Short-term indoor air monitoring
Short-term indoor air monitoring
A spot reading captures one moment. A short-term deployment — typically one to four weeks of continuous data — captures the full working pattern of a space, including the days and hours where problems actually appear. It is the fastest way to convert a complaint into evidence.
Typical deployment
What a short-term survey covers
Short-term programmes are designed to answer a specific question quickly — is the system delivering enough fresh air, are particulates spiking, is a new material releasing VOCs?
1–4 wk
Spans at least one full working pattern.
1–5 min
Continuous logging captures peaks.
CO₂ · PM · VOC · T · RH
Core IAQ and comfort metrics.
Written report
Findings and recommendations per zone.
Targeted investigation
Sensor placement focuses on the spaces and zones tied to the complaint or commissioning question — not the whole estate.
Calibrated instruments
Reference-grade CO₂, optical PM and PID-based TVOC sensors deployed at breathing height with quality-controlled data.
Lab confirmation
Where chemistry is suspected, sorbent tubes and DNPH cartridges add laboratory speciation of VOCs and formaldehyde.
Fast turnaround
Report typically issued within two weeks of survey close, with clear pass / observe / action verdicts per zone.
When to use
Typical short-term monitoring scenarios
Occupant complaints (stuffy, drowsy, headaches); commissioning verification after HVAC changes; lease-event and dilapidations evidence; spot investigations triggered by changes in cleaning chemistry or new furniture; and pre-step into a longer programme.
Often a precursor to long-term indoor air monitoring or pairing with indoor air quality data logging infrastructure.
Benchmarks
Reference values used in short-term reporting
| Parameter | Reference value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CO₂ | < ~1000 ppm occupied | CIBSE TM40 |
| PM2.5 (24-h) | < 15 µg/m³ | WHO 2021 |
| PM10 (24-h) | < 45 µg/m³ | WHO 2021 |
| TVOC | < 500 µg/m³ | WELL v2 Air |
| Operative temperature | 20–24 °C / 23–26 °C | CIBSE Guide A |
| Relative humidity | 40–60 % | ASHRAE 55 |
Commission a short-term monitoring survey
Targeted 1–4 week IAQ deployment with calibrated sensors and a written report.
Request a survey quoteRelated services
Specific parameters