This tool demonstrates the “Gas Chamber Effect”—how quickly two people breathing in a sealed 200 sq ft box can raise CO2 levels to brain-fogging concentrations. It simulates the rise in parts-per-million (PPM) over a single night of sleep.
It also includes a “Sensor Tech Check” section, explaining why cheap “eCO2” sensors (found in many budget monitors) are often useless trash compared to NDIR (Non-Dispersive Infrared) sensors.
Tiny House Air Quality Sim
CO2 Buildup & Sensor Technology Guide.
1. Room Parameters
Know Your Sensor Tech
Avoid these. They don’t actually measure CO2. They measure VOCs (smells) and use a math formula to guess the CO2 level. If you peel an orange or use hand sanitizer near them, they will false alarm. Common in cheap generic monitors.
Non-Dispersive Infrared. These use a laser to count actual CO2 molecules. They are accurate, stable, and essential for life safety in a sealed tiny house. Look for “NDIR” explicitly on the box (brands like AirGradient, Aranet4).