TVOC Readings Are Low or Showing Zero

It's common for the TVOC reading on your Airmonitor Plus to remain very low or even display 0.000 mg/m³.

In most cases, this is completely normal and indicates that the air contains very low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

What Are TVOCs?

TVOC stands for Total Volatile Organic Compounds.

These are gases released from everyday products such as:

• Cleaning products
• Air fresheners
• Paints and varnishes
• Adhesives
• New furniture and carpets
• Solvents
• Aerosol sprays
• Perfumes and fragrances

TVOC levels naturally rise and fall depending on the activities taking place around the monitor.

Why Is My Reading Zero?

A reading of 0.000 mg/m³ does not necessarily indicate a fault.

If your indoor air contains very few VOCs, the sensor may display zero until it detects a measurable concentration.

Many customers see this after:

• Ventilating their home.
• Running an air purifier.
• Placing the monitor in a room with few VOC sources.

How Can I Test the TVOC Sensor?

If you'd like to confirm the sensor is responding correctly, try one of the following tests:

• Spray a small amount of air freshener several feet away from the monitor.
• Open a bottle of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) nearby.
• Use a small amount of perfume or deodorant near the monitor.

Within a few seconds, the TVOC reading should begin to increase before gradually returning to normal as the air clears.

Tip: Avoid spraying products directly onto the monitor or exposing it to excessive concentrations of chemicals.

When Should I Be Concerned?

The TVOC sensor may require further investigation if:

• The reading never changes, even during the tests above.
• Other air quality readings also appear abnormal.
• The monitor has stopped responding completely.

If this happens, please contact Breathe Tech Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a TVOC reading of zero good?

Yes. A reading of 0.000 mg/m³ generally indicates excellent indoor air quality with very low levels of volatile organic compounds.

Why does the reading increase when I use cleaning products?

Many household products release VOCs into the air. This is expected, and the TVOC sensor is designed to detect these changes.

How long does it take for the reading to return to normal?

This depends on ventilation and the source of the VOCs. In most cases, the reading will gradually decrease over the next several minutes as fresh air dilutes the airborne chemicals.

My TVOC reading never changes.

If the reading remains unchanged after testing with a known VOC source such as rubbing alcohol or air freshener, please contact Breathe Tech Support so we can help diagnose the issue.