We get it. You’ve read the research, you understand the benefits of monitoring CO₂ in your school, and you’re committed to creating the healthiest possible environment for your students and staff. But standing between that and reality is a pile of boxes, a tangle of power cords, and a lingering question: Is this going to be a technical nightmare?

The thought of installing a new network of devices across an entire campus can feel intimidating, especially when your focus should be on education, not IT. But it doesn’t have to be.

Let’s simplify the process and get you from unboxing to up-and-running with a step-by-step guide to navigate you through a straightforward and painless installation. 

What is a CO₂ Monitor and Why Does it Matter?

A CO₂ monitor is an electronic sensor that measures the concentration of carbon dioxide gas in the air, typically measured in parts per million (ppm). Since humans exhale CO₂, the level of CO₂ in an occupied indoor space is a primary indicator of how well that space is being ventilated with fresh, outdoor air.

The impact of ventilation on the learning environment is significant, and well-documented by independent research. Poorly ventilated classrooms with high CO₂ levels can directly hinder student achievement.

For example, a comprehensive 2011 study on elementary school students found that for every unit increase in the ventilation rate, the proportion of students passing standardized tests was expected to increase by 2.9% for math and 2.7% for reading. A separate 2022 analysis from the IZA Institute of Labor Economics reinforced this, demonstrating that a one standard deviation increase in daily peak CO₂ during a school term leads to a 0.10 standard deviation decrease in test scores. These findings show a clear, measurable link between the air students breathe and their ability to perform academically.

The Alertify AQ+ Device: A Multi-Metric Approach

While CO₂ is a critical indicator of ventilation, it’s only one piece of the indoor air quality puzzle. Alertify’s AQ+ devices provide a more extensive environmental profile by monitoring several key metrics simultaneously.

The Alertify AQ+ device tracks:

• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): To gauge the freshness of the air.
• Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5, 5, and 10): Tiny airborne particles that can affect respiratory health.
• Temperature and Humidity: To ensure a comfortable and safe learning environment.

This approach gives users an overview of their indoor environment to provide insight into their overall air health and comfort. 

Steps To Setting Up With Alertify

Step 1: Strategic Sensor Placement

Before you install any devices, a placement strategy is essential for collecting accurate data. The goal is to measure the air in highly occupied spaces. A floor plan is your best tool for this. Your list of locations should prioritize:

• Every Classroom: This is the most critical area where students and staff spend the majority of their day.
• The Library: A space for quiet focus that can become surprisingly crowded.
• The Gymnasium: Important for assemblies and physical activities that cause CO₂ levels to rise quickly.
• The Cafeteria & Staff Lounges: Any place where groups gather.

For best results, place your devices away from direct airflow from windows, doors, or vents to avoid skewed readings if possible.

Step 2: The Initial Alertify Setup

The Alertify setup process is designed to be user-friendly. 

Device Setup Procedure:

Create an Alertify Account

• Go to your Alertify Dashboard and create an account with your email and password.
• Keep your login details nearby for later use. 

Download the App

• Install the Alertify Property Monitoring app.
• Login with your account details.

Prepare Wi-Fi Information

• Take note of your WiFi network name (SSID) and password. 
• Ensure the correct capitalization, case sensitivity will prevent successful connection if the information is incorrectly added. 

Plug In The Device 

• Connect the device into an outlet that is in a frequented location.
• Take notice of the LED lights, they should be:
  • Solid Green
  • Solid Red
  • Flashing Green 
  • Flashing Green (or the reverse if the device is upside down)

Connect Device to The App

• Open the Alertify app 
• Select the icon ≡ in the top left corner and then tap the option to “Add device”.
• Follow the set up instructions:
• Enter in WiFi name and password.
• Give your device a name (e.g. Library Device) 
• Once connected you will receive a confirmation notification in the app. 

Register Device

• Open the Alertify Dashboard (mobile or desktop). 
• Select the “Devices” tab. 
• Your device should show under “Unassigned Devices” with the name you gave the device (i.e. Library Device).

Create a Building 

• Go to the “Manage Buildings” tab.
• Select “New Building” and enter in your building name and location and select “Save Building”. 

Create a Unit

• Go to the “Units” tab.
• Select “New Unit” and then enter in your details (e.g. type of dwelling) and select “Save Unit”. 

Assign Device to Unit

• Go to the “Devices” tab.
• Under “Unassigned Devices” select the option “Assign Unit”. 
• Select your device and click “Assign to Selected Unit”. 

Monitoring Preferences

• In the “Units” tab, select your device. 
• Choose “Monitoring Settings” and configure alerts for:
  • Smoke
  • Noise
  • Temperature
  • Occupancy
• Enable temperature metrics and set your timezone. 
• Adjust your noise decibel levels and alert times on the left-side menu. 

Notification Preferences

• Go to the “Notifications” tab.
• Add your email and phone number.
• Enter the confirmation codes sent to each. 

Step 3: Monitoring CO₂ with the Alertify Dashboard

Alertify displays CO₂ as a live, 24/7 view of air quality on the Alertify Dashboard. This allows users to monitor the environment without receiving constant notifications.

The Alertify dashboard is your management page. From here, you can view all of your active devices, manage their settings, and download historical data reports for analysis and record-keeping.

The First Step to a Healthier School

The process of implementing a CO₂ monitoring system may seem like a daunting task but it is a series of straightforward and manageable steps thanks to Alertify’s simplicity and user-friendliness. It is an investment that will bring clarity not only to your environment but the minds of students and faculty across campus. Learn more about CO₂ monitoring in schools for a deeper dive into the importance of indoor climates and its impact on education.