Have been watching this, and the the gold standard home CO2 monitor is now at a historic low.
Even CHEAPER HERE thanks to @timmypete
If anyone is keen but put off by the price, a cheaper alternative exists.
CamelCamelCamel.
I just found this listing for the Honeywell unit which seems to be a really good deal for anyone interested:
https://www.contractoressentials.com.au/Honeywell-Transmissi…
I can't vouch for this retailer personally, but they look legitimate enough. I'm not going to post this as a separate deal, but if anyone wants to, feel free.
Forest for the trees…
This product is the consumer industry standard. Logs with easy to use charts, runs on 2 AA batteries, which last for at least 6 months depending on logging frequency. It uses the senseair sunrise sensor. Point out a gold standard detector that logs in 1 min increments, accurate to ±30 ppm ±3%, allows manual and auto calibration, user defined alarms and is consumer friendly. And can connect to base stations for monitoring offices and school rooms. For under $400…
All of above mentioned have strong reputations based on producing high quality for many years in industries that challenge their products against standardized calibration and span gases (the true test for accuracy and precision of a gas monitor). By all means, go have a stab in the dark. I know where my money goes (weekly) when I need to quantify CO2….. and possibly go to court to defend my findings.
Can you share a link to one of these recommended CO2 monitors?
[edit] never mind, I just saw you posted a link above to the Honeywell unit.
Apart from the obvious certification and (more than likely) accuracy, etc; what am I getting for my $300 that I'm not getting for my $30 at AliExpress, as a home user? (understanding that that is not the target market anyway)
Apart from the obvious certification and (more than likely) accuracy
That's essentially what you're paying for. Good units like the Aranet4 use a proven NDIR sensor which tend to be expensive.
If you want to go via a cheaper route, you could try building your own unit, e.g.
https://github.com/ericwooshem/DIY-Frugal-Arduino-CO2-Sensor
You're negging a product because you've never heard of it?!! That's your only complaint?
Here's an excellent review of the SAF Aranet4 in WireCutter Magazine owned by the New York Times (NYT). The fact that it has 800+ reviews at 4.8 stars on Amazon should show that this product is well known, and that you don't need to "go have a stab in the dark" when purchasing this product. Not only this but some OzBers below have stated that they have used/owned this unit and give it glowing reviews. yet you've had "Almost 20 years in the gas detection industry. yet never heard of SAF"!! How is this neg helpful? I've personally used this product and it is incredibly sensitive. As in have it in your car, windows up and watch the CO2 reading quickly go past 2,000+ CO2 PPM in a few minutes, then partially open the windows then the CO2 count drops accordingly in real time.
What the heck are people doing that they need a CO2 sensor for their house? Apart from a full beer tap system of course :)
Monitoring CO2 levels can give you an indication of general air quality levels. High CO2 concentrations can mean a lack of ventilation, which poses increased risk of viral infections and can also make people feel sleepy and lose concentration. It's a niche subject area, much like air purifiers. If you have to ask, it's probably not for you (and there's nothing wrong with that).
I mean crack open a window?
When was the last time you were in a commercial building with openable windows
Sure. That's the point where you can. But these aren't really for monitoring your own dwelling. Moreso school classrooms, public transport and retail venues, airplane cabins and some offices where CO2 often exceeds 3000ppm.
Thanks for sharing OP.
On a slight technicality the Australian distributor has it marginally cheaper ($295 - free shipping) following a price reduction by SAF but this is a cracking price.
Tbh I disagree with the neg from imnotgoingtopayrrp above. Whether or not they've heard of the brand is a moot point, and given the alternative they present is significantly more expensive and only has a 10h battery life makes this an apples/oranges comparison.
FWIW this scored strongly on a recent Wirecutter review and the panel included an air quality research engineer who sits on a number of ASHRAE (US air engineers group) committees and another is a former NOAA aerosols researcher. Similarly, it seems to be the go-to for academic researchers looking for calibrated NIDRs (see, for eg, here). It's perfectly adequate for home/amateur use even if someone on an internet forum hasn't heard of it before.
Here's another review with more background information:
https://breathesafeair.com/aranet4-home-review/
The Aranet4 uses the Sunrise NDIR sensor from Senseair:
https://senseair.com/news/customer-cases/aranet4-senseair-su…
I've been using my Aranet4 for close to a year now and I'm very happy with it. It integrates perfectly with Home Assistant as well:
https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/aranet/
I agree, and am very happy with my Aranet4 which I purchased 6 months ago.
Great pickup on the distributor.
Awesome, even cheaper! I'll update the main post. Thanks for that!
Always wanted some kid to take it to school in Australia to see what the ventilation is like here. Mine are too young and leave bags outside and would not be able to hide it from the teachers eyes =)
Tied going official via the principle during Covid days but school did not want to know, as then they would probably have to do something about it
Can someone recommend a PM 2.5 particles monitor? I want to get one to see when to mask up during hazard reduction burns/ bush fires
$20 at IKEA
plus ~$5-20 at AliExpress, including some electronic work if you want to make it "smart"
If you live in NSW I can recommend a high-quality free PM2.5 monitor here: https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/air-quality/air-quality-concentr…
Just got a price watch update, now $290!
Let me know if you have any specific questions about the Aranet4.
I've been representing Aranet for a number of years mainly in the warehouse monitoring and horticulture space.
The Aranet4 is a sleeper hit, that was designed pre covid, for the general business market, before becoming a very successful consumer device.
For clarification, SAF Technica is the parent company of Aranet, SAF is known for Microwave Data Transmission, not sensors, but their technology was integrated into the Aranet platform. Aranet (A sub-brand of SAF) is now a leader in IOT wireless sensor systems.
Thanks for that. Do you own one and/or would you personally recommend the Aranet4?
Personally, yes I have and use one daily, But professionally as an Aranet Partner, I have usually around 50 units in stock at any time.
It's a great device, portable, has good battery life, a clean app, and is highly accurate.
Every classroom in NZ has an Aranet4, and Every school in QLD has at least one Aranet4.
oooh that's interesting about the schools! Thanks for the insight. Good to hear about the non-bloated app too!
Almost 20 years in the gas detection industry. Never heard of SAF.
Try any of the following for the gold standard:
Honeywell
Thermo Fisher
Testo
MRU
Rae Systems