I’m Putting My Radon Worries to Rest With a Gadget That Puts Test Kits to Shame

For the past few months, I’ve been using a new method to monitor radon levels in my home, and it sounds like the future of the home. air quality testing. Gone are the days when you had to order a one time kit and wait for the results if you were concerned about radon levels. Airthing’s latest Corentium Home 2 smart monitor it takes care of you.

Radon is a notorious, invisible, radioactive gas that seeps from the ground in certain areas (especially the American Midwest and northern states). Depending on the geology and location, it can gather in homes, especially in basements and other places close to the ground. High levels of radon can cause cancer, so if you live in a dangerous area (not the fun kind), it’s important to have your home inspected and possibly take additional measures, such as installing plastic barriers.

Airthing radon monitor it makes what was once a tedious, time-consuming task easier. Getting caught? It is more expensive at around $200. But if you’re concerned about radon levels and monitoring other air quality metrics in your home, it’s a permanent solution that’s well worth the cost.

How the Airthing radon sensor works

The battery-powered Corentium Home 2 sensor doesn’t really require “setup” like most smart home devices do. Like one of mine favorite air quality monitors from SwitchBotyou simply activate the batteries in the Airthings sensor and let it run.

That takes time at first. You’ll want to give the sensor at least a few hours — preferably a full day — to track readings in one area and establish a radon baseline. The monitor then creates an effective measurement so you can view results over time — an important measurement, as radon levels can fluctuate and are something a test kit can’t capture.

I live in a mountainous desert area where radon is not much of a concern, so my baseline is low, about 1.2 to 1.7 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). But know that if the numbers keep falling between 2 and 4, especially around 4, you need to take steps to protect your home.

Can you count on the accuracy if you choose this sensor over a test kit? Airthings collects air through a passive diffusion chamber and analyzes it with Alpha spectrometry, a widely accepted method for analyzing radioactive particles. The company reports that its device has a range of 0-250 pCi/L and accuracy within 10% after taking at least a few days to sample your breath.

While I haven’t found any specific certifications for the Corentium Home 2, there are accounts online of radon testers who say Airthings are nearly as accurate as their professional devices.

Smarter communication and more power

If that was all the Airthings monitor did, it would be a useful addition to it home security. But it has many other capabilities, too, especially if you’re willing to download the app. The app allows you to check radon levels over time easily, and Bluetooth connectivity makes the setup process very easy.

The app also makes it easy to check the other two sensors on the Corentium Home 2. One constantly monitors the humidity and the other monitors the temperature. That can be helpful in determining if a room needs a humidifier or dehumidifier for better air quality, or if humidity levels are healthy for a greenhouse or a window full of plants.

If you want more information or your radon levels are concerned, there is also an Insight tab to provide tips, as well as how to get a pollen forecast for more air information. Settings allow you to change measurement units and thresholds, and set phone alerts when radon/humidity/temperature reaches certain levels.

You can access the humidity and temperature at any time on the monitor itself by pressing its button, so the application is completely unnecessary. However, we prioritize the app in my home (what else would you expect from a smart home organizer?) and I prefer to use it when customized results are just a tap away.

Final thoughts on Airthings Corentium Home 2

Say goodbye to boring test kits. This new air quality monitor from Airthings is the future of radon detection in homes and businesses. If you live in an area that can get high levels of radon, it is one of the best ways to inspect your home inside and out, and know that you need to take action. Plus, using it is as easy as inserting AA batteries.

Additional temperature and humidity sensors are nice to have and give this monitor a role beyond radon detection. I like the app connection; it’s easy to review the results later, but it’s not necessary if you prefer to stick with the monitor’s on-board readings.

No Matter support here for extended automation (like making your own the thermostat for example, in terms of temperature), and the price is high at around $200, but it is an improved response to radon hazards for anyone willing to spend the money.