This project enhances the IKEA Vindriktning air quality sensor by integrating additional components, including sensors for CO₂, VOCs, temperature, humidity, and a mmWave presence sensor, in addition to the original PM2.5 module. These upgrades transform the basic device into a comprehensive, presence-aware environmental monitor while preserving its minimalist design and compact form factor.
HLK-LD2410/ mmWave
The mmWave presence sensor uses low-power radar to detect even subtle movements—like breathing—within a room. Unlike traditional motion sensors that rely on infrared and line-of-sight, mmWave can sense through certain materials and detect presence even when someone is sitting still. This makes it ideal for smart home applications where accurate, real-time occupancy detection is essential.
ENS160+AHT21 Sensor
The ENS160 is a digital air quality sensor designed to monitor indoor pollutants such as total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and equivalent CO₂ (eCO₂).
It uses metal-oxide sensing technology combined with on-chip algorithms to deliver reliable air quality readings, helping to assess ventilation needs or detect pollutant spikes in real time.
Paired with the AHT21 sensor, which provides accurate measurements of temperature and relative humidity, this setup enables comprehensive environmental monitoring. The temperature and humidity data are also used to compensate the gas readings from the ENS160, improving accuracy and consistency across changing indoor conditions.
PM2.5 Sensor
The PM2.5 sensor monitors fine particulate matter suspended in the air, specifically particles with diameters of 2.5 micrometers or smaller. These particles are often produced by combustion sources such as vehicle exhaust, cooking, and industrial emissions, and can penetrate deep into the respiratory system.
Using laser scattering technology, the sensor detects and quantifies airborne particles in real time, providing critical data for assessing indoor air quality. Its readings are essential for identifying pollution events and evaluating the effectiveness of ventilation or air purification systems.
In this project, the PM2.5 sensor serves as the foundation of the environmental monitoring setup, offering high-resolution insights into the air’s particulate concentration.
By combining sensors for particulate matter (PM2.5), CO₂, VOCs, temperature, humidity, and presence detection, this enhanced device offers a holistic view of indoor air quality. Each sensor contributes a critical piece of the environmental puzzle—from identifying invisible pollutants to recognizing occupancy and adapting responsiveness in real time. This comprehensive monitoring allows for informed decisions on ventilation, purification, and comfort control, ultimately supporting healthier indoor spaces and promoting long-term respiratory and cognitive well-being.
Home Assistant Card
The custom Home Assistant Lovelace card developed for this project presents environmental data from the enhanced IKEA sensor in a clear, intuitive interface. Real-time readings from all onboard sensors—including PM2.5, CO₂, VOCs, temperature, humidity, and presence—are displayed using dynamic icons and color-coded values, making it easy to interpret indoor air quality at a glance.
The card supports customizable thresholds and healthy range indicators, providing immediate visual cues when levels exceed recommended limits. Its adaptive layout responds to presence detection, ensuring the most relevant data is shown when a room is occupied. Inspired by the Flower Card by Olen, this component integrates seamlessly into any Home Assistant dashboard while offering advanced functionality tailored to the upgraded sensor module.
Full source code, configuration samples, and usage instructions are available on GitHub: 👉