How often do you really know what you're breathing inside your home? We're constantly focusing on outdoor air quality, but indoor air can be surprisingly problematic, impacting everything from sleep and energy levels to long-term health. That's why we built the Smart Hut ESPHome Air Quality Monitor – a comprehensive, DIY indoor air quality monitor that puts you in control.
The Smart Hut ESPHome Air Quality Monitor isn't just another sensor; it's a full-fledged environmental monitoring station. Packed with seven always-on sensors, it provides a truly detailed picture of your indoor environment. We're talking:
- PM2.5 & PM10: These are the fine particulate matter sensors, critical for tracking dust, pollen, and smoke. (Knowing these levels can drastically impact allergies and respiratory health!)
- CO2: Levels directly impact alertness and cognitive function. Too high? Time to open a window!
- TVOCs (Total Volatile Organic Compounds): Detects off-gassing from furniture, cleaning products, and more – a common source of indoor air pollution.
- Humidity & Temperature: Essential for comfort and preventing mold growth.
- Air Pressure: While less critical, it’s a nice-to-have data point for a comprehensive picture.
Beyond the Numbers: Integration & Action
The data itself is only half the battle. We're using [mention microcontroller - e.g., ESP32, Raspberry Pi Pico] to collect and transmit sensor readings, and the Smart Hut ESPHome Air Quality Monitor is fully compatible with Home Assistant! This means you can:
- Visualize your data in beautiful, customizable dashboards.
- Track trends over time and identify potential problems.
- Set up automated alerts: "PM2.5 levels too high? Turn on the air purifier!" "CO2 levels rising? Get a notification to open a window!"
- Integrate with other smart home devices for automated responses.
Why We Built It & What's Next:
We were concerned about the air quality in our home and wanted a more detailed solution than what was commercially available with better integration with Home Assistant that didn't rely on cloud services or proprietary apps.
We're still refining the Smart Hut ESPHome Air Quality Monitor, and future plans include adding a display and exploring different sensor types. We're excited to share this project with the Hackaday community and hear your feedback!