real-time data access. This user-centric design enhances the overall monitoring experience.

These attributes collectively position VisiblAir as a leader in the air quality sensor market, offering innovative and reliable solutions for monitoring and improving indoor air quality.

VisiblAir's battery-powered sensors are charged via a USB-C port, providing a convenient and widely compatible charging method.

Monitoring air quality is essential for maintaining good health, as poor air quality can significantly impact your physical and mental well-being. Here's why:

1. Respiratory Health

• Particulate Matter (PM): Inhaling fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10) can irritate the lungs, aggravate asthma, and contribute to chronic respiratory diseases like bronchitis and emphysema.
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Elevated indoor CO2 levels can reduce oxygen intake, causing shortness of breath and other respiratory discomforts.

2. Cognitive Performance

High levels of CO2 and other indoor pollutants like VOCs (volatile organic compounds) can impair cognitive functions, including concentration, decision-making, and productivity.

3. Cardiovascular Health

Long-term exposure to air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter, has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of strokes.

4. Allergies and Asthma

Indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold, and VOCs can worsen allergies and trigger asthma attacks. Monitoring air quality helps mitigate exposure to these triggers.

5. Sleep Quality

High CO2 levels and poor ventilation in bedrooms can disturb sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and decreased overall health.

6. Children's Development

Children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution, which can affect lung development and increase the risk of developing respiratory illnesses later in life.

7. Vulnerable Groups

Elderly individuals and those with pre-existing conditions are more susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution. Monitoring helps in creating a safer environment for them.

8. Wildfire Smoke and Seasonal Changes

During events like wildfires or in heavily polluted areas, monitoring air quality becomes critical for avoiding short-term health risks like headaches, coughing, and eye irritation.

Benefits of Monitoring

• Preventive Action: Detect poor air quality early to implement solutions such as improving ventilation or using air purifiers.
• Awareness: Understand the sources of pollutants in your environment and how daily activities impact air quality.
• Informed Decisions: Adapt behaviors (e.g., opening windows, adjusting HVAC systems) based on real-time data.

Monitoring air quality empowers you to create a healthier living and working environment, minimizing health risks and enhancing overall well-being.

Yes, VisiblAir ships internationally. Shipping costs vary depending on the model and destination. Visit the checkout page on the VisiblAir website to calculate shipping fees based on your order details.

For further questions or assistance, contact VisiblAir at info@visiblair.com.

VisiblAir sensors equipped with particulate matter (PM) measurement capabilities can effectively detect elevated levels of fine particles, such as PM2.5, prevalent in bushfire smoke. By monitoring these particles, the sensors can alert you to deteriorating air quality due to smoke.

However, while these sensors detect increased PM levels, they may not provide specific warnings about bushfire smoke. For safety, use them alongside local air quality advisories and public health recommendations during bushfire events.

Differences in readings between your VisiblAir device and other air quality sensors can occur due to:

1. Sensor Calibration
   • Factory Variance: Sensors may be calibrated differently by manufacturers.
   • Offset Adjustments: Adjust your VisiblAir device's temperature or humidity offsets to align with actual conditions.
2. Sensor Technology
   • Different sensing technologies (e.g., NDIR vs. MOS for CO2) can result in variations.
3. Placement and Environmental Factors
   • Airflow, proximity to heat sources, or ventilation differences can affect readings.
4. Device Settings
   • Sampling intervals and firmware versions can influence accuracy.

VisiblAir supports sustainability and the right to repair. Options include:

• Print a Replacement Case: Download STL files for 3D printing.
• Order a New Case: Contact VisiblAir for pre-made replacements.
• Temporary Fixes: Use adhesives or tape for short-term repairs.

We're sorry to hear you're experiencing issues with your VisiblAir sensor. Please follow these steps to resolve the problem:

1. Contact VisiblAir Support
   Reach out directly to VisiblAir's support team for personalized assistance. You can email them at info@visiblair.com.
2. Provide Detailed Information
   Include the following in your email:
   • The model of your sensor.
   • A clear description of the issue.
   • Troubleshooting steps you've already attempted.
   • Relevant photos or screenshots that illustrate the problem.
3. Consult the User Manual
   Review the user manual that came with your sensor for troubleshooting tips. If you don't have a physical copy, you can access the manual online at VisiblAir's official website.
4. Check Online Resources
   Visit the VisiblAir website for additional support materials, FAQs, and potential solutions to common issues.

By following these steps, the support team can assist you effectively and promptly.

Fine particles, also known as particulate matter (PM), are tiny airborne particles that affect air quality and health. They are categorized by their diameter:

1. PM10
   • Size: Particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers (µm) or less.
   • Comparable Size: About 1/7th the width of a human hair.
   • Sources: Dust, pollen, mold, and crushed minerals.
   • Health Impact: Can be inhaled into the upper respiratory tract, causing irritation and aggravating asthma or other conditions.
2. PM2.5
   • Size: Particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers (µm) or less.
   • Comparable Size: About 1/30th the width of a human hair.
   • Sources: Combustion (e.g., car engines, wildfires, power plants), industrial emissions, and secondary particles formed in the atmosphere.
   • Health Impact: Can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing risks of heart and lung diseases.
3. Ultrafine Particles (UFPs)
   • Size: Particles with a diameter of less than 0.1 micrometers (100 nanometers).
   • Comparable Size: Smaller than most viruses.
   • Sources: Vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, and indoor combustion (e.g., cooking, candles).
   • Health Impact: Can enter the bloodstream and cross into organs, potentially affecting cardiovascular and neurological health.

Why Size Matters

• Larger Particles (PM10): Typically trapped in the nose or throat, causing irritation but less likely to reach the lungs.
• Smaller Particles (PM2.5 and UFPs): More dangerous as they bypass the body's defenses and reach deeper parts of the respiratory and circulatory systems.

Understanding particle sizes is crucial for monitoring air quality and protecting your health.

Yes, VisiblAir's Wi-Fi-enabled sensors are designed to function both with and without an active Wi-Fi connection. Here's how they operate:

Without Wi-Fi Connection

• Data Storage: The sensors continue to measure and record data internally. For example, the Model C stores measurements in its internal memory during offline periods.
• Data Upload: When Wi-Fi connectivity is restored, stored data is automatically uploaded to the cloud portal, ensuring no information is lost.

With Wi-Fi Connection

• Real-Time Monitoring: The sensors transmit data to the cloud portal at configurable intervals, allowing for real-time monitoring and analysis.

This dual functionality ensures continuous air quality monitoring, providing flexibility and reliability in various environments.

VisiblAir's devices are designed to function independently of their cloud services, ensuring continued local operation even if the company ceases operations. Here's how:

Local Functionality

1. Data Storage
   Devices like the Model C and Model G store measurements internally, allowing access to historical data directly from the device.
2. Open-Source Firmware
   VisiblAir utilizes open-source technology, enabling users to customize and manage their devices without relying on proprietary software.

Accessing Data Without Cloud Services

• Direct Device Access: Retrieve data directly via USB or other local interfaces, depending on the model.
• Third-Party Integration: The open-source nature of the devices allows integration with alternative platforms or personal servers for data management.

This design ensures your VisiblAir device remains functional, providing continuous air quality monitoring regardless of the company's operational status.

To maintain accuracy, it's recommended to check the calibration of your VisiblAir sensor every 6 to 9 months:

1. Calibration Process:
   Place the sensor outdoors on a day when the temperature is above 10°C (50°F) with minimal wind. After 10 minutes:
   • If the CO2 concentration reads between 400 and 450 ppm, the sensor is properly calibrated.
   • If the reading falls outside this range, recalibration is advised.

Regular calibration ensures accurate readings, which are essential for effective air quality monitoring.

On the VisiblAir Model E and E-Lite, the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) value is represented using the Sensirion VOC Index. This index simplifies the concentration of various VOCs into a single, easy-to-interpret value.

• VOC Sources: Building materials, cleaning products, and personal care items.
• Index Purpose: A reliable and standardized method to assess air quality. Elevated index values indicate poor air quality, signaling the need for increased ventilation or corrective actions.

CO2 itself isn't a virus or harmful, but its levels are an indicator of ventilation quality. Poorly ventilated spaces with high CO2 levels mean exhaled air isn't being replaced effectively, increasing the risk of airborne virus transmission, like COVID-19.

By monitoring CO2, you can assess ventilation in real time and take actions to improve airflow, reducing the likelihood of virus spread.