Laser particle counters are handheld devices that can help you monitor indoor air quality by detecting particles as small as 0.5 microns. These include common allergens like pollen, fine dust, pet dander, and mold spores.
Knowing the size of these particles can be helpful when purchasing home air filters, an air purifier, or other appliances to help eliminate them and create healthier indoor air. Watch our video or use the links to find the info you want.
Watch our Video about Laser Particle Counters
- How Laser Particle Counters Work
- Features to Look for in a Laser Particle Counter
- Size Chart for Airborne Pollutants
- How You Can Improve Your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
How Laser Particle Counters Work
Laser particle counters use scattered light technology to detect particles of various sizes in any space. This data is expressed as the concentration of particles in a specified cubic-foot amount of air. Depending on the model of your particle counter, you may see the number of large particles and the number of small particles displayed separately.
Particle size can vary from model to model, anywhere from as small as 0.3 microns as a minimum up to 25 microns as a maximum. Although it can't tell you what kinds of particles are being measured, you'll know how many particles (concentration) are in the air.
Features to Look for in a Laser Particle Counter
A fairly wide variety of laser particle counters are on the market for a similarly wide range of prices. While commercial particle counters are highly accurate and sensitive to very tiny particles, they're also on the high end of the price range and may be overkill for home use.
Laser particle counters designed for home use have a handful of features that simplify taking and analyzing particle counts.
- Particle Size Sensitivity: Most residential laser particle counters can detect particles larger than 0.5 microns. But if you have severe allergies, you might need one with increased sensitivity to smaller particles, as small as 0.3 microns.
- Fast Sampling: Look for a particle counter that provides quick sampling, from just a few minutes to a matter of seconds. With fast results, you'll be able to take action sooner.
- Multiple Sampling Modes: This gives you more options for analyzing the air's particle count. For example, continuous mode samples air non-stop, while intermittent mode samples air at set intervals.
- Data Storage: It can be helpful to understand particle count over time to track trends of seasonal highs and lows. A particle counter that logs and stores data makes tracking and comparing counts simple, enabling you to see how an air purifier or other IAQ improvement is working.
- Size and Weight: There can be several rooms needing a particle counter. A model that is easily mobile will make this process easier.
Size Chart for Airborne Pollutants
| Particle Size Chart | |
|---|---|
Particle Type |
Size in Microns |
Dust Mite |
250 - 300 microns |
Pet Hair |
50 - 150 microns |
Pollen |
7 - 100 microns |
Mold Spore |
10 - 30 microns |
Pet Dander |
2.5 - 10 microns |
Airborne Bacteria |
1- 10 microns |
Dust |
0.1 - 100 microns |
Smoke Particles |
0.01 - 1 micron |
Once you have an idea of the concentration of large and small particles, you can use an allergen test kit to find out the types of particles in your air.
How You Can Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Tracking the particle count can help you determine the most effective treatment for your home and then see how well it's controlling the allergens. Here are some suggestions for reducing allergy-triggering particles in your home.
- Change Your HVAC Filter: If the particle count is consistently high, you may need to upgrade to a filter with better filtration. MERV ratings indicate the size of particles captured by the filter
- Consider Purchasing an Air Purifier: An air purifier can reduce particles in your home and give you fresher, healthier air. A HEPA air purifier will trap particles as small as 0.3 microns.
- Change Your Air Purifier Filter: Air purifier filters need to be replaced regularly, but to avoid changing them more often than necessary, you can test the air coming out of the outlet to be sure.
- Run Your Air Purifier on a Higher Speed: Air purifiers operate at several speeds, and many include a Turbo mode. To remove particles during high-count seasons, use this mode or high speed to eliminate them quickly.
- Change Your Vacuum Filter: Another tactic is to replace the exhaust filter in your vacuum cleaner. This is especially true if you have a HEPA vacuum. Test the exhaust of your vacuum to be sure. If particle counts are high, it's time to replace the filter. If you have severe allergies, you may even want to consider purchasing a HEPA vacuum if you don't already have one.
Do I need a Laser Particle Counter for My Home?
Laser particle counters are simple devices that count tiny particles polluting your indoor air. Based on the size and concentration, you can know best how to eliminate them using one of a variety of methods, from furnace filters to HEPA air purifiers.
For more information on laser particle counters and other solutions to improve your air quality, browse our products and visit our Knowledge Center. Not sure what's best for you? We can take the guesswork out of decision-making. Contact one of our air treatment specialists at 1-800-934-9194. We want to help make your indoor environment healthy and comfortable.
