Assessing indoor air quality with the Testo Smart Tools

Much of our time is spent indoors, meaning our health is directly tied to substances apparent in offices, warehouses, stores and even our homes.

If a high number of pollutants persist in any of the aforementioned environments, our health may suffer as a result. Poor wellbeing can lead to higher health care costs, lacklustre productivity and even irritability.

In light of this, many businesses and property owners contract HVAC R technicians to test indoor air quality (IAQ) at their locations. To assist these mechanics, Testo Australia released its line of Smart Probes: small, efficient and convenient devices equipped with mobile compatibility.

Smart Probes: Accommodating the mobile workforce

The mobile workforce is more than just a growing phenomenon, it’s an established presence. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) noted that 29 per cent of Australians have disconnected from fixed-line telephones, using mobile phones as their primary means of communication.

In addition, 21 per cent of Australians rely on smartphones to access the web as opposed to using fixed internet connections. Therefore, many of the nation’s residents are relying on 3G and 4G networks.

Recognising this trend, Testo’s Smart Probes connect directly to iOS and Android devices using Bluetooth, feeding measurement data to smartphones via the Smart Probes App. All data can be shared, documented and organised through mobile devices, and users don’t have to worry about establishing physical connections with the devices.

Measuring IAQ

The Smart Probe set comes with eight probes, each of which is catered to deliver a particular function. In regards to IAQ, there are a few devices that can provide applicable measurements:

• testo 605i – Thermohygrometer : Allows technicians to check ambient air temperature and relative humidity in ducts as well as ambient environments.
• testo 805i – IR Thermometer: Enables professionals to check temperatures at walls, registers and AC component surfaces. In addition, mechanics can assess AC system fuses and circuit breakers.
• testo 410i – Vane Anemometer: Measures air velocity, volume flow and temperature.
• testo 405i – Thermal Anemometer: Measures air volume flow, velocity and temperature at cross-duct sections.

As mentioned, all of the devices listed above have Bluetooth connectivity. Readings, calculations and other details are presented through smartphones, reducing the amount of equipment and devices HVAC R mechanics have to bring on site.

If you want to know more about how the Smart Probes can help you measure IAQ, speak with Testo Australia today.