How to build a home air quality monitoring station?

How can this be done without incurring very large expenses? We will show you step by step how you can set up a home air quality monitoring station. This will allow you to keep track of the most important parameters and take steps to at least slightly reduce pollution (we have written about how to do this in other articles).

Here are simple instructions on how to build an air quality monitoring station yourself:

1. Choose a location - choose a room in your home that is well ventilated and not exposed to direct sunlight.
2. Prepare the necessary materials - you can, of course, buy a ready-made monitoring device, but if you decide to make it yourself, you will need them:
   • Raspberry Pi or microcontroller, e.g. Arduino
   • Air quality sensor, e.g. PM2.5/PM10 sensor, CO₂
   • Temperature and humidity sensor, e.g. BME680 or BME280
   • Display for presentation of results, e.g. LCD
   • Connecting cables
   • Prototype board
   • Power supply or batteries
   • An enclosure, such as a plastic box.
3. Sensor connection
   • Connect the temperature and humidity and air quality sensors to the Rasperry Pi or microcontroller using the connection cables. 
   • Connect the display to read the measurement results.
4. Programming the device
   • Download and install software, such as the Arduino IDE or other suitable software for your microcontroller.
   • Find and import the libraries needed for the sensors and display.
   • Use the imported libraries to display the results on screen.
5. Installation and calibration
   • Start the microcontroller and check that all sensors are working correctly.
   • Compare the results with other sources (e.g. local air quality monitoring stations) to ensure that your device is working properly.
6. Installation of stations
   • Place all components in the enclosure, making sure that the sensors have access to air.
   • Fix the housing in the location of your choice.
7. Data collection and analysis
   Regularly analyse the data you collect to see how air quality changes according to equal factors, such as time of day or weather.
8. Interpretation of results
   • PM2.5 level - particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres. High levels can be harmful to health.
   • PM10 level - particles with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres. Can cause respiratory problems.
   • The level of CO₂ 
     - up to 1000 ppm: this is the optimum level of CO₂ in well-ventilated areas.
     - 1000-2000 ppm: at this level of CO₂ discomfort such as headache or drowsiness may occur.
     - above 2000 ppm: this level of CO₂ can cause more serious health problems.
   • Humidity and temperature
   • When monitoring air quality, it is also a good idea to keep track of the temperature and humidity. The optimum temperature we should maintain in our homes is 20-22 degrees Celsius. The humidity, on the other hand, should be kept at 40-60 per cent.

Whether you buy a ready-made device or make one yourself, an air quality monitoring station is really worth having. By regularly checking and analysing the measurements, we will be able to better understand how different factors affect air quality. This is a great way to increase environmental awareness, care for the environment and, consequently, your health.