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*[http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/450864/9a9604b47a/1644501438/350674c508/ CO2 vs VOCs]
People often ask us about the differences between CO2 (carbon dioxide) sensors and VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) sensors. While both can be used to measure indoor air quality (IAQ), these sensors are not interchangeable. They measure very different things.
A CO2 sensor is designed to control the ventilation rate in occupied spaces. People are the principal source of CO2 in indoor air.
Whereas outside air carbon dioxide levels tend to be relatively low and constant, an indoor CO2 measurement can be used to determine whether a room or building is occupied. In other words, higher levels of CO2 correspond to larger numbers of people inside, and therefore, the rate of air exchange required.
Unlike a CO2 sensor, a VOC sensor cannot indicate the rate of ventilation needed, only the level of VOCs in the air. It also cannot necessarily indicate whether safe or harmful concentrations of VOC contaminants are present.
Instead, VOC sensors indicate a general change in the concentration of contaminants in the air. This makes VOC air quality sensors a better solution in applications where unusual, non-occupant-related sources (in a paint room, for example) periodically may be present.


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