How to choose an air quality meter
By Grant, Inspection Tool Specialists. Reviewed November 2026.
Three things decide which air quality instrument you need: what you must measure (particles, a specific gas such as CO2 or formaldehyde, or several parameters at once), whether you need spot readings or continuous logging, and whether the result must be reported against a standard. Answer those first.
What are you measuring?
| Parameter | Typical use | Instrument in our range |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 and ventilation | Offices, schools and occupied rooms, to judge ventilation | PCE-AQD 50 CO2 monitoring system |
| Formaldehyde and TVOC | New furnishings, renovations, indoor air checks | DT-900A formaldehyde and TVOC meter; PCE-VOC 1 |
| Several indoor air parameters | General indoor air quality surveys | DT-9681 multi-parameter meter |
| Dust and PM | Workplace dust, PM2.5 and PM10 monitoring | PCE-RCM 10 dust monitor; PCE-RCM 16 analyser |
| Particle counting | Cleanrooms, filter checks and particle sizes | PCE-MPC 10 particle counter; PCE-MPC 20 |
| Air sampling for collection | Sampling air for later analysis | PCE-PCO 1 portable air sampler |
Spot readings or logging?
Handheld meters give a reading at a point and time. Monitors and loggers record over days or weeks, which shows patterns such as the effect of occupancy or ventilation. For a survey that must be reported, choose a logger or a counter with a record, and check how the data is stored and exported.
Calibration and records
Some of our air quality instruments are listed with an ISO calibration certificate included in the price, such as the PCE-CMM 8-ICA and the PCE-PQC particle counters. For other models, ask us whether a certificate is available and what it costs. Keep the record of each check and the conditions at the time of measurement.
Price guide
As a guide to our current range, including VAT: formaldehyde and CO2 meters from about R6,300 to R21,600; multi-parameter and dust meters from about R7,800 to R10,700; particle counters from about R15,900 to R30,000; ISO-calibrated particle counters from about R90,800 to R136,000. Prices change, so check the product pages and confirm the calibration each quote includes.
Questions we will ask you
Tell us what you need to measure, where and for how long, whether you need spot readings or logging, the particle sizes or concentration range that matter, the standard or report you must meet, and whether a calibration certificate is required. With that we can recommend an instrument and provide pricing.