My air quality monitor gives inconsistent readings
Home Nura guide — category: Air Quality Monitors
Diagnosis
This symptom isn't trivial, but in most cases you can still fix it without calling in a technician. Work through the steps below in order and stop as soon as the problem clears.
Recommended steps
1. Unplug the device and let it cool. 2. Look over the parts you can reach for visible damage. 3. Follow the manufacturer's procedure (manual or official website). 4. If the fix means taking the device apart, stop and contact customer support so you don't void the warranty.
Repair or replace?
If the problem persists after these checks and the appliance is no longer under warranty, compare the repair estimate with the cost of a new model.
If you decide to replace it
Air Quality Monitors: the shortlist from our buying guide
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Best overall
Airthings View Plus
It combines radon, PM1, PM2.5, CO2, VOCs, humidity, temperature and pressure on battery or plug-in power: the most complete pick here.
Photo: © Airthings
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Best value
Netatmo Smart Indoor Air Quality Monitor
It tracks CO2, humidity, temperature and noise over Wi-Fi, with no subscription and Apple HomeKit support, so you simply know when to ventilate.
Photo: © Netatmo
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Best for reliable, portable CO2
Aranet4 Home
Its NDIR sensor and battery-powered e-ink screen show CO2 at a glance for years, and it moves easily from room to room.
Photo: © Aranet
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Other common problems in this category
These issues affect the same type of appliance — each one comes with a diagnosis and the recommended steps.
- Air Quality MonitorsThe batteries in my air quality monitor die within two weeks
- Air Quality MonitorsHow do I set the alert thresholds on my air quality monitor?
- Air Quality MonitorsMy air quality monitor shows constantly high CO2 levels even with the windows open
- Air Quality MonitorsThe measurement history on my smart air quality monitor has data gaps
Frequently asked questions
Usually, yes, if the failure shows up during the warranty period and isn't caused by misuse. A product in the Air Quality Monitors category bought new from an authorized retailer normally comes with a manufacturer's warranty: check its length in the manual or on the brand's website. Consumer protection rules also vary by province and territory, so keep your proof of purchase.
If you're still within the store's return window, a return or exchange is usually the fastest fix. After that, the manufacturer's warranty takes over: its customer support can arrange a repair or a replacement. Even outside the warranty, the manufacturer can often repair the device for a fee. Either way, keep your proof of purchase.
Our public methodology lowers the Nura Score /10 of any model in the Air Quality Monitors category whose recurring failures are documented in owner reviews. A model that breaks down too often never tops our rankings, whatever the brand.
Generally, yes. Routine maintenance, such as cleaning, replacing a gasket or recalibrating, is part of normal use and doesn't usually affect your warranty. Irreversible changes to the hardware are what can cause problems. For a product in the Air Quality Monitors category, stick to the steps described in the manufacturer's manual and read the warranty terms before going any further.
When a product fails in its first few months of normal use, the cause is usually a manufacturing defect. Contact the seller or the manufacturer with your proof of purchase and a description of the symptom: for a model in the Air Quality Monitors category that is still under warranty, this is the typical case for a free repair or replacement. Warranty terms vary by brand, so read yours.