5 Best CO2 Monitors for Offices Chosen by Experts

Have you ever thought about how much time you spend indoors? You might guess 50-60%, but according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) it’s actually 90%.

We spend 90% of our time inside buildings, where the concentrations of some pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors.

Studies show that a good general measure of indoor overall air quality can come from looking at the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) present. Monitoring CO2 levels and indoor air quality is crucial not just for comfort, but for our health, productivity, and well-being.

Did you know? High levels of CO2 can significantly decrease the cognitive abilities of a person and the efficiency of working performance. We explained 5 Main Reasons To Monitor CO2 Levels in this article.

For facility managers, building owners, and professionals in the hospitality sector, finding a CO2 monitoring solution that balances cost-effectiveness, ROI, and peace of mind is very important.

TEKTELIC team of experts created this guide to help you explore 5 best CO2 monitors that offer reliable performance and excellent value for your business needs. By the end, you’ll have the insights needed to select the ideal CO2 monitor for your specific requirements.

Why Monitor CO2 Levels?

High CO2 levels can significantly impact our cognitive abilities and overall performance. A Harvard study found that when CO2 levels increase from 600 to 1400 ppm, decision-making abilities can drop by up to 50%. This highlights how important air quality is for productivity and effectiveness at work.

Economically, poor air quality can be costly. The World Health Organization estimates that climate change-related health issues, worsened by poor air quality, could lead to direct costs of up to $4 billion per year by 2030. These costs include healthcare, lost productivity, and reduced economic output, underscoring the importance of effective CO2 monitoring.

Monitoring CO2 is very important for improving productivity, protecting against respiratory issues, and avoiding significant economic costs. Let’s review some examples:

• Student Performance: Poor ventilation leading to high CO2 levels can cause drowsiness and reduce concentration, ultimately resulting in lower test scores and overall academic performance. This occurs because elevated CO2 levels affect brain function by reducing the amount of oxygen available for cognitive processes.
• Work in the Office: Similar to students, office workers experience declines in cognitive functions such as decision-making and strategic thinking at high CO2 levels. This results in decreased productivity and efficiency.
• Exercise and Physical Activity: In gyms or fitness centers, high CO2 levels can make exercise feel more strenuous and reduce overall physical performance. This is due to the reduced oxygen levels, which are essential for muscle function and endurance.

To address high CO2 levels, consider these effective strategies:

• Improve Ventilation: Increase airflow by opening windows or using ventilation systems to reduce CO2 levels and enhance indoor air quality.
• Monitor Air Quality: Use a CO2 monitor to keep track of CO2 levels and ensure they stay within a healthy range. This helps you act quickly to improve air quality when needed.

The Latest in CO2 Monitoring Technology

When searching for a reliable CO2 monitoring solution, you’ll find that air quality sensors are smarter and more connected than ever.

With various communication technologies available on the market today, choosing the right one depends on your specific needs. Let’s review each technology and how they differ:

• LoRaWAN: Ideal for large-scale indoor monitoring, LoRaWAN offers long-range, low-power communication. It’s a great choice for extensive commercial spaces or large office buildings where distance and energy efficiency are important.
• Bluetooth: Widely used in personal and home air quality monitors, Bluetooth offers easy, short-range connectivity with mobile devices, making it user-friendly for everyday applications.
• Wi-Fi: Common in home and office environments, Wi-Fi provides high-speed, stable internet connections for real-time air quality monitoring and data reporting.
• Zigbee: Known for its low power consumption and robust mesh networking, Zigbee is often found in smart home devices and industrial applications.
• NB-IoT: With excellent coverage and low power usage, NB-IoT is suitable for wide-area applications like environmental monitoring, ensuring reliable data transmission over long distances.
• Sigfox: This ultra-narrowband technology is cost-effective for long-range, low-data-rate applications, making it a good fit for remote environmental monitoring.
• Cellular (3G/4G/5G): Essential for mobile and remote monitoring, cellular networks offer extensive coverage and high data transfer rates, ensuring consistent connectivity.

Each technology has its unique strengths, so selecting the right one depends on your specific monitoring needs, whether you’re in an urban area or a remote location. We’re here to help you understand these options and find the best solution for you.

How to Choose a CO2 Monitor

With over 15 years of experience working with facility management companies, we understand the pain points and challenges our customers face when looking for a reliable and cost-effective solution.

We know how important it is to choose the accurate CO2 monitors for your IoT project to get the ROI and achieve effective monitoring and management.

Below you will find a list of key features we collected to help you make the best choice. After reviewing these points, you will understand what to look for in a CO2 monitor and why the TEKTELIC BREEZE is an excellent option to consider.

1. Battery Life

Challenge: Frequent battery replacements can be costly and inconvenient, especially in environments where continuous monitoring is critical.

What to Look For: Search for a CO2 monitor with long battery life to minimize maintenance and ensure uninterrupted monitoring.

The BREEZE is designed for optimal battery life, offering up to 5+ years of operation with its AA LTC batteries. This significantly reduces the need for frequent replacements and lowers maintenance costs.

2. Calibration Options

Challenge: Regular calibration can be labor-intensive and prone to error if not automated.

What to Look For: A CO2 monitor with automatic calibration features to maintain accuracy without manual intervention.

The BREEZE sensor self-calibrates CO2 levels at a configurable interval (default 7 days), eliminating the need for manual calibration and ensuring consistent accuracy.

3. Multifunctionality

Challenge: Deploying multiple sensors for different environmental factors can be inefficient and costly for your business.

What to Look For: Look for a device that offers multifunctional capabilities, such as temperature, humidity, and light monitoring, to provide a holistic view of indoor air quality without the need for multiple devices.

The BREEZE excels in providing real-time CO2 level measurements along with temperature, humidity, and light monitoring. This comprehensive functionality ensures you get accurate readings for various indoor conditions, making it a cost-effective solution for your deployment.

4. Seamless Integration and Easy Deployment

Challenge: Integrating new carbon dioxide monitor into an existing network can be time-consuming and complex. It’s essential to have a device that works out-of-the-box and can be easily deployed without technical expertise.

What to Look For: Choose a CO2 monitor that is simple to set up and integrates smoothly with your existing systems, whether it’s HVAC, building management systems, or other IoT devices. Look for features like automatic calibration, user-friendly interfaces, and versatile mounting options.

The BREEZE supports multiple mounting options and can be onboarded in seconds using the TEKTELIC LeapX application, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your existing infrastructure. Additionally, its automatic calibration feature reduces maintenance time and costs, making it a convenient and reliable choice for your business.

5. Size & Type

Challenge: Bulky devices can be obtrusive and difficult to install in certain environments.

What to Look For: A compact, versatile design that can be mounted in various configurations to suit different spaces.

With its sleek design and small form factor (80 x 80 x 30 mm), the BREEZE can be mounted on walls, ceilings, or tables. Its unobstructed design ensures it blends seamlessly into any environment.

By focusing on these key features, you can select a CO2 detector that meets your needs. This ensures a cost-effective and reliable solution for effective CO2 monitoring.

TOP 5 CO2 Sensors

At TEKTELIC, we’ve worked closely with numerous facility management companies over the years to understand their needs and preferences for effective indoor air quality management.

With this experience, we aim to guide you in selecting a CO2 monitor that perfectly aligns with your specific requirements. Based on our extensive research and testing, we’ve identified the top 5 CO2 monitors that excel in performance, reliability, and value.

Let’s explore these top devices to help you make an informed decision.

1. TEKTELIC BREEZE

With over 15 years of experience working with business like healthcare facilities, facility management companies, and the hospitality industry, we understand the importance of having a solution that not only provides accurate environmental monitoring but also delivers significant value.

When we developed the TEKTELIC BREEZE sensor, we looked closely at different options on the market, comparing their strengths and weaknesses, to create a device that really stands out.

The TEKTELIC BREEZE offers comprehensive monitoring while helping you save money and achieve a solid return on investment. By choosing the BREEZE, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’re investing in a reliable, multifunctional device that reduces costs associated with maintenance and frequent replacements.

Features:

• User Configurable Parameters and Thresholds
• 5+ Years Battery Life
• Pairable with E-Ink Display
• Wall, Ceiling or Table Mount Configurations
• Simple Deployment
• Sleek and Unobstructed Design.

The TEKTELIC BREEZE provides a wide range of insights with just one compact device:

• CO2 Levels
• Temperature
• Humidity Levels
• Light Detection
• Atmospheric Pressure
• Occupancy (BREEZE-V variant).

Pros of TEKTELIC BREEZE:

• Auto-Calibration: Unlike many competitors, BREEZE self-calibrates, ensuring accurate readings with minimal maintenance.
• Pressure Compensation: Provides high-accuracy CO2 measurements regardless of deployment location.
• Extended Battery Life: Lasts over 5 years, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lowering overall costs.
• Separate Display Screen: Allows for optimal sensor placement and convenient information display.
• Remote Updates: Enables configuration and updates without impacting battery life, ensuring continued reliability and performance.
• Simple Onboarding: with TEKTELIC’s LeapX and BREEZE Mobile Application.

By integrating the TEKTELIC BREEZE into your monitoring strategy, you gain a comprehensive solution that aligns with your needs for cost-efficiency, effective management, and overall peace of mind.

Use Cases of TEKTELIC BREEZE CO2 Monitoring Sensor

1. Commercial Buildings

HVAC Optimization: Save on heating and cooling costs by ensuring rooms are only conditioned when occupied.

Productivity and Health: Improve employee health and productivity with optimal air quality and ventilation.

2. Educational Institutions

Student Performance: Proper ventilation can enhance student focus and performance.

Cost Savings: Efficient use of HVAC systems reduces energy costs.

3. Healthcare & Hospitality Sector

Patient Safety: Maintain safe indoor conditions to reduce the risk of virus spread.

Comfort: Ensure patients and visitors are in comfortable environments to aid recovery.

4. Apartment Buildings

Customer Attraction: Monitoring ambient conditions can attract tenants and justify higher rents.

Energy Efficiency: Optimize heating and cooling to lower operational costs.

Additional Use Case:

1. Retail Spaces: Ensure optimal air quality to enhance customer experience.
2. Gyms: Maintain healthy environments for physical activity.
3. Museums: Preserve artifacts by controlling environmental conditions.
4. Hotels: Improve guest experiences with superior air quality.
5. Public Transport: Ensure passenger comfort with good air quality.
6. Greenhouses: Optimize plant growth with controlled conditions.

 2. ELSYS Indoor Air Quality Sensor

The ELSYS Indoor Air Quality Sensor (EIAQd10) is a device designed to provide comprehensive monitoring of indoor environmental conditions. This sensor is particularly suitable for smart buildings, offices, and homes.

Pros of ELSYS EIAQd10:

• Comprehensive Monitoring: Ability to track multiple environmental factors of indoor air quality.
• Easy to Install and Integrate: Compatible with various systems and easy to set up.
• Extended Battery Life: Long operational lifespan without the need for frequent battery changes.

Cons of ELSYS EIAQd10:

• Initial Cost: As with many advanced sensors, the initial investment can be higher compared to simpler devices.
• Sensor and display in one device. May lead to not accurate air quality measurement and not optimal location for the sensor.
• Not Reliable Enclosure: The sensor is rated only IP20, which means it is not protected against moisture or dust, potentially limiting its use in harsher environments.

3. BROWAN Merry IoT Air Quality CO2

The BROWAN Merry IoT Air Quality CO2 sensor is a versatile device designed to monitor indoor air quality with a focus on carbon dioxide levels. This sensor is well-suited for a variety of environments.

Pros of Browan Merry IoT Air Quality CO2:

• Real-Time Monitoring: Immediate data transmission and co2 alarm help maintain optimal air quality.
• Long-Range Connectivity: LoRaWAN technology allows for extensive coverage, making it suitable for large and complex environments.
• Comprehensive Monitoring: Provides a holistic view of indoor air quality by measuring CO2, temperature, and humidity.

Cons of Browan Merry IoT Air Quality CO2:

• No Display: The sensor lacks an onboard display, which means users need an external device to view data.
• No Barometric Pressure Compensation: It does not account for barometric pressure changes, which can affect accuracy in some conditions.
• 2-Year Battery Life: While adequate, the battery life is shorter compared to some competitors, requiring more frequent replacements.
• Initial Investment: The initial cost can be higher than simpler CO2 sensors.
• Limited Protection: While suitable for indoor use, the sensor might not be ideal for environments with high moisture or dust without additional protective measures.

4.  MILESIGHT AM307

The Milesight AM319 is a indoor air quality sensor designed to provide detailed environmental monitoring. This device works for a indoor settings, such as offices, schools, and homes.

Pros of Milesight AM307:

• Comprehensive Monitoring: Tracks multiple air quality parameters including CO2, temperature, humidity, TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compounds).
• Anti-theft protection (Accelerometer)​.
• Long-Range Connectivity: LoRaWAN technology ensures effective communication over long distances with low power consumption.
• Emoticon: indication of air quality on the screen​.

Cons of Milesight AM307:

• Initial Cost: The extensive features and advanced technology come with a higher initial investment compared to simpler sensors.
• Maintenance: Regular calibration and maintenance may be required to ensure ongoing accuracy and performance.
• Battery Life: Depending on usage and environmental conditions, battery life might require periodic replacement or monitoring, typically ranging from 1-3 years.
• Sensor and Display Together: Combining the sensor and display in one unit may limit placement flexibility.
• No Occupancy Sensor: Lacks an occupancy sensor, which could provide additional context for air quality data.
• Expensive: Priced at approximately $290, it may be considered expensive compared to other options.

5.  MClimate CO2 Display

MClimate CO2 Display LoRaWAN® is a stand-alone CO2 sensor powered entirely by solar energy using an organic solar panel.

Pros of MClimate CO2 Display:

• Real-Time Data Display: Features an onboard display for immediate CO2 readings and other environmental parameters.
• Powered by Organic Solar Panel: Provides a sustainable energy solution, reducing the need for battery replacements.
• Multi-Parameter Monitoring: Measures CO2, temperature, and humidity for a complete view of indoor conditions.

Cons of MClimate CO2 Display:

• • Limited Additional Features: Lacks advanced features like pressure compensation and auto-calibration found in some competitors.
  • Initial Cost: Higher upfront investment compared to basic sensors.

TEKTELIC CO2 Monitors Use Cases

In this part of the article, we are thrilled to describe a real-world deployment of the TEKTELIC BREEZE CO2 Smart Room Sensor in a busy corporate office. This case study showcases how this portable CO2 monitor is transforming indoor air quality management and enhancing workplace efficiency and well-being.

Imagine an office where the air is always fresh, employees are alert, and productivity is high. The TEKTELIC BREEZE makes this possible, ensuring your workspace maintains the highest air quality standards.

Real-Life Application

Meeting Rooms

In a typical office, meeting rooms often experience a high occupancy level, leading to variable CO2 concentrations. The BREEZE sensor was installed in these rooms to monitor and control CO2 levels dynamically. When levels rise, the building management system can automatically increase ventilation, ensuring that employees remain alert and productive during meetings.

Open Office Spaces

In an open office space with 50 employees, deploying several BREEZE sensors effectively monitors key parameters such as temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels. By placing these sensors throughout the area, you can ensure that your HVAC system operates efficiently and maintains optimal indoor conditions. This approach helps in monitoring and adjusting environmental factors to enhance employee comfort and system performance.

Life Experiment! In this video, we will show you how CO2 level changes during a 30-minute meeting.

What Benefits did You Have with CO2 Sensor?

Optimizing operational efficiency and managing costs are key priorities for any business. The TEKTELIC BREEZE sensors offer several advantages tailored to the needs of businesses, including facility managers, building owners, and smart buildings industry professionals:

• • • Optimized HVAC Performance: BREEZE sensors provide real-time data on indoor conditions, enabling precise adjustments to your HVAC system. This helps improve energy efficiency and reduces operational costs.
    • Enhanced Employee Comfort: By maintaining ideal temperature and CO2 levels, BREEZE sensors create a more comfortable working environment. This can boost productivity and increase overall employee satisfaction.
    • Improved Air Quality: Continuous monitoring of CO2 and humidity levels prevents issues such as poor ventilation and high CO2 concentrations, which can affect health and cognitive function.
    • Data-Driven Decisions: The detailed insights from BREEZE sensors empower facility managers to make informed decisions about HVAC settings and other environmental controls, leading to better air quality management.
    • Cost Savings: The extended battery life of BREEZE sensors and their ability to reduce manual checks and reactive adjustments lead to significant cost savings over time, minimizing maintenance and replacement expenses.
    • Scalability: The BREEZE system is designed to easily expand to monitor additional areas or integrate with other building management systems, providing comprehensive environmental control as your business grows.

Learn why monitoring CO2 is key to maintaining a comfortable, healthy environment for everyone, explore the video.

By integrating TEKTELIC BREEZE sensors into your facilities, you ensure a well-regulated environment that supports operational efficiency, employee well-being, and long-term cost savings.

FAQ

What is the best CO2 sensor?

The TEKTELIC BREEZE is an excellent choice for CO2 monitoring. It offers high accuracy, extended battery life, and comprehensive environmental monitoring, making it ideal for a range of applications including offices, healthcare facilities, and commercial spaces.

How do I choose a LoRaWAN CO2 monitor?

When selecting a LoRaWAN CO2 monitor, consider factors such as accuracy, battery life, ease of installation, and integration capabilities. The TEKTELIC BREEZE stands out for its accurate readings, long battery life, and user-friendly design, making it a strong candidate.

What is the best location for CO2 sensor?

The ideal deployment location for BREEZE CO2 sensor is 2-6 ft off the ground and away from a door, window or air vent. It is best practice to deploy BREEZE away from a gathering point where people will congregate and talk, and away from CO2 producing equipment.

How does BREEZE measure CO2?​

The TEKTELIC BREEZE uses advanced Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) technology to measure CO2 levels. This method ensures high accuracy and reliability in detecting CO2 concentrations.

How far can BREEZE be from the e-Ink display tablet?

We recommend that BREEZE is mounted within 10m from the e-Ink display tablet.​​

Does sensor require software subscriptions?

No, the BREEZE sensor does not require software subscriptions. With TEKTELIC’s LeapX and BREEZE Mobile Application, you can access real-time air quality data without additional costs, ensuring efficient monitoring and management.