Indoor Air Quality Devices

Indoor Air Quality Devices

Some of the finest names in healthcare, including Indiana University Health, Nomi Health and even the Boy Scouts  (not to mention the University of Michigan Health System and Stanford University) rely on Sonicu to provide robust continuous temperature monitoring for their cold and frozen environments.

These respected brands turn to Sonicu for four primary reasons: 

• Real-Time Monitoring: the sensors collects temperature data and transmit it wirelessly to SoniCloud - our cloud-based platform.
• Operational Efficiency: Virtually eliminate the need for tedious and costly manual logging 
• Compliance Automation: Respond to virtually any regulatory audit or inspection in a few clicks with our reports section
• Asset Protection: Detect and respond to any temperature excursion that can threaten virtually anything perishable: food, drugs, vaccines, research, etc. 

When you combine these four significant feature benefits, our clients average about $80,000 of savings for every 100 hospital beds. 

At non-healthcare-related locations without beds, it’s not hard to imagine the time savings alone by simply not having staff manually record temperatures several times per day. 

Our customers stay with us thanks to our American-based customer support which is never more than a phone call away. 

While our technology is intuitive and powerful, we know it’s only as strong as the people who stand behind it. 

You can learn more about how we support our customers in their own words HERE> 

Founded in 2008 in Greenfield, Indiana, Sonicu began manufacturing noise monitoring to protect vulnerable infants in neonatal intensive care units, and has evolved to monitor and protect a diverse set of sensitive conditions and environments such as Indoor Air Quality monitoring.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) devices are designed to measure and monitor the quality of air indoors. 

The common features of ourIndoor Air Quality device may include:

1. Air Quality Sensors: An IAQ device typically has sensors that measure various air quality parameters such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM).
2. Real-time monitoring: IAQ devices provide real-time monitoring of indoor air quality, which allows users to make informed decisions about how to improve the air quality.
3. Display: An IAQ device usually has a display that shows the current air quality levels and alerts users when the air quality falls below a certain threshold.
4. Data Logging: IAQ devices also have the ability to log and store data over time, which can be useful for identifying trends and patterns in the air quality.
5. Wireless Connectivity: Many IAQ devices now come with wireless connectivity, allowing users to access the data remotely through a smartphone or computer.
6. Alerts and Notifications: IAQ devices can also send alerts and notifications when air quality falls below a certain threshold or when there is a sudden change in the air quality.
7. Integration with smart home systems: Some IAQ devices are designed to integrate with smart home systems, allowing users to control the air quality and receive alerts through their smart home devices.

Overall, the common features of an Indoor Air Quality monitoring device are designed to provide users with real-time information on indoor air quality, allowing them to take steps to improve their health and well-being.

You can learn more about how our software helps compliance professionals in these case studies: 

Nomi Health: Fast installation, simple deployment

Problem: A rapidly growing healthcare technology startup needed to scale quickly and monitor cold chain storage devices nationwide.

Solution: Implement Sonicu's temperature probes with a central command center for enterprise visibility, allowing fast and easy training for reps across the country.

CleanSlate: Addiction Treatment Centers

Problem: A Boston-based addiction treatment center needed an affordable and simple monitoring solution for their facilities across the United States.

Solution: Choose Sonicu for its affordability and ease of self-installation, supporting the center's mission to manage growth and improve service delivery nationwide.

UHS: South Texas Health System, Edinburg

Problem: Fire alarm testing disrupted the environmental conditions in Operating Rooms, causing compliance and operational challenges.

Solution: Implemented Sonicu's environmental monitoring system, which allowed the facility manager to monitor conditions via a mobile app and resolve issues with the HVAC system triggered by fire alarms.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Particulate Matter (PM) are two of the most important parameters for measuring indoor air quality. The most common parameters for measuring VOCs and PM associated with IAQ are:

• VOCs:
  • Total volatile organic compounds (TVOC): This parameter measures the total concentration of all volatile organic compounds in the air, including both harmful and harmless compounds.
  • Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a common indoor air pollutant that can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and other health issues.
• PM:
  • PM2.5: This parameter measures the concentration of particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. PM2.5 is associated with respiratory problems and other health issues.
  • PM10: This parameter measures the concentration of particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less. PM10 can also cause respiratory problems and other health issues.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) devices that measure VOCs and PM typically use sensors to detect and quantify the concentration of these pollutants in the air. The sensors are calibrated to measure these specific parameters, allowing users to monitor indoor air quality and take action to improve it if necessary.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is important because it can significantly impact the health, comfort, and well-being of building occupants. Here are some reasons why IAQ is important:

1. Health: Poor IAQ can lead to a wide range of health problems, including respiratory illnesses, allergies, and other health issues. Exposure to pollutants such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter can also cause serious health problems.
2. Comfort: Good IAQ is essential for occupant comfort. Poor IAQ can cause unpleasant odors, stuffiness, and discomfort, which can negatively impact productivity and well-being.
3. Productivity: Good IAQ is also important for productivitycan lead to decreased productivity and increased absenteeism.
4. Energy Efficiency: IAQ is also important for energy efficiency. Poor IAQ can lead to increased energy consumption as occupants may need to open windows or use air conditioning more frequently to maintain a comfortable environment.
5. Legal Requirements: Many countries have legal requirements for IAQ in workplaces and public buildings. Building owners and operators have a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy indoor environment for occupants.

Overall, IAQ is important because it can significantly impact the health, comfort, productivity, and well-being of building occupants. By monitoring and improving IAQ, building owners and operators can create a safe and healthy indoor environment that benefits everyone.

There are several steps that a building owner can take to improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in their building. Here are some strategies:

1. Regular Maintenance: One of the most important things that a building owner can do is to regularly maintain their HVAC system. This includes changing filters, cleaning ducts, and inspecting the system for any signs of mold or other contaminants.
2. Proper Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in the building by allowing fresh air to enter the building and properly exhausting indoor air. Proper ventilation helps to reduce indoor air pollutants and increases the flow of fresh air into the building.
3. Control Humidity: Maintaining the proper humidity level in a building is essential for controlling the growth of mold and other indoor air pollutants. Using dehumidifiers and air conditioning systems can help regulate humidity levels.
4. Use Low VOC Products: Choosing low-VOC materials and cleaning products can help to reduce the amount of harmful chemicals in the indoor air. Look for products that are labeled as low or no VOC.
5. Indoor Plants: Plants can help to remove indoor air pollutants and increase oxygen levels. Consider placing plants around the building to help improve IAQ.
6. Education and Training: Educate and train building occupants on proper behaviors and practices that can help to improve IAQ such as proper ventilation, use of cleaning products, and use of building materials.

By implementing these strategies, building owners can help to improve the IAQ of their building, creating a healthier and more productive indoor environment for occupants.

You can learn more about how our software helps compliance professionals in these case studies: 

Exide Technologies: Advanced Compliance and Monitoring Solutions

Problem: Exide Technologies faced challenges with air quality management, needing to comply with stringent environmental health and safety regulations. Their legacy systems required manual logging and were not capable of providing the necessary real-time data for air pressure and quality monitoring.

Solution: Sonicu provided Exide with a mobile and flexible air pressure differential monitoring system that could be moved easily between locations as project conditions changed. This system offered continuous pressure data, real-time alerts for any deviations, and automated reporting that adhered to regulatory requirements, significantly reducing manual logging and enhancing operational efficiency.

MiraVista Diagnostics: Enhancing Efficiency and Compliance with Sonicu

Problem: MiraVista Diagnostics faced significant challenges with its legacy temperature monitoring system, which was server-based, lacked alert capabilities, and required time-consuming manual processes. This not only cost them resources but also risked their compliance with stringent ISO regulations.

Solution: Sonicu provided a comprehensive solution with 40 wireless temperature probes capable of monitoring freezers, refrigerators, incubators, and ambient room temperatures. The cloud-based platform enabled 24/7 monitoring, real-time alerts, and automated reporting, significantly reducing manual labor and improving operational efficiency.

Chef's Commissary: Simplifying Temperature Monitoring with Sonicu

Problem: Chef's Commissary faced significant challenges with manual temperature monitoring, which was time-consuming and prone to error, impacting the quality consistency of their premium frozen hors d'oeuvres and desserts.

Solution: Sonicu provided Chef's Commissary with a user-friendly temperature monitoring system, which included 8 self-installed temperature monitoring points. This system allowed for 24/7 temperature monitoring of critical areas, significantly reducing the manual effort required and enhancing quality control.

Ignoring Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) risks can have serious consequences for the health, comfort, and productivity of building occupants. Here are some of the risks of ignoring Indoor Air Quality:

1. Health Risks: Poor IAQ can lead to a wide range of health problems, including respiratory illnesses, allergies, headaches, and other health issues. Exposure to pollutants such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter can also cause serious health problems.
2. Reduced Comfort: Poor IAQ can also lead to discomfort for building occupants, such as unpleasant odors, stuffiness, and other issues. This can lead to decreased productivity and dissatisfaction among building occupants.
3. Decreased Productivity: Poor IAQ can negatively impact productivity, causing decreased performance, increased absenteeism, and other problems that can affect the bottom line of a business.
4. Legal Liability: Building owners and operators have a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy indoor environment for occupants. Failure to do so can lead to legal liability and financial consequences.
5. Increased Energy Consumption: Poor IAQ can also lead to increased energy consumption as occupants may need to open windows or use air conditioning more frequently to maintain a comfortable environment. This can lead to increased energy costs and carbon footprint.

Overall, ignoring IAQ risks can have serious consequences for building occupants and building owners. By taking proactive steps to improve IAQ, building owners can create a healthier and more productive indoor environment, benefiting both the occupants and the bottom line.

“Sonicu has been a powerful tool to identify which units are behaving out of spec and get our team
to fix them before we have a serious issue.”
Tim Livesay, Director, Hancock Regional Hospital Pharmacy Director