Review on Temtop C1 CO2 Monitor
I needed a simple and easy to use monitor that could sit in the living room and keep me updated on the state of the air in the room. This compact sized £43 device from Temtop seemed to fit the bill. This monitor detects and displays the current Carbon Dioxide (CO2), humidity and temperature levels of the room it is in.
In the box was the air monitor itself, a USB cable, a dual position mounting stand and a well written and easy to read user guide. Although made entirely from plastic, the monitor feels well made, robust and has a quality feel to it.
The monitor has a clear and easy to read non backlit LCD screen with icons for alarm status, Battery/Charging Status, Operating Mode, and numerical displays for C02, temperature and humidity levels. On top are the power and mode buttons and in the centre the C02 measuring intake slot. On one side is the temperature and humidity intake grill and on the other the USB-C power port. On the rear is the magnetic mount strip and along the top the CO2 measuring outlet grill.
What does it measure?
CO2 - detection range: 400-5000PPM. An optional alarm can be set which will sound when the level becomes unacceptably high. C02 levels are detected with an accuracy of ± 5%
Temperature - detection range: -10-60°C (14-140°F).
Humidity - detection range: 0-99%RH
There are two operating modes - Eco, which samples once every 10 minutes and Performance (Automatic) which samples every minute. Use the top panel button to select modes, with a screen icon indicating the current selection.
Along the centre of the screen, there is a thick display line changing from green to red with a checkmark indicating the current C02 level. In general, you don't need to start worrying too much until it reaches the red. At this point, the audio alert can be set to sound. The LCD screen also displays the real time C02, humidity and temperature levels in large and easy to read characters. It is a pity there is no option for screen backlighting.
The monitor has a built-in 800mAh Lithium Polymer rechargeable battery although it can be left permanently plugged in. The front panel LED shows the current battery status when charging, although there is also an on-screen graphic showing the battery level when in use. It will work for around 70 days in ECO mode from a single charge, or up to 30 days in Performance (Automatic) mode.
It should work straight from the box but over time it may need recalibrating to maintain accurate results. To do this take the device outside and long press the power and mode buttons, the screen will flash and will count down from 200 seconds. When the countdown ends the calibration is down and you can take the unit back inside.
This is a nice little meter that just sits there and gets the job done with no complicated calibration, configuration or other messing about needed. For the price, it's a pretty good buy.