Are you ever thinking about air quality? Do you often feel sleepy or do you feel like you can’t get any good ideas? It might partially be related to the air you’re breathing. In a rapidly evolving world that places increasing importance on environmental consciousness, Airthings has emerged as a trusted company for assessing indoor air quality. Airthings, a company I’ve come to know through my work on IoT and smart building projects at GMS Global Media Services, recently sent us, at TechAcute, a test unit of their flagship consumer product for a review, the View Plus. Over several months, we extensively tested this device to assess its data quality, from air quality to radon levels. If you are currently researching for a trusty and capable air quality sensor and beyond, read our Airthings View Plus review and I’m confident you’ll be able to tick all the boxes on your requirements list for such a device.
Airthings View Plus Review
Because I personally think that ensuring that we always feel as well as possible, be as healthy as possible, and make sure the same applies as well to our loved ones, I hope that this review will guide you in the journey of finding a suitable IoT smart home air quality sensor for your home.
Design meets dependability
The Airthings View Plus truly takes the cake when it comes to marrying form and function. With its modern and sleek design, this device effortlessly blends into any room decor, without drawing undue attention. The attention to detail in its aesthetics is unparalleled, making it a true centerpiece. But don’t let its good looks fool you; this device is not just about style – it’s a workhorse.
During our extensive testing period, the Airthings View Plus consistently demonstrated remarkable performance. Its accuracy in delivering data was truly impressive, leaving no room for doubt. We were pleased to find that it operated flawlessly, providing us with reliable and consistent readings. We didn’t encounter any noticeable glitches or inaccuracies, which further solidified our confidence in its capabilities.
Airthings View Plus goes above and beyond expectations. It not only adds a touch of elegance to any space, but it also delivers accurate and reliable data without compromise. Whether you’re an individual striving for a healthier environment or professional seeking precise measurements, this device is sure to exceed your expectations.
Mobile app: Timely alerts and valuable insights
One key feature that sets Airthings View Plus apart from its competitors is its companion mobile app. This intuitive platform not only provides real-time data but also sends out practical alerts to help you improve your indoor air quality. For example, it suggests the best time to open a window for ventilation based on the current air conditions in your home. This personalized guidance ensures that you can make informed decisions to create a healthier living environment. If you’re working from home you can also use the View Plus in your home office and you always know when you’d better open the window to avoid fatigue and to make sure you keep having good ideas – it’s a well-being and productivity aspect and you should take it seriously in my opinion.
There’s just a little thing that I found slightly negative which I also want to talk about. During our evaluation, we encountered a minor hiccup – the presence of multiple Airthings apps. This could potentially confuse some users and create a fragmented user experience. To address this, we recommend that Airthings consolidate these apps into a single, comprehensive platform. By doing so, users will have a seamless and streamlined experience, making it easier for them to access all the features and functionalities in one place. Yet, this does not take away any features and does not cause trouble. It’s merely something that could be further improved going forward on the software side but it would not impact your investment.
Radon detection: Taking on the invisible menace
Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, can accumulate to harmful levels in confined spaces like homes, posing a serious risk of lung cancer. To combat this potential health hazard, View Plus employs alpha spectrometry—a highly effective method that detects and measures the alpha particles emitted by radon. By continuously monitoring and providing accurate readings over a period of seven days, this innovative technology ensures a thorough assessment of radon levels, enabling proactive steps to mitigate the risks and safeguard the well-being of individuals and families. Despite that, Airthings recommends having the device test the air in the same area for at least 30 days to gather the most optimal data set to work with.
Radon exposure can vary significantly depending on the level you are within a building. Since radon is a heavy gas released from the ground, it tends to accumulate in higher concentrations in lower-level areas such as basements and ground floors. This means those spending time in these areas of a building can be exposed to higher levels of radon than those in upper stories.
The structural integrity of the building also plays a vital role in radon exposure. Cracks in the floors or walls can provide an opening for radon gas to seep inside the building from the ground. As a result, buildings with structural flaws can harbor higher concentrations of radon, posing a greater risk to occupants. Therefore, regular maintenance and inspection for structural damage are essential to mitigate the risk of radon exposure in homes and offices.
Of course, you can’t just pack your things and move if you notice concerning radon levels in your living and sleeping area but it helps you to notice that you need to act and maybe ask a professional how to best deal with the issue and to reduce the radon levels that you currently have in your home.
Technical specifications: A deep dive
Of course, the Airthings View Plus review can’t be complete without checking into the tech specs. The Airthings View Plus is an advanced device that offers a range of impressive features. With its 2.9” ePaper display, it provides a clear and easy-to-read interface. What’s more, it boasts an exceptional battery life of up to two years, ensuring long-lasting usage. However, it’s worth noting that the battery life may vary based on sensor interval and WiFi router settings.
When it comes to installation, the Airthings View Plus offers great flexibility. You can choose to mount it on the wall for a sleek and space-saving setup, or simply place it on a table for convenience. In terms of connectivity, the device operates seamlessly on both WiFi and Airthings SmartLink, ensuring reliable and efficient performance.
One of the key features of the Airthings View Plus is its radon detection capability. It utilizes a passive diffusion chamber to measure the volume of radon in the air by detecting alpha particles. This enables accurate monitoring and assessment of radon levels in your environment. Additionally, the device samples the air every five minutes to provide real-time updates on air quality.
It supports the analysis of sensor data for metrics like radon, particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature, humidity, airborne chemicals (VOC), and air pressure. To ensure optimal operation, it is recommended to use the Airthings View Plus within a temperature range of 4°C to 40°C (39.2°F to 104°F) and maintain a humidity level between 0% and 85%. By following these guidelines, you can maximize the performance and longevity of this exceptional device.
Integration capabilities: Making your smart home smarter
For tech enthusiasts who love their smart homes, the Airthings View Plus won’t disappoint. With its seamless integration with IFTTT, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, you can effortlessly incorporate it into your existing smart home setup. Experience the convenience of controlling your home environment with precision, monitoring air quality, and optimizing comfort levels.
The Airthings View Plus is the perfect addition to elevate your smart home experience to a whole new level. How smart you want your home is up to you but if you think window opening automation then the Airthings View Plus can give you threshold data that you could use for triggers to have your windows open and close to make sure air quality is maintained without you needing to do anything manually.
Features galore justify the price tag
With an MSRP price tag of $299, the Airthings View Plus may initially seem a bit steep. However, once you dive into its robust feature list, the investment begins to make sense. The device houses state-of-the-art sensors for a wide range of parameters, including radon levels, particulate matter concentration, carbon dioxide levels, temperature and humidity monitoring, detection of airborne chemicals, and even air pressure measurement. If you want you can also check out the View Plus prices on Amazon which might or not might be on sale at the moment you’re reading this article.
One unique addition is a proximity sensor that activates with a simple wave, providing a quick snapshot of the current air quality. This comprehensive suite of features ensures that you have all the necessary information to monitor and optimize your indoor environment for a healthier and more comfortable living space. If you need to assess the radon levels in a multi-story building I understand if you don’t want to buy several Airthings View Plus units at such a price tag, but then you could at least invest the money for a good device once and use the same unit to analyze various areas of your home month by month as an alternative.
Final thoughts
Despite the potential confusion caused by multiple apps, the Airthings View Plus stands tall as a high-performing, feature-packed device. Its advanced capabilities more than justify the price tag, positioning it as a valuable addition to any home or office keen on maintaining optimal indoor air quality and safety. Even after a months-long period of testing, I did not encounter any issues and I don’t know a better solution to recommend to you.
YouTube: Airthings View Plus Review – Promotional video clip
Photo credit: All images shown are owned by Airthings.
Editorial notice: We received a free test unit to create the Airthings View Plus review but were not paid by Airthings to produce the test article.
