CO₂ is a simple, reliable proxy for how fresh (or stale) your indoor air is. When CO₂ climbs, it usually means ventilation is low, and that can affect comfort, alertness, and productivity.
What the numbers mean
- ~400–450ppm: Typical outdoor air.
- < 600ppm: Great — fresh, well-ventilated space.
- 600 - 800ppm: Good for most situations.
- 800 -1,200ppm: Time to improve ventilation (open windows, increase airflow).
- > 1,200ppm: Stuffy air; expect drowsiness, headaches, and reduced focus.
We spend ~90% of our time indoors, so keeping CO₂ in check makes a real difference to how you feel and perform.
Why CO₂ matters
As people breathe, CO₂ builds up in enclosed rooms. Higher CO₂ is linked to sleepiness, headaches, slower reaction times, and reduced concentration. Keeping levels lower generally means fresher air and a more comfortable space.
How Airmonitor Plus helps
Airmonitor Plus uses a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor for accurate, real-time CO₂ readings and optional alerts when levels rise.
Practical ways to lower CO₂
- Bring in fresh air: Open windows/doors, or run your ventilation system.
- Increase airflow: Use exhaust fans (kitchen/bath), or boost HVAC fan speed.
- Reduce crowding time: Fewer people per room, or rotate meetings/lessons.
- Use air purifiers with fresh air: (Purifiers help with particles; for CO₂ you still need outside air or mechanical ventilation.)
A note on CO₂ and infection risk
CO₂ itself isn’t harmful at typical indoor levels, but because we exhale CO₂ with our breath, higher indoor CO₂ often indicates more rebreathed air. That makes it a useful proxy for ventilation quality when thinking about airborne illnesses, including COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. Better ventilation generally means lower shared-air exposure.