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Airthings View Plus Review Rating
Summary
The Airthings View Plus is a superb indoor air quality monitor being able to monitor all the standard air quality risks that other IAQ devices monitor, but also being able to monitor radon. This, therefore, makes it the most thorough IAQ monitor I am aware of for consumers.
Pros
Monitors more IAQ factors than any other monitor I know of
Web dashboard allows you to process all the data easily
IFTTT to automate actions based on the readings
Cons
Expensive
Limited data on the display
Since taking an interest in Indoor Air Quality and using and reviewing air purifiers I have found my hay fever and breathing has improved quite a bit.
With so many people suffering from allergies and breathing issues I think air quality is an area of health that is becoming increasingly important to people.
I have previously reviewed the Airthings Wave Plus and recently Airthings launched their most advanced indoor air quality monitor to date, the View Plus.
This has 7 sensors that cover almost everything you want from an IAQ monitor, the only exception being carbon monoxide. Airthings are also the only company that I know that monitors radon, one of the leading causes of lung cancer.
Specification
Sensors: Radon, particulate matter (PM2.5), Carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature, humidity, airborne chemicals (VOC), air pressureDisplay: 2.9” 296128 pixels ePaperVisual indicator: Red/yellow/green glow indicatorLong battery life: Up to 2 years (depends on sensor interval and WiFi router)Optional operation on USB-C (runs from batteries if removed)Supports wall mounting or placement on tableWireless connection: WiFi or Airthings SmartLink (with Hub)Bluetooth for on boarding and daily use configurationHub functionality: Enabled when connected with WiFi and USB-C cable is plugged into device (not compatible with Wave Radon 1st Gen SN: 2900xxxx)Works With: IFTTT, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Set-Up
Set up was straightforward. Just download the app, sign up, pull the tab out of the battery and start the normal pairing process for most smart home devices.
It seems a bit old fashioned to use AA batteries and it uses six of them too. Though they last 2 years so it shouldn’t be too annoying to change them.
You can optionally use the USB-C cable and I would have thought it would make more sense to use a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Using USB, the Airthings View Plus can act as a hub for other Airthings sensors.
In Use – Device Display
The device display uses an e-ink and has a limited amount of data available. I like the use of e-ink, it helps prolong the battery and doesn’t generate any glare, but it would be good to have more information than two variables on the display at once.
As well as the display there are l are two sensors and a LED indicator. This then allows you to wave your hand in front of the display to get an idea of the air quality.
Personally, I haven’t bothered to use the hand gestures much, setting up push notifications on my phone seems to make more sense
App & Web
The mobile app is good. When you first open it the device sync via Bluetooth which takes around a second. I only have one sensor but it would list all the sensors available if you have multiple.
Clicking on the sensor gives you your current air quality readings and an air quality rating. Then clicking on any of the readings provides you with historical data.
In my case, the data and readings are somewhat predictable. I live in a coastal town with light to medium traffic and no industrial pollution.
Thankfully there are no concerns with radon and all the air quality problems follow a trend of human behaviour. My office has high Co2 levels in the morning when I am working, I obviously breathe too much. Then the PM2.5 levels consistently peak when I make lunch.
If my allergy and breathing problems were more problematic, I could then use this data to change my behaviour or open windows when I know air quality is low.
Web dashboard
Clicking on the web dashboard link provides you with a slower interface but more useful data where you can see it states the specific hour poor air quality is detected (if you click on the graph). Alternatively, you can view it on a big screen by logging into your account on a PC.
The date ranges go up to a year, so if you are being proactive about improving the air quality, hopefully, you will see the air quality trend improve over time.
Web dashboard
IFTTT
Prebuilt applets
Or it is very easy to make your own applet
Using IFTTT you can create smart home automation that can proactively tackle issues with poor air quality, or warn you of problems.
I had hoped that my Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Pro could be auto-started when poor air quality is detected. Sadly Xiaomi Mi Home doesn’t work directly with IFTTT, some workarounds might be possible with OpenHAB and HomeAssistant. Alternatively, an IFTTT compatible smart plug would work and have the schedule of the Xiaomi set to 24/7.
If you have a Philips air purifier, you automate the process. Philips doesn’t have any pre-built applets but it is quite easy to create your own. I set up a simple applet that switches the air purifier on in my office when PM2.5 levels exceed 20 µg/m3.
Price and Alternative Options – Comparison of Airthings devices
The Airthings View Plus is priced at £259 and it is the most comprehensive indoor air quality monitor Airthings does.
They also have:
Home: £159Basic device to monitor RadonWave Radon: £169Lacks a display, no WiFI monitors radon, temperature and humidityWave Plus: £199Same as Wave Radon but also monitors VOCs, CO2 and pressureWave Mini: £69Small affordable Wave device, does not monitor radon or CO2 but does warn of mould riskView Pollution: £169Has a display and WiFi, just like the Plus, doesn’t monitor pressure, CO2, VOCs or RadonView Radon: £169Monitors radon but not VOCs, CO2, pressure or particulate matter.
So, the View Plus is by far the most advanced.
As for competing brands, none monitor radon.
The best alternative is the IQAir AirVisual Pro for around £250 it has a big colour display.
Overall
The Airthings View Plus is a superb indoor air quality monitor being able to monitor all the standard air quality risks that other IAQ devices monitor, but also being able to monitor radon. This, therefore, makes it the most thorough IAQ monitor I am aware of for consumers.
It is very expensive, but all indoor air quality monitors feel quite expensive for what you are getting. I assume the cost is high due to the accurate sensors required to make these devices.
The integration with IFTTT is useful as it allows you to automate the process of improving your indoor air quality. However, it does make me wish there were other home automation systems that work with it. Being able to integrate this with Home Assistant would give you unlimited automation options.
Overall, if you are serious about improving the quality of the air within your home, this is about as good as it gets.
Last update on 2022-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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