Why Collecting Clear and Accurate Indoor Air Quality Data Is So Important

If you live in a city, then you’re probably well acquainted with air quality forecasts. They give you some insight into how clean the air is outside so that you can plan accordingly, mostly by choosing not to spend too much time outside when it’s bad. We put all that effort into measuring the quality of the air outside, but what about indoor air quality?

If anything, measuring indoor air quality and making effective use of that information is even more important than outdoor air quality forecasts. We spend more time inside, in closer proximity to other people. The quality of the air inside offices, schools, malls, nursing homes, and other facilities has a huge impact on the quality of life of the people who spend time there.

Not only that, but air quality also plays a major role in how property managers, maintenance teams, and HVAC companies plan and operate air purification systems. Measuring indoor air quality gives them the information they need to do their jobs more effectively, reducing operational demands, increasing efficiency, and ultimately saving money.

There’s nothing more important than the air we breathe. The ability to collect, analyze, and use indoor air quality carries significant benefits for everyone, and Sol-In provides a solution that makes this important task possible for organizations of all kinds.

Why Is Indoor Air Quality So Important?

You might not be able to see it, but the air you breathe is full of contaminants and pollutants. Even very clean air has some, but low-quality air has many more. There are many individual types of contaminants, dust, mold spores, volatile organics, pollen, and all kinds of germs and other nasty things that everyone would rather avoid. These pollutants can have a serious impact on the lives of those who breathe them in.

Unfortunately, air quality is worse indoors than it is outdoors. This comes down to the simple fact that there is unlimited ventilation outside, while even the best-designed building can only turn over the air inside so fast. This leads to higher concentrations of contaminants, especially if you’re in an indoor space with many other people.

With lower air quality, people tend to become tired, unenergetic, and unproductive. Given the amount of time people spend indoors at work, school, and other areas where they’re expected to be productive, this is a real problem. Improved indoor air quality helps people make the most of their days while also protecting their long-term health.

How Is Air Quality Measured?

There are many different devices that can measure certain contaminants in the air, many of which are used in specific industries to protect against specific hazards. Sol-In provides an indoor air quality measurement solution that relies on sensors that can detect a wide range of contaminants, providing the most accurate measurement of overall air quality.

These sensors are distributed throughout specific areas in different types of facilities to ensure proper coverage. Of course, different areas in any building are going to have varying levels of air quality. Those that are more frequently trafficked will face more air quality challenges, and the unique airflow and the HVAC systems in place will also have a significant effect.

By relying on multiple sensors, Sol-In makes it possible to have accurate measurements in any place at any given time. This provides management and maintenance teams with crucial information they need to make effective decisions regarding indoor air quality management.

How Is Indoor Air Quality Data Used?

Sensors alone can only provide a direct measurement of contaminant concentrations at any given time. This raw data is by no means clear to the average person. Without the proper context, the data can’t be used to make effective air quality management decisions or even communicate the current air quality in terms that most people can understand.

The Sol-In Index is the critical part of our solution that turns indoor air quality data into actionable information. This unique algorithm collects indoor air quality data and translates it into an intuitive value that lets anyone understand the current state of any area’s air quality. However, that is only the beginning of how the Sol-In Index lets organizations use air quality data.

By aggregating data from all sensors over time, Sol-In’s solution develops air quality prediction models. The cloud-based application uses machine learning and other cutting-edge developments to provide organizations with air quality forecasts and warnings that allow them to take a proactive approach to air quality management.

Of course, the system also provides real-time alerts as well. When air quality starts to drop in any area, the system provides immediate notice allowing management and maintenance teams to resolve any issue as quickly as possible. Sol-In gives organizations everything they need to maintain high indoor air quality standards in their facilities.

How Can Organizations Use Indoor Air Quality Data?

The indoor air quality data and analysis that Sol-In provides can help building owners, maintenance teams, and HVAC companies in several key ways. With more reliable information and actionable insights, they can implement better air quality management practices that improve air quality and reduce costs.

Many different types of facilities rely on air purifiers and other HVAC equipment to keep the air inside clean. However, operating and maintaining this equipment is a considerable challenge without accurate air quality data. Without that data, management and maintenance teams can only guess at how their equipment is working at any given time.

With real-time data, tracking, and analysis from Sol-In, organizations can track the performance of their HVAC equipment and its impact on indoor air quality. Trends can show when it’s the right time to change air filters and perform other routine maintenance. This takes out the guesswork, so organizations no longer have to choose between spending too much on excessive maintenance or living with low air quality due to a lack of maintenance.

Because Sol-In provides independent information on specific areas with distributed sensors, air quality management can target areas that need additional ventilation. Instead of simply operating at a steady rate that takes care of air quality most of the time, HVAC systems can be run when they’re truly needed, and resources can be allocated more efficiently.

By running equipment when it’s needed, organizations are able to save on energy and other operational costs. This isn’t just good for the company but good for the environment as well because less energy is being wasted where it isn’t truly needed.

This isn’t just for building managers and maintenance, though. These benefits also help HVAC companies. They’re able to qualitatively demonstrate the results of their systems and accurately diagnose the need for maintenance and repairs. This lets them achieve better results for their clients, keeping them happy and ultimately allowing them to grow their HVAC business.

Sol-In’s Indoor Air Quality Management System

Sol-In provides a solution for management and maintenance teams and HVAC companies looking to measure and analyze indoor air quality so that they can enjoy the benefits of improved air quality and better management and efficiency.

This IoT solution relies on distributed sensors that collect indoor air quality data in specific areas throughout buildings and facilities. This data is then fed securely to Sol-In’s cloud solution for industry-leading analysis.

The Sol-In Index turns raw air quality data into information that you can understand and use to improve indoor air quality management. This proprietary algorithm gives organizations the best possible insight into the reality of their indoor air quality in real-time and through trends and prediction.

Important air quality information is then returned to the Sol-In system on the organization’s end, providing them with a wealth of actionable insight. Through the management dashboard, organizations can view indoor air quality in real-time, receive automated alerts, and see forecasts of future conditions. Sol-In also provides a public view dashboard that can be used to demonstrate the current air quality to occupants and visitors with the intuitive Sol-In Index.

Sol-In’s solution is robust and versatile, providing reliable indoor air quality measurement and management to organizations and facilities of all kinds. Implementation is straightforward and fast, allowing organizations to take control of indoor air quality without disruptions.

Making the Most of Indoor Air Quality Management

If you’re responsible for the air quality management for any building, you can improve air quality and reduce costs with Sol-In. You can contact our team today to find out more about how our solution can meet your unique indoor air quality management needs.