Choosing a suitable location for your AirGradient Open Air is important for ensuring the measurements you see are meaningful and consistent with the surrounding environment.

General placement recommendations

Height and orientation

• A mounting height of around 1 meter (100 cm) or higher above ground is commonly used

• The blue vent should face downward to allow proper airflow and reduce exposure to rain and debris

• Ensure that air can flow freely around the monitor

Sunlight and heat

• Shaded locations are generally preferred

• Direct sunlight or nearby heat-retaining surfaces (such as dark walls or concrete) may influence temperature readings

Airflow

• Open, naturally ventilated locations tend to provide more representative measurements

• Enclosed corners or areas with very limited airflow may affect readings

Nearby sources

• Placing the monitor some distance away from doors, windows, exhaust outlets, or air-conditioning units can help avoid localized effects on the data.

• If you are specifically interested in a nearby source, placing the monitor closer can be appropriate, as long as airflow remains unobstructed

Trees and vegetation

• It is generally better to avoid mounting directly on trees or within dense foliage

• Vegetation can limit airflow and may increase the likelihood of insects entering the sensor openings

Practical considerations

When choosing a location, the following practical aspects are also worth considering:

Power access

Both WiFi and Cellular Open Air models require a nearby power source.

Connectivity

For WiFi models, a stable WiFi signal is helpful. For Cellular models, general mobile coverage similar to smartphone connectivity is usually sufficient.

Accessibility

Occasional access may be needed for cleaning the vent or checking the device, so a location that can be reached safely is preferable.

Security

Locations that are visible but not easily reachable may help reduce the risk of tampering. In some cases, using the anti-theft screw can provide additional security.

Next steps

Once you are satisfied with the placement location, you can proceed with mounting the monitor using the instructions in the Mounting Guide.