Technological advances within the field of thermometers, have allowed certain thermometers to begin to disappear, such as mercury thermometers which are already banned in many countries, and these are replaced by others to measure our body temperature, the ambient temperature or different surfaces.
In this article we will tell you what is and what is an environmental thermometer for, because in many cases it is not only enough to know the temperature of the people, it is also important to know the ambient temperature.
To discover the ambient temperature, It is necessary to use an environmental thermometer, not only do we have to trust what mobile applications or news predictions tell us, it is highly recommended to have an environmental thermometer to discover the real temperature of our home or the environment in which we find ourselves .
On many occasions, these predictions are not reliable, since many times, in rural areas or areas far from urban centers, it is more difficult to determine the temperature due to the lack of meters in the area.
What is an environmental thermometer?
El thermometer is an instrument used to measure temperature, since its invention it has evolved to reach the different thermometers that we find on the market.
Currently we find different thermometers to measure the environmental temperature, these use many types of meters that allow you to instantly assess those weather factors to determine the temperature.
To take an environmental measurement, the thermometer must span a common temperature range and then display it to determine exactly what the temperature is. For this data to be accurate, it is necessary to determine some issues so that this measurement is as accurate as possible.
For example, if we want know what the ambient temperature is outside of our home, we have to study very carefully where to place the measuring thermometer, since it is very convenient to keep the ambient temperature thermometer away from the sun's rays or any heat source, and place it in the shade where it will not be altered by any data.
On the other hand, if what you are looking for is measure the environment in a closed place, the room thermometer should be placed on a wall that does not receive hot / cold air currents or heat from any electronic device or stove.
The best environmental thermometers
If you are looking for an environmental thermometer good quality and at a fair price, these are some models that will interest you:
ThermoPro TP55
ThermoPro TP55 is one of the most popular models, since it is cheap and offers very good features. The first thing is its large backlit LCD screen and its stand to place it where you need it.
A 4” touch screen where you can see the measurements and make adjustments. Readings include maximum, minimum temperature, and also relative humidity thanks to its built-in hygrometer. The screen will appear if you are in the dry, comfort or humid zone, according to the levels read. The ideal thing to know if you have to use acclimatization systems or dehumidifiers so that it does not affect your health...
By the way, it works with AAA batteries, with great autonomy, and can be configured in degrees ºC or ºF.
TFA 30
It is a very simple model, but also very cheap. It only shows the current ambient temperature. Its simplicity makes it ideal for older people, since they will not have to complicate things to see the results. In addition, its screen shows the numbers in a large size, so you can see them even with vision problems.
Koch 66000
Until now, all the previous ones were indoors, but the Koch allows them to be placed both in indoors and outdoors, hanging it on the wall easily with a hook thanks to its rear support.
This analog thermometer is quality, finished in weather-resistant metal (aluminum), and can measure in a temperature range of between -40ºC and +50ºC, suitable for most places, whether very cold or very hot.
NOKLEAD NK5253
A thermometer with a large 3.34″ LCD screen in color to read more clearly even for the elderly or those with vision problems. No matter the angle, it can be read from anyone. In addition, it is CE certified and offers great quality, reliability and is environmentally friendly.
It also integrates an indicator of comfort zones in conditions DRY, Comfort, WET, includes a hygrometer to take readings of the humidity level, reaching ranges between -9.9ºC and 60ºC, while the humidity can range from 10% RH to 99% RH.
TFA Dostmann Cozy
Finally, the TFA has this other model of digital thermometer and hydrograph to measure temperature and humidity. It has a classic design, which simulates analog needles, but it is an LCD screen.
show the temperature between 0 and 50ºC, but since it is for the interior, it is an acceptable range. In addition, it can measure relative humidity from 20 to 95% (and has a needle that measures whether you are in the dry, comfort or humid zone), also quite wide. In addition, it has memory for maximums and minimums.
Tools for measuring temperature
In meteorological observatories, several tools are used to measure the variables that affect temperature, the basic tool is the environmental thermometer, but there are other tools that allow giving very reliable forecasts. Below we see them one by one.
- The gyrometer- A device used to measure temperature and absolute humidity. Absolute humidity is that which indicates in grams the weight of the water vapor that is in a volume of air. This value is always given in percentages.
- Mercury barometer: This tool is used to measure atmospheric pressure. A value that represents the pressure of a gas per unit area that is exerted perpendicular to the ground. The value is given in atmospheres or in newtons per square meter.
- Weather vane: it is a device that measures the direction of the wind, a tool used by meteorologists who need to make weekly forecasts.
- The anemometer: a device formed by three semi-hollow spheres that are placed on a vertical axis. This device is placed outside at a certain height. When turning, it measures the wind speed and uses a connected device that evaluates and lists the revolutions per minute to give a reliable result.
Different environmental thermometers
We find different models of environmental thermometers that have different uses and offer varied functions. This is because you don't always need to measure the same thing, we have to know how to choose the best environmental thermometer we need for our home, office or outdoors.
To control the climatic conditions of closed spaces, such as an indoor swimming pool, a meeting room, hospitals, offices, etc., it can be very useful a thermometer with a measure of carbon dioxide.
To analyze the environmental conditions of an open space, environmental thermometers with added anemometer functions, such as humidity, temperature, wind speed or carbon monoxide.
A highly demanded function in the environmental sector are these environmental thermometers that help us to record data, in addition to memorize temperature and humidity for a programmable period of time and then download that data and analyze it whenever required.
Types of environmental thermometer
Several types of environmental thermometers, such as:
- Indoor: They can be analog or digital, but they are designed to be kept inside homes. Some can be hung on the wall, others are portable if you want to take them wherever you are.
- From outside: similar to those indoors, but they are protected against the elements, with technology to make them impermeable to rainwater, resistant to the sun, dust, etc.
- Digital: compared to analog (gallium), the most popular currently are digital, since they show the data on a screen and in a more intuitive way. They are based on electronic temperature sensors. Its precision will depend on the type of sensor used.
- Analogical: They are based on liquids such as mercury (currently banned due to its toxicity), or gallium alloys (currently popular for being non-toxic). When the temperature drops or rises, the liquid contracts or expands through a glass tube through which it circulates freely to mark the temperature on the graduated scale. Accuracy will depend largely on the accuracy of the scale they include.
- Thermometer+Hygrometer: Many digital thermometers also include a hygrometer to measure humidity. This way you will obtain measurements of temperature and humidity (RH), two key factors for the comfort and well-being of living beings, whether they are people, pets or plants.
- Precision: They are thermometers specially designed for those applications in which precision is a crucial factor. The variation in taking measurements is very low, almost negligible.
What are environmental thermometers for?
As we are seeing, environmental thermometers are used to know the temperature that exists in a room or in a certain space. These are ideal for knowing the temperature exactly without having to rely on predictions from mobile applications or digital newspapers.
These environmental thermometers have a series of characteristics that make them unique, below we highlight the most important:
- These environmental thermometers they are perfectly calibrated and give maximum stability in measurements.
- The reading they offer it is simple and easy to read.
- They are simple to use and their handling is intuitive.
- Installation of the thermometer is very simple.
- They have a low consumption.
- Depending on the type, many offer a screen that is legible.
- Indicates shape accurate temperature and humidity among other values.
- Currently, environmental thermometers they have an attractive design and finish.
In many homes, offices or public spaces we find environmental thermometers that allow us to know the temperature in a reliable and very simple way. Go ahead and get your little weather station at home.
Where to place an environmental thermometer so that it is accurate
El best place to place an environmental thermometer It's in the living room, office, bedroom, or wherever you spend most of your time. If you only have one for the entire home or building, you should place it in an area that is as central as possible.
But remember that always dIt should be away from sources of heat or cold, so that the measurements obtained are as reliable as possible. For example, you should avoid:
- Near entrance or exit doors.
- Near a window.
- Near appliances or electrical appliances that can alter the measurements of the digital ones due to magnetism, or that give off heat and can alter the measurements even of the analog ones as well.
- Next to air conditioners, heaters, stoves, dehumidifiers, or similar.
- If you are going to put it abroad, it may depend on what you want to measure, to decide to put it in the shade or in the sun, depending on what temperature you are interested in knowing... In addition, there are areas or sides of the house that are colder and more humid than others depending on the orientation of the house with respect to the sun, or areas where the wind is stronger. You should consider that too...
Also, use common sense, and you should place it at a medium height. The reason is that hot air usually goes up and cold air goes down, therefore, at a medium height it is the best area so that the temperature does not change too much...
Is it worth buying an environmental thermometer?
Although some air conditioning units already include thermostats, a room thermometer may be necessary to know the temperature (and humidity). That way, you can achieve better well-being and health.
Also, you could even save energy, since you can always keep the room at appropriate temperature and humidity levels, whether you use heating, air conditioning or a dehumidifier.
An excess of temperature both upwards and downwards will mean a good increase in the electricity bill, so always having the temperature under control is vital.