How large an area (or volume) can CO2 monitors monitor?

How large an area (or volume) can CO2 monitors monitor?

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The area or volume a CO₂ monitor can effectively monitor depends on several factors, such as the type of sensor, airflow in the space, and placement of the monitor. Here's a general breakdown:


🔹 Typical CO₂ Monitor Coverage

  • Small to Medium Rooms (up to ~1,000 sq ft / ~28 m²):

    • Most consumer-grade CO₂ monitors are designed for individual rooms like offices, classrooms, or living rooms.

    • These are effective in spaces up to about 300–1,000 square feet or ~50–300 m³ in volume.


🔹 Factors Affecting Coverage

  1. Airflow and Ventilation:

    • In well-mixed air environments (good HVAC or fans), one sensor can give a good general reading for a larger area.

    • In stagnant air or spaces with poor circulation, you may need multiple monitors for accurate readings.

  2. Sensor Type:

    • NDIR sensors (Non-Dispersive Infrared) are common and accurate for indoor air quality.

    • Some higher-end systems designed for building-wide monitoring will use networked sensors in multiple zones.

  3. Purpose:

    • For occupancy detection or ventilation efficiency, one monitor in a central location is usually fine.

    • For precise scientific measurements or health-sensitive environments, more granular monitoring is ideal.


🔹 General Recommendations

Space TypeRecommended CO₂ Monitoring Setup
Small office (<300 ft²)1 consumer-grade monitor
Classroom (~900 ft²)1-2 monitors, especially if air isn't well-mixed
Large open space (>1,000 ft²)Multiple monitors spaced throughout
Multi-room buildingNetworked CO₂ monitoring system


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