Frequently Asked Questions

Currently the IAQ is a fully "build it yourself" project - we provide the list of parts, instructions, and open source code. You put it all together. We may sell a full kit of parts + the case if there is enough interest. Add a comment to this Github issue if you are interested!

The least expensive IAQ (the "IAQ Lite") can be assembled for about $60 USD. This includes the cost of a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W and utilizes just the VOC/eCO2 sensor. For a fully stocked IAQ with all three sensors (true CO2, VOC, particulates)  the full cost is about $190. To see all of the parts options, check out the hardware guide.

The IAQ is based on a Raspberry Pi 3, 4 or Zero 2 W. Only the model 3A+ or Zero 2 W fit in the custom case. For the full parts list, see here.

The IAQ is designed to be used with three different sensors: CO2, Particulates, and VOC (volitale organic compounds) - you can use any or all of the supported sensors depending on your needs. For more information, see our sensor page.

The IAQ supports two different displays: A two character bi-color LED matrix, or an eight segment multicolor bar graph. The bar graph is about half the cost of the matrix display. For more information about these parts, see our hardware guide.

We provide the STL files so you can print the case yourself with a 3D printer. Alternatively, you can use a third party printing service. We may also be selling a kit of parts + a case if there is enough interest. Add a comment to this Github issue if you are interested!

balenAir is dedicated to letting consumers take control of their personal environmental data. Not only is the project entirely open source, but all the information generated by the IAQ stays on the device, unless a user chooses to aggregate it with others. balenAir's business model is to eventually sell hardware and other environmental data services - but the core of  IAQ will always remain free to build and use.

The IAQ case is 4" w x 3" h x 2.75" d (10cm x 7.5 cm x 7cm) and weighs about 6 oz. (170 g) - for full specifications, see our documentation, which also has links to all of the sensor datasheets.