Fluctuations in PM1 readings are often not a sign of a malfunction but are influenced by a combination of environmental and technical factors.
Here are the primary reasons why you might see this behavior:
PM1 consists of ultra-fine particles, many of which originate from outdoor sources like industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust. If windows are open or outdoor air is entering the home, these external sources can cause sudden and significant spikes in the readings.
The sensor does not provide a live, second-by-second reading. Instead, it operates on a periodic sampling basis, updating the measurement approximately every 10-15 minutes. This means you will see the data update in distinct intervals, which can appear as sudden jumps or drops rather than a smooth, continuous line.
The sensor is highly sensitive and can sometimes be influenced by other common household airborne substances that are not necessarily harmful PM1 particles. This can include aerosols from cooking, cleaning sprays, or even high humidity, which might temporarily cause an elevated or inconsistent reading.