Temtop M2000
In the post-COVID-19 aftermath the effects of long-COVID are still somewhat unknown, but what has become an inpact for some is difficulty with breathing. In an effort to help with my own breathing (and to get a sanity check on how healthy my home is) an investment in an air quality meter (the Temtop M2000 2nd) was made. This device reports on not only the CO2 levels but the amount of particulates in the air, including those dangerous to our health.
Packaging
The first thing noteworthy about the device is that it comes in a relatively solid protective case. The foam inside is high-density so it should take small impacts without issue. One weak point is the handle, where the rivets holding it on aren't that tight and so there is some play. That said, overall its a nice touch compared to some devices that come in much simpler/less robust packaging.
A nice protective case for the device, though the handle isn't great
A good amount of dense foam protects the device, with space for the charging cable
Navigation
Using the device is very simple, with a menu interface controlled by the buttons below the screen. The screen is also clear to read (the pictures don't do it justice) even when in relatively bright light outdoors. There aren't too many menu options which does make it simple to use, though there is a secondary menu within each stat page which provides more advanced options.
Navigation is simple through the menu using the controls
Stats
The device provides a one-shot view that shows you all of the stats on-screen at the same time. While this is nice, the one thing I find lacking with it is that it doesn't appear to warn you visually if the stats are moderate/unhealthy (compared to the single-stat views). This view does mean you need to understand the scales for each reading, though I suspect this is more for people wanting to take a single picture showing all of the stats for reference.
Examining the individual stats provides a simple view, this time with an audio indicator (when readings are moderate/unhealthy) and a visual indicator (good/moderate/unhealthy). You can also open the advanced menu which provides some additional functionality, including the chart view. The later is great for examining an environment over time to see how things change (i.e., opening a window to let fresh air in during the day). I've found this especially helpful when analysing the CO2 levels in my office as the ventilation previously hasn't been good.
The summary view is useful for a one-shot glance
The view of each stat is clear to read
The chart starts on a 60-minute basis and then scales the longer you leave it
Measurements
The 2nd generation of the M2000 supports a mix of sensors including CO2, PM2.5, PM10, particles, and HCHO. It's tricky with this device to get an accurate baseline as without other devices to compare against you can't be 100% certain of the accuracy, however you can see readings adjust in real-time in specific situations. The CO2 levels being high in my office due to closed windows/vents was rectified by opening a window on both sides of the house, showing a change in levels within minutes. The particulate measurements also showed concerning differences when moving from room to room, specifically when around a tumble dryer that throws a large amount of fluff (and likely microfibres) into the air.
Usage
With the work-from-home lifestyle being more common post-lockdown, having a healthy environment is something that in my opinion should be assessed. The readings I have seen for my own environment have definitely been eye-opening and I will continue to track the readings (using the built-in data logging) to see what can be improved overall.