There are a lot of aspects to consider when selecting the appropriate air quality monitor for your building. And if you already know which monitor to acquire, let’s work together to answer the second query: figuring out how many meters you actually need.
How Many Monitors of Air Quality Are Needed?
Of course, the exact specifications of your project will determine how many air quality monitors you require. Our recommendations for specific spaces are provided below. We advise implementing air quality in open areas and rooms that are frequently occupied.
Standard Spaces
Lobby/reception
Break room
Conference room (any size)
Collaboration areas (rooms or spaces)
Workstations
Multipurpose rooms
Game/rec rooms
Kitchens
Fitness centers
Restrooms/shower rooms
Mailroom/shipping & receiving
Labs
Building Standard WELL v2
The wellness of building inhabitants is the main focus of IWBI’s WELL certification scheme. One of WELL’s main goals is to raise awareness and encourage air quality monitoring because IAQ is so crucial to health and wellbeing.
Of course, the exact specifications of your project will determine how many air quality monitors you require. Installing air quality monitors in open areas and frequently used rooms is frequently advised. The following tiers of WELL monitor density guidelines, which are based on occupiable space, must be satisfied for projects to achieve certification requirements:
For projects with an occupiable space less than 3250 m2, the minimum number of monitors required is one every 325 m2 (3,500 ft2).
One monitor per 500 m2 [5,400 ft2] of occupiable space is required for projects with 3250–25,000 m2 of usable space (minimum 10)
One monitor per 1000 m2 [10,800 ft2] in occupiable areas (minimum 50) for projects with occupiable space more than 25,000 m2.
Throughout the project, monitors must be positioned to reflect all HVAC zones, building faces, and often utilized spaces such as conference rooms, open and private office areas, and lobbies.
Monitors should be placed in areas that meet the following criteria in addition to the necessary density:
The monitors are positioned vertically on a wall between 1.1 and 1.7 meters (3.6 and 5.6 feet) above the finished floor, in areas where people would normally be sitting or standing.
The minimum distance for sampling locations should be kept from doors, windows, air supply or exhaust outlets, air purifiers, and other possible impacts (such as humidifiers, cleaning supplies, printers, and photocopiers) is one meter (3.3 feet). It is advised that sampling locations be placed at least 5 meters (16.4 feet) away from exterior doors wherever feasible.
A minimum of 1 m (3.3 ft) must also separate temperature and relative humidity monitors from any significant source of heat or cold, such as direct sunlight, mechanical system supply outlets, fans, and heaters.