Review: INKBIRD IBS-TH5 − All about Indoor Environmental Quality

The INKBIRD IBS-TH5 is a modern device designed to monitor and control indoor environmental conditions. With robust features and a user-friendly interface, this gadget is becoming a staple in homes and office spaces alike. In this review, we’ll delve into its technical characteristics, the importance of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), and key terms such as relative humidity, vapour-pressure deficit, and dew point.

Technical Characteristics of INKBIRD IBS-TH5

INKBIRD IBS-TH5 is a 2.4 GHz WiFi-enabled temperature and humidity monitor. It features a large and clear e-ink display, showing real-time data, and the ability to connect to your smartphone via a dedicated app. This allows users to monitor and possibly adjust their indoor climates from anywhere, at any time.

71″ e-ink Display
Temperatures Accuracy: ±0.36°F or ±0.2°C
Humidity Accuracy: ±1.8% RH
Built-in 2000mAh rechargeable battery
Built-in beeper
USB-C

The high-precision sensors ensure accurate readings. The data logger records and stores data for up to two years, providing valuable insights into long-term climate trends in your indoor environment. When the recording interval is set to 60 minutes (option for 30 min or 10 min available too), the device can work continuously for 12 months after a full charge.

The Importance of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

IEQ is a measure of the healthfulness of an indoor environment, with key factors including air quality, lighting quality, and thermal comfort. A poor IEQ can lead to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), a condition causing occupants to experience health issues when inside a particular building.

Maintaining optimal humidity and temperature is critical for both occupant health and the structural integrity of buildings. Excess humidity can lead to mold growth, causing respiratory issues and damaging building materials. On the other hand, low humidity can cause dryness, leading to skin irritation and respiratory discomfort.

Understanding Relative Humidity, Vapour-Pressure Deficit, and Dew Point

Relative Humidity (RH) is the amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount the air could hold at the same temperature, expressed as a percentage. High RH can feel ‘sticky’ or ‘muggy’, while low RH can feel ‘dry’.

Vapour-Pressure Deficit (VPD) is the difference between the amount of moisture in the air and how much moisture the air can hold when it is saturated. A greater VPD indicates drier air and a larger ‘deficit’. VPD is particularly useful for understanding plant growth conditions, as it affects the rate of water loss from plant leaves.

Dew Point is the temperature at which the air becomes saturated, and water vapor begins to condense into dew. When the dew point is close to the actual air temperature, the RH is high. When the two are far apart, the RH is low.

App

The INKBIRD app follows a similar modern aesthetic as the device itself with many options and metrics. If you connect the device to a WiFi and your phone you will also have information about the outdoor conditions on the app and the device display.

One of my favorite feature is the widget (small, medium, and large size) that can be placed anywhere on the phone screen and you can have information at a glance.

My Thoughts?

By accurately measuring and controlling RH, temperature, and understanding the concepts of VPD and dew point, we can create optimal conditions for comfort, health, and building integrity. The INKBIRD IBS-TH5 provides a simple and efficient way to do just that thanks to the large e-ink display or the app that allows us to trigger other devices in chain. I love e-ink displays because they don’t emit light and they don’t create distraction, at the same time they don’t require lots of energy allowing the monitors to run for a long period of time. Its real-time monitoring and data logging capabilities make it an indispensable tool in maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

All in all, the INKBIRD IBS-TH5 is a sound investment for those seeking to understand and enhance IEQ. Its robust feature set and user-friendly interface make it both a practical and accessible tool for maintaining indoor climate control. If you need more indoor environmental data, such as CO2 and PM2.5, you can check out INKBIRD Air Quality Monitors.