Host an Air Quality Sensor
The Healthy Air Network works with community partners to identify homes, organizations, and businesses interested in hosting air quality sensors. These sensors help expand local air monitoring coverage and provide valuable information about air quality in our communities.
Three Ways to Get an Air Sensor
- For Organizations: Apply to receive up to five free air sensors through the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Air Sensor Program.
- For Individuals: Complete our Air Sensor Interest Form or contact us directly to learn about available sensor hosting opportunities in your area.
- Purchase Your Own Sensor: You can purchase a PurpleAir sensor independently and work with the Healthy Air Network team to have it calibrated and added to our monitoring network.
What is Needed to Host a Sensor?
Hosting a sensor is simple. To install a sensor, you will need:
- Access to an outdoor electrical outlet
- A Wi-Fi connection that reaches the installation location
- A suitable mounting location
PurpleAir sensors are compact and lightweight—approximately 4″ x 4″ x 4″ and weighing only 0.25 pounds. Installation typically requires just a few screws and minimal setup.
Recommended Sensor Placement
To ensure accurate data collection, sensors should be installed in a location that meets the following guidelines:
- Within 6 feet of an outdoor power outlet
- Within 100 feet of a Wi-Fi router
- At least 6 feet above ground level
- Away from exhaust vents, chimneys, or other sources of direct emissions
- Mounted on a flat surface that can accommodate screws
- Protected from direct weather exposure, such as under an eave or overhang
- Easily accessible for occasional maintenance
- Clear of nearby structures or devices that could interfere with airflow
Already Have a PurpleAir Sensor?
If you or your organization already owns a PurpleAir sensor, we can help integrate it into the Healthy Air Network.
To ensure consistent, high-quality data across the network, all sensors must be calibrated by the Yale School of Public Health. This process requires the sensor to be temporarily removed and shipped to Yale for calibration before being added to the network. Once calibrated, the sensor can be installed and displayed on the Healthy Air Network map alongside other community monitoring locations.
Interested in Participating?
Whether you would like to host a new sensor, apply for free sensors through DEP, or add an existing sensor to the network, we encourage you to reach out to Francheska Bermudez.
- Email: Fbermudez@publichealthwm.org
- Phone: 413-795-7302
Our team and regional partners are happy to answer questions and help determine if your location is a good fit.
For detailed installation and connection instructions, please refer to the Healthy Air Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
Last modified: September 21, 2026
