The Importance of CO2 Monitoring

With concerns for indoor air quality, energy-efficiency and LEED points for commercial buildings, CO2 (carbon dioxide) monitoring is becoming more important.  While CO2 is not an air pollutant, it can have a negative effect on us when levels are too high.  Since CO2 is emitted with every breath, the more people in a space, the higher the CO2.  When levels rise, we tend to get sleepy and have trouble focusing, and some people even develop headaches.  For this reason it is important for occupants to have CO2 monitored to stay at a healthy level. 

In demand control ventilation, CO2 monitors allow the HVAC system to adjust the amount of outside air coming in based on the levels of CO2 in the building.  From an energy-efficiency standpoint, you want to bring in as little outdoor air as possible, but you do need outdoor air to offset air pollutants and CO2.  Demand control ventilation with CO2 sensors lets you adjust the ventilation rate to suit the changing needs of the space and thus saving energy costs during times of lower occupancy levels.

For commercial buildings looking to earn LEED points, CO2 monitoring can be a key component.  If this is something you are interested in, be sure to study LEED credit information before installing any monitors as there are specific requirements for the location of the sensors and calculating requirements.

Stromquist stocks a variety of  duct mount and wall mount CO2 monitors.  One to consider is Honeywell’s C7232A, a Non-dispersive Infrared (NDIR) wall mount sensor with an LCD display. If you have questions about CO2 monitoring or would like more information on other types of available sensors, someone at Stromquist will be glad to help you.