Air Quality Overview

The Air Quality Index NJ (AQI) is a tool created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to let people know how clean or polluted the air is. It was originally designed to help protect people from unhealthy air caused by things like smog and ozone. Today, it also helps guide when backup power generators can be used or tested.

AQI guidelines are most commonly applied to larger commercial generators, especially those rated over 50 kilowatts (KW). These generators can contribute to air pollution, so their use—particularly for testing or maintenance—is often restricted when air quality is poor.

Each state and city may have its own rules, but all have guidelines about when generators can be run. That’s why it’s important to understand your local air quality regulations and to check the AQI in your area before using or maintaining a backup generator.

Select the closest city from the list below in order to check your air quality. If you do not see your city, you can always head over to AirNow.gov to check!

Air Quality Morris County NJ

Air Quality Essex County NJ

Air Quality Union County NJ

Air Quality Bergen County NJ

Air Quality Passaic County NJ

Air Quality Passaic County NJ

Air Quality Middlesex County NJ

Air Quality Somerset County NJ

Air Quality Sussex County NJ

Air Quality Warren County NJ

Air Quality Hunterdon County NJ

Air Quality Monmouth County NJ

Air Quality Mercer County NJ