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AirGradient ONE (I-9PSL): The Ultimate Air Quality Sensor for Home Assistant

Did you know we spend nearly 80% of our time indoors and that the air at home can be more polluted than outside? Here I review the AirGradient ONE (I-9PSL), an open-source air quality monitor that became the missing piece in my smart home setup.

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AirGradient ONE (I-9PSL): The Ultimate Air Quality Sensor for Home Assistant

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What is the AirGradient ONE (I-9PSL)?

It's a 9-in-1 sensor built to measure with scientific-grade accuracy what we breathe indoors. Unlike closed commercial monitors, this device is fully open-source, meaning the data is yours, with no mandatory cloud services or subscriptions.

What does it measure and why does it matter?

  • PM2.5, PM1, PM10 (Particles): PM2.5 are the most harmful to health. The WHO recommends annual levels ≤ 5 µg/m³.
  • PM0.3 (Count): Ideal for event detection (cooking smoke, sprays, or vaping).
  • CO₂ (NDIR SenseAir S8): Real infrared measurement. If levels exceed 1000 ppm, cognitive performance drops and it's time to ventilate.
  • TVOC/NOx (Indices): Identifies spikes caused by cleaning products, gas cooking, or paints.
  • Temperature and Humidity (SHT40): Essential for comfort and preventing mold growth.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The device stands out with its 1.3" OLED display and a fully configurable RGB LED bar.

  • Kit vs Assembled: You can buy the DIY kit to save (about €100 difference) or the pre-assembled unit. The latter includes certifications (RESET, CE, FCC), a factory calibration report, and a 1-year warranty.

Setup and Integration with Home Assistant

Setup is very quick:

  1. Connect via USB-C.
  2. Join its Wi‑Fi network by configuring the SSID and password.
  3. Home Assistant will automatically detect it thanks to its native integration (version 2024.6 or later).

The Control Panel (Dashboard)

I've designed an advanced card using button-card that lets you see everything at a glance:

  • Single click: Shows the temperature chart.
  • Double click: Shows the humidity chart.
🔗 YAML card code: You can find my full configuration in this GitHub Gist.

Smart Automations

Having data is useful, but having your home act on it is better. Here are some ideas:

  1. CO₂ ventilation: If CO₂ exceeds 1000 ppm for 5 minutes, send a notification to your phone or to a Ulanzi Pixel Clock.
  2. PM2.5 purification: If particles rise above 15 µg/m³ (e.g., when frying), automatically turn on the purifier.
  3. Night mode: Dim the LEDs and display automatically between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
  4. Smart ventilation: If you also have the outdoor sensor AirGradient Open Air, only suggest opening windows if outdoor air is cleaner than indoors.

Pro Maintenance Tips

  • Placement: Position it 1–1.5 m high, away from direct drafts and not flush against the wall.
  • ABC Calibration: The CO₂ sensor auto-calibrates every 7 days. You only need to ventilate the room thoroughly once a week so it can take a 400 ppm baseline.
  • Cleaning: Gently blow through the vents occasionally to prevent dust from affecting the particle laser sensor.

Where to buy

If you are interested in any of the options mentioned, here are the available links:

Conclusion

If you're looking for accuracy, privacy, and seamless integration with Home Assistant, the AirGradient ONE is likely the most solid and affordable option on the market when compared to professional-grade sensors.

Note: This article contains affiliate links that help support the channel at no extra cost to you.

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