Autopilot Desktop CO2 Monitor & Data Logger

You can get one for $60-$100 on amazon. I'd say it's worth it. What gets measured gets managed. If you can deduct such expenses, even better. And the effects on cognitive function of high co2 are stark, according to the linked article.

These two had good reviews on amazon. Same company, one keeps a log, one just displays current. I ordered the one with a log.

https://www.amazon.com/Autopilot-Desktop-Monitor-Data-Logger...

https://www.amazon.com/Autopilot-APCEM-Desktop-CO2-Monitor/d...

I got this model several months back and have been really happy with it: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FYWU2IS/

I got it to monitor CO2 levels in a house without central air. It's pretty amazing how quickly it rises without the air on or a window open. If the air in a room feels "stuffy", it's probably over 1000 ppm.

The only solution is moving. Your place probably violates housing code from the sounds of it.

But if you want to be sure, you can get a decent co2 monitor for less than $100. I use this one: https://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-Autopilot-Desktop-Monitor-L...

People on this thread mention co2 monitors can't be so cheap, but I'm under the impression this is actually measuring co2 and not o2/vocs. Can anyone confirm?

You're likely living there as your economic circumstances compel it. I would say that if the sensor shows a high co2 number, you should carefully consider all options you have in your life and see if there is any way out of this situation.

If the studies are correct about high co2's effect on cognition, sleep etc then this home environment is likely contributing to keeping you in whatever situation you struggle to escape from.

(If $90 is too much, you can perhaps borrow one from someone local)

I have two of these. They seem pretty accurate, and respond quickly to breathing on them, window opening, etc https://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-Autopilot-Desktop-Monitor-L...

Can anyone confirm if they are actually measuring co2 directly? Some people in this thread say actual co2 sensors are more expensive than this.

Iirc the laseregg works fine with no connection. It can be connected, but isn't necessary.

My co2 sensors have no connection either: https://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-Autopilot-Desktop-Monitor-L...

I don't have any domain knowledge on CO2 monitors, but I use this one: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FYWU2IS/

It's a greenhouse CO2 monitor, which is the most common kind. I've heard that they're not as accurate as CO2 monitors that are designed for humans, but those tend to be much more expensive.

That and even relatively smart people aren't above health neuroticism.

"$BAD_THING might happen to you watch out!" Omg. Might need one of these[0]; they say this one's a good model.

0: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FYWU2IS/?pldnSite=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FYWU2IS/

It works well.

I use this one https://www.amazon.ca/Autopilot-Desktop-Monitor-Data-Logger/...

To answer the second half of your question, you can pick up one of these to measure CO2 level (1). Some specific things to check would be the kitchen while cooking, or the bedroom overnight.

If you live in a moderate climate, rather than an HEV, you can likely get away with just running bathroom exhaust fans for a portion of the day; you can get switches that will do this automatically.

1: https://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-Autopilot-Desktop-Monitor-L...

tl;dr: also leave your furnace fan in the on/recirculate mode rather than auto.

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Also if you have a central furnace, leave the fan in the on/recirculate mode, rather than 'auto'. The power usage of modern furnace fans is very minimal, and the effect on air quality is significant. Especially if your furnace has a fresh air intake, which most do.

You can combine that with periodically cracking windows or running bathroom or stove exhaust fans (could even install a switch to automatically run the bathroom fan on a daily schedule). When things are sealed up, the furnace won't pull in a lot of outside air (but the recirculating still helps a lot), and then when you have an exhaust path (fan or window), it will pull in more. Then it's just a matter of finding out how much to exhaust. A bit each day should be fine, or you can get more precise with a CO2 sensor like [1]. Especially in a closed bedroom overnight, it's amazing the difference you'll see with the furnace fan and/or an exhaust fan running, or a window open.

1: https://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-Autopilot-Desktop-Monitor-L...

Here is an excellent CO2 meter if you seek one for home or office use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FYWU2IS/

I can vouch for the monotonic rise or fall in its displayed values as affected by ventilation.