Where to find the battery indicator
The battery indicator is available in the Business Dashboard for all battery-powered Airthings devices.
It provides an estimate of the remaining power in the device's batteries:
100% indicates new batteries.
0% means the batteries are depleted and need replacement.
You can also check the battery level on the Status page of the building.
Accuracy
The accuracy of the battery indicator depends on the type of batteries used in the device. AA batteries are typically either based on Lithium or Alkaline and have a different voltage output and lifetime depending on type and quality.
When an Airthings device is powered up by inserting batteries, it tries to detect the type of batteries based on several factors. It measures the voltage from the batteries over time to estimate the power left in the batteries - and is very accurate in optimal conditions.
If the device for some reason draws more power than expected (excessively powered on/off, bad RSSI, led flashing often because of wave-gestures, etc.), or if the quality of the batteries is not within the expected range, the detected battery life and the battery indicator will not be aligned.
Battery replacement detection
In some cases, the device may fail to recognize a battery replacement and mistakenly assume that the removed batteries have been reinserted. This often occurs when switching between battery types before the original batteries are fully depleted.
For example, lithium batteries have a higher starting voltage than alkaline batteries. If partially used lithium batteries are replaced with new alkaline batteries, the device might interpret the alkaline batteries as the original lithium batteries due to their similar voltage outputs.
Best practices for battery management
Use lithium batteries:
Airthings devices are shipped with lithium batteries, which we recommend for replacements due to their longer lifespan and stable performance.Replace batteries proactively:
Replace batteries before they are fully depleted to prevent gaps in data.
Replace all devices at a location during the same visit to minimize follow-ups.
Track battery replacements:
Keep a record of replacement dates to plan ahead for the next service visit.
Avoid relying solely on the battery indicator, as external factors can affect accuracy.
Set up alerts:
Use the dashboard to configure alerts (dashboard.airthings.com/alerts) via email or third-party services. These alerts notify you when a device goes offline, serving as a reminder to replace batteries promptly.
