Best hygrometers in 2024 – Comparison & Reviews

 

Top hygrometers this year – Guide & Comparative Analysis

 

Looking for the best indoor hygrometer? We have you covered. Thanks to our detailed research process, we have managed to come up with a series of models that are truly worthy of your consideration. Based on what we have found about it, the ThermoPro TP55 is the unit you should give some thought to. This monitor can let you know the temperature and humidity levels of your room, and the neat thing about it is that it can be utilized and installed both conveniently and efficiently. The 4-inch backlit display that it has been outfitted with means the world to someone who tends to wake up in the middle of the night to check if everything is right. Besides, in the course of twenty-four hours, this alternative can let you know both the highest and the lowest reading that it has recorded. Should the ThermoPro TP55 no longer be available, we suggest opting for the next best option, the AcuRite 01083M Pro Accuracy.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

Whether you are looking for the best hygrometer for reptiles or indoor use, you have come to the right place. Following weeks of extensive research, we have come up with a guide that can help you in finding the right model for your specific needs. Read on to learn how to make an informed decision.

What type are you looking for?

There are roughly two kinds of hygrometers you can select from the plethora available for sale these days. Some are made to serve just one purpose while others are designed to be thermo-hygrometers. What this means for you is that these devices can measure out both the humidity and the temperature of the room you place them in.

Of course, opting for a 2-in-1 alternative is always tempting, and that’s because you will be able to make the most of it. In our experience, however, those devices made to fulfill your every wish and desire will most likely fail to do so.

Therefore, if the product promises to tell you the time, measure the temperature, offer you readings pertaining to the humidity of your environment, and even the barometric pressure, you might as well steer clear of it.

 

What is a hygrometer used for?

In the end, it all comes down to the purpose you are trying to achieve. Some of the best hygrometer reviews might tell you that you require one to make sure that your home never becomes the victim of mold, and we aren’t here to disagree.

In fact, keeping track of the relative humidity in your home is a good idea at all times as it can assist you in feeling comfortable at all times. Some of our team members have a hard time dealing with high temperatures and high humidity levels, for instance, and both of these combined might make them experience a whole deal of symptoms one of which is their heart racing.

If you are known to suffer from any allergy or breathing-related health issue, you need to make sure that your home is not affected by mold. It can damage both your body and your furnishings, not that the latter matter all that much when compared to your personal health.

The fact is that owning and using a hygrometer on a regular basis can let you know how you can set your thermostat in such a way so as to prevent these mishaps from ever occurring.

 

Data logging & readings

If you’ve gone away from home for eight hours, for instance, you virtually have no way of keeping tabs on your indoor humidity, that is unless you own a device that can tell you the maximum and minimum levels that it has detected. Since not all hygrometers are made the same, they do not come with the same universal features and functionalities.

For your sake and that of your family, we urge you to get a model that can tell you the lowest and highest levels that have been recorded. In case you know that you have trouble with your breathing or heart, this feature can make all the difference when it comes to saving your life.

 

What applications do you have in mind for your hygrometer?

The best hygrometer is the one you use for the right application, given its features and characteristics. While it may seem that all the hygrometers you can find on the market do the same thing, which is to gauge the humidity range, that doesn’t cover, by far, what hygrometers are used for, and how they can help you. To get the best hygrometer, consider the following applications and how they may influence your decision to purchase one model or another.

– A hygrometer to use at home

There is nothing more straightforward than a model that’s dealing with measuring humidity in your home. However, you should know that you don’t have to opt for a model with outstanding precision, as you would do when shopping for a model that would be a good fit for your humidor. There are, of course, several factors to consider, such as where you want the hygrometer to be installed, or if you need to monitor more than one room.

Real-time alerts could be one thing for which a digital hygrometer will be handy to have around. If you need to monitor specific areas, such as an attic, you will want to know if the conditions change and can affect the conditions in your home. For such a purpose, remote sensors are a must.

– A model for your humidor

Without a doubt, the best hygrometer for a humidor must prove excellent in all aspects, with accuracy on the top of the list. Your cigars need proper humidity range if you want them to keep their flavor. That is why hygrometers for this particular purpose are in a league of their own. You will have to purchase a highly accurate hygrometer, and the type you usually use for your home will not cut it.

Here is a little secret that you might not be aware of. Some manufacturers equip their humidors with poor quality hygrometers to keep the costs down, which is why you should consider investing in such a device separately.

A model with a magnetic mount would be great. You must find a place for your hygrometer inside the humidor, which is why such aspects are essential. A wireless hygrometer that can be monitored from a remote location could be a sound investment for your humidor.

– Ideal for your terrarium

As a reptile owner, you are most probably most aware that these pets need particular conditions to thrive, and a specific humidity level is a must. That is why it is highly recommended that you purchase a hygrometer for your terrarium. Before installing it, make sure that you understand what conditions are necessary for your reptilian pet to live a healthy life inside your home.

With those answers, you will be able to pick the right model. Ideally, you should get one that also indicates the temperature inside the terrarium for the simple reason that reptiles can be quite particular when it comes to such conditions. Two digital hygrometers might be needed if your reptile prefers some spots for their cool temperatures and others when it wants to get a bit warm.

– An outdoor hygrometer

While outdoor devices that are used for gauging the weather conditions are rarely just hygrometers, it is worth talking a little about them. They are usually weather stations, and it’s not unusual for some manufacturers to incorporate the best hygrometer they can in their products. With the help of weather stations, you can understand more complex details about the ambient weather outside, including the humidity levels.

These stations come with remote sensors that can be installed outside, while the main display and unit are placed inside so that you can know, at a glance, what awaits you when you decide to walk out the front door. Such details can be quite important if you need to know whether you should better get your umbrella, or the ambient weather is more likely to remain dry and calm.

– The perfect hygrometer for your greenhouse

Another area of your property where you might decide that a digital hygrometer would be great to have is a greenhouse. Here, the plants you grow can thrive, but only if certain conditions are met. Water vapor conditions are just one of the details that create the intricate environment of a greenhouse. When you step inside it, you might notice that there is a lot of humidity.

However, you can’t tell whether it’s inside the favorable range for your plants to grow without some digital hygrometers to say to you precisely what you need to know. For this reason, you should invest in these devices and place them strategically inside your greenhouse. You must also bear in mind that the conditions inside the greenhouse should never change dramatically as plants can be quite sensitive.

– For your musical instrument

Musical instruments are demanding when it comes to care and maintenance. The wood used for violins, guitars, and not only is prone to various mishaps when the humidity levels increase or decrease significantly. Your musical instrument can become warped, or even crack, and that means that it will become pretty much useless.

For this reason, it’s a good idea to have a humidity sensor inside the case where you usually keep your instrument. While it may appear that keeping your instrument inside its case protects it from all such unpleasant consequences, you should be extra careful, especially with costly models. Be safe rather than sorry, and invest in the best hygrometer you can find for an instrument case.

 

How to know if the hygrometer you want to buy is accurate enough

Another aspect that you should never overlook when you go shopping for a hygrometer is accuracy. However, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the large number of hygrometers available that are advertised as being extremely accurate. As a rule of thumb, you should be aware of the fact that cheaper models usually have less accuracy than more expensive hygrometers.

The ±% RH rating is what should concern you, and most manufacturers will disclose this information in the description of the specifications for each model they sell. This number tells you what error margin the device operates on. This error margin can vary from 1% to 4%, so there can be quite a difference between the various models you will see when you go shopping for this type of device.

It all boils down, once more, to the application you intend to use the device for. If you only need some general information on the conditions in your home, an inexpensive model should do the trick. However, if you intend to use the respective device for controlling the humidity levels inside your humidor or for keeping your musical instrument in pristine condition, you should invest in a costlier hygrometer.

 

 

5 Best Hygrometers (Reviews) in 2024

 

In case you are still having trouble separating the wheat from the chaff, we suggest having a look at the following models. They are made to serve your every need, at least based on the reports that we have analyzed in this sense.

 

 

1. ThermoPro TP55 Digital Hygrometer Indoor Thermometer

 

The TP55 is one of those models that you should jot down at the top of your list, and that’s because it is highly usable, convenient, and even comes with an unbeatable five-year warranty. While the brand’s promises might matter less, the fact is that this choice is a winner in terms of durability and efficiency.

For one, it is both a temperature and a humidity monitor, so it meets two of your most important expectations. The only thing that’s lacking is the time, but you probably have your smartphone for that.

Since it has been equipped with a 4-inch display that is backlit, you needn’t worry about anything. Even if you wake up in the middle of the night, you will be able to see whether some change in terms of indoor humidity or temperature has occurred, so that you are able to set your thermostat appropriately.

 

Pros

Because it is remarkably easy to utilize, the ThermoPro choice can be employed by less and more tech-savvy users just as well.

The device provides readings pertaining to the temperature and humidity of the room it is placed in.

It takes just ten seconds for the device to update its data, so you can rest assured that all the data displayed is correct and accurate.

The neat thing about this product is that the thermometer feature can be used by Europeans and Americans alike as it can provide readings both in Celsius and Fahrenheit.

The unit can be mounted on a wall, stuck to a refrigerator door, or just kept as a tabletop hygrometer.

 

Cons

While some might argue that the end price for this choice isn’t particularly budget-friendly, others might beg to differ. Therefore, it is a good idea to understand what you think is a feasible expense for a device in this line.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

 

2. AcuRite 01080M Pro Accuracy Humidity Monitor

 

Given that this manufacturing brand is one of the top companies in this field, we couldn’t have left out this device. The relative humidity that this choice can measure ranges from 1 to 99%, and in our books that scores quite high.

What’s more, as is the case with other alternatives, this one is not made solely to serve this particular purpose. In fact, it also measures the temperature of the room it is placed in. Besides, as is the case with other models, this one can tell you both the highest and the lowest value that it has recorded over the course of 24 hours.

Every ten seconds, the unit updates the info displayed, which, of course, is a reassuring detail to take into account. This way, you won’t ever be in for any surprises. Given its user-friendly design, this model can be mounted on a fridge, on a wall, or just kept as a table top hygrometer and temperature monitor.

 

Pros

With this model, you get two features for just one device. It can measure both the humidity and the temperature of the room it is placed in.

The neat thing about this choice is that it can update the data displayed every ten seconds.

For every twenty-hour hours that go by, this choice can tell you the highest and lowest data that it has recorded, in that you will be able to find out both the maximum and minimum humidity and temperature registered.

If you want to do so, you can even calibrate the device manually.

 

Cons

While some owners have complained about the fact that the larger figures on the display are represented by the humidity levels, others like this feature precisely.

There are no clocks or remote sensors available for this product, so if you’re looking for a full monitor on every account, this one is not the right one for you.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

 

3. AcuRite 01080M Pro Accuracy Humidity Monitor

 

Despite being one of the most budget-friendly alternatives that we were able to track down, this unit manages to prove that it is actually worth every penny. It’s convenient and manages to provide you reliable information whenever you need it the most. Besides, it is far more lightweight and compact compared to many other options.

While it is a model designed for both temperature and humidity readings, it can do both with excellent efficiency. As we have noted in the buyer’s guide, it is important to focus on getting a product that serves a primary focus, which, in this case, is telling you how humid your environment is.

The neat thing about this product is that it has been equipped with nifty alarms that can tell you when the humidity in the room you are sleeping in has reached a critical level. Whether it is too low or too high, you will finally find out what’s been making you uncomfortable all of this time.

 

Pros

The humidity and temperature levels made available by this product are, above all, easy to read as it is equipped with a screen that you can make out on your own without requiring any help.

When it comes to whether this thermometer and hygrometer into one do a good job, you might want to know that its errors are only in terms of up to half a degree F and 2% humidity.

Every ten seconds, this device updates its info so as to allow you to keep track of the humidity and temperature in your room in real-time.

The product comes with a set of alarms that can enable you to know when the values you are looking to keep tabs on have reached a critical level both in terms of whether they might be too low or too high.

 

Cons

There have been some owners who use two AcuRite devices simultaneously indoors and outdoors, and they seem to think that the efficiency of the other is greater than that of this one.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

 

4. RockyMars RT36 Humidity Meter 

 

If you are looking for a rather portable option, this one is worth taking into account. It is easy to use, and it works with three standard AAA batteries that have already been installed into its design. Of course, that shouldn’t stop you from replacing the ones that the unit came with. You can even use rechargeable AAA batteries as long as you are satisfied with the services ensured by the RT36.

As is the case with other models in the same line, this one can tell you both what the temperature and the humidity in your room are. An auto power off feature is also available, and we all know how handy that can be given that most of us forget all about electronic devices once we have used them and gotten the most out of their purposes.

With the battery low indicator, it has been outfitted with, this product can tell you when it risks becoming a liability instead of a friend in need.

 

Pros

The readings made available by this choice are convenient, and the neat thing about them is that they are provided in a timely fashion so as to serve your purpose.

The product can be used in a variety of circumstances, whether you intend to use it professionally or for your home.

There is a battery low indicator available with this choice, and it can let you know when you need to get ready and replace those batteries before the device starts failing.

The instruction manual seems to be quite straightforward, at least judging by the feedback that we have analyzed in this sense.

 

Cons

While some might have reported that the model does a great job at what it is supposed to do, others may think that its overall build is just a tad flimsy.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

5. Lockdown Vault Hygrometer

 

Monitoring the humidity in your house, storage area, and various such places is not only easy when using this product, but also reliable since the unit was built to provide accurate readings. One of the first things you’ll notice about this model is the number size, which makes it easy to read and renders it ideal even for people with less than perfect eyesight. 

High levels of humidity in your room or certain storage areas can lead to various issues, such as corrosion if metal items are stored, or discomfort if it’s the place where you spend most of your time. 

With this hygrometer, it’s easy to monitor and thus control the humidity levels in the areas of interest. What’s also great about this product is that it mounts easily thanks to the hook & loop and/or fastener included, which further means that you can easily move it from one place to another.

 

Pros

Whether you want to keep an eye on the humidity levels in your storage area or room, this hygrometer is worth considering as it was designed to provide accurate readings.

By monitoring the humidity levels and thus taking the needed steps to adjust them, you can prevent corrosion and other issues from occurring, and this unit can help you with that. 

The product is easy to use and features large numbers, a feature that proves to be of great help, especially if your eyesight is no longer that strong. 

The unit comes with a fastener and/or hook and loop included so that you can mount it effortlessly. 

Given the way it was built and the lightweight construction, you can easily employ it in various places, as it won’t be difficult to add it to your gear. 

 

Cons

It is best not to employ this hygrometer for your refrigerator as the difference between the temperature inside it and the room temperature may stop the unit from functioning properly.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

6. ThermoPro TP50 Digital Hygrometer 

 

Many digital hygrometers can show you a bunch of numbers without telling you whether the conditions are good enough for healthy living or not. That’s not the case with the TP50 that comes with several indicators to let you know more about the air conditions. Therefore, you will know whether the air is dry, or the comfort conditions are met, or it’s too wet.

At a glance, you will know more about the overall conditions in your home so that you can identify the changes fast and easy. Another thing that this model does is that it shows you high and low records so that you can use it for a greenhouse just as well.

As far as the performance of an indoor humidity monitor is concerned, you can rest assured that this model offers excellent precision. The error margin is ±2~3% for relative humidity, and ±1°F for temperature readings.

The unit comes with a tabletop stand so that you can place it on your nightstand. If you prefer, you can attach it to the refrigerator because of its magnetic back. Another advantage is that you can switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius with great ease.

 

Pros

It has a broad measuring range, so it can be successfully used for gauging the humidity levels and temperature in your home, a greenhouse, a reptile cage, and even a humidor.

Excellent accuracy makes this unit stand out from the crowd, as it is capable of showing humidity levels within only an error of 2-3%, while the same is valid for temperature readings, within an error of 1°F.

A smart design adds functionality to an already dependable device, as you can use it as a tabletop model, or you can attach it to a metallic surface since it comes with a magnetic back.

The manufacturer offers up to 3 years warranty, which means that you can count on this unit to be dependable and serve you for a long time.

 

Cons

Although there are a couple of possibilities to place it on a table or mount on a fridge, there is no wall mount option, which could come in handy.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

7. AcuRite 00613 Digital Hygrometer & Indoor Thermometer 

 

If you are looking for a thermometer hygrometer combo, this model from AcuRite will convince you that it’s just the right thing for you. It is both a digital thermometer, and it can show you the temperature inside your home, and a hygrometer capable of monitoring the humidity levels of your environment.

Because it is multifunctional, it is a more attractive option than others you can find on the market. For instance, it comes with a fold-out stand so that you can place it on a nightstand in your bedroom or on any table. But it also has a magnetic back, allowing you to attach it to a metallic surface such as your refrigerator.

Even more, the humidity sensor will gauge the air condition and will let you know if the humidity levels are low, high, or OK, information that is displayed directly on the screen.

It should be mentioned that this digital hygrometer offers accurate readings. AcuRite is a company well-known for its excellent products, and this one confirms it once more. The unit is pre-calibrated and provides a wide measuring range. The temperature can be displayed in either °F or °C.

 

Pros

Multiple health benefits derive from having proper temperature and humidity levels in your home, and this unit provides highly accurate readings.

You can attach it with the clip it comes with to various setups, you can use the fold-out stand to use it as a tabletop model, or you can mount it on your refrigerator due to its magnetic back.

More than just showing you numbers, this unit displays the conditions in terms such as LOW, HIGH, and OK, so you can tell right away if you need to make changes to your home conditions.

Because it can display the temperature in both °F and °C, it is a convenient option for anyone, regardless of the measuring system used.

It is capable of recording high and low values, which makes it an excellent choice for a greenhouse, too.

 

Cons

The instructions regarding what values count as LOW and HIGH are not included in the literature provided by the manufacturer.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

8. Veanic 4-Pack Mini Digital Thermometer Hygrometer 

 

This mini hygrometer is an excellent choice for anyone who is looking for a device with a minimalist design that can offer a good humidity range so that you can gauge the conditions in your home right away. It also shows you the temperature, so it is functional and an excellent choice if you need a highly practical device in a small package.

Since it’s a digital hygrometer, you will get accurate readings of the levels of humidity in the air. The measuring range is 10%-99% for relative humidity, and the device can also show you temperatures between -58°F to 158°F, something that offers more versatility to this unit than you might expect.

The humidity meter will update the results for the environmental conditions every 10 seconds. It is also very accurate and presents an error margin of ±2 for temperature readings and ±5%RH for humidity readings.

The unit is made from ABS plastic, so it is resistant to changes in environmental conditions. Seeing how small and cheap it is, you will know for a fact that you are making a sound investment if you decide to choose it over others. It is a no-frills option for you to consider.

 

Pros

The built-in probe will do its job at measuring humidity and temperature, and you will always be aware of environmental conditions; you will get two devices in one for a reasonable price.

With a high range of temperature and humidity readings, it can be used inside your home or in a greenhouse with the same efficiency, as well as for other applications.

Its error margins are adequate so that you will be well aware of the changes in your environment at any given moment.

A humidity sample is calculated every 10 seconds, which means that you will always have the latest readings at your fingertips.

The ABS construction guarantees that you will be able to use it for a long time without a problem.

 

Cons

Unlike other units on the market, this one doesn’t display temperature in °C, and that may be considered a small drawback.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

9. Goabroa Mini Hygrometer Thermometer 

 

As long as you don’t place this unit close to a heat or humidity source, its readings will be accurate. The 4 vents present on the device will gauge the changes in humidity so that you don’t have to play a guessing game. For a digital hygrometer this small, you might not have high expectations, but the truth is that it’s easy for it to surpass them.

First of all, you need to consider how accurate this model is. It has a ±1% error margin for relative humidity, and that says a lot seeing how many other similar devices are not as accurate. As for the range, it can calculate temperatures between -58°F and 158°F, and monitor humidity between 10% RH and 95% RH.

Because of its small size, it can have many different applications. You can use it inside your home if you want, but it is just as fine for using inside an incubator, a humidor, a guitar case, and many others.

Its fast response is another great plus, as the unit can measure the humidity in the room or environment every 10 seconds. Along with the high accuracy and range of readings, this trait represents all that makes this unit an excellent pick, especially for the price.

 

Pros

It does a lot for how small it is, and it is capable of telling you the humidity levels between 10% and 95%, and the temperature between -58°F and 158°F.

Another great thing about it is its fast response, as the sensor picks the humidity value from the environment once every 10 seconds.

The construction of the unit is designed in such a way that accurate readings are possible, as 4 vents are installed to increase precision.

Due to its incredibly small size, you can use it anywhere you want, including really cramped places such as the case of a musical instrument.

The increments are 1% for relative humidity and 0.1°F for temperature so that you can gauge the environment conditions correctly.

 

Cons

You won’t find the temperature expressed in °C, something that might be considered an overlook since many people use this system, as well.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

10. Habor Digital Hygrometer Indoor Thermometer 

 

This mini model will satisfy any user’s need for a tiny device that can take accurate readings for the temperature and humidity from the environment. It is small, at only 1.8 inches x 2.3 inches, and you will be able to fit it anywhere you need a humidity meter.

Because it is digital, reading it is easy, and you don’t have to fiddle with complicated controls. Like all digital hygrometers, it comes with a display on which you will be able to read both temperature and humidity. Unlike other models that offer the readings for humidity in large symbols, but use very small symbols for temperature, this one shows both values in large numbers that are easy to see.

That’s a great thing, particularly for seniors who might not have good eyesight. The 24 sensitive vents will provide the unit with the necessary information so that the readings are always accurate. It updates its data every 10 seconds, so even the smallest changes will be registered.

With the ability to display temperatures between 32°F and 122°F (the equivalent of 0°C to 50°C), it is just as great as a thermometer, as it is as a hygrometer. Without a doubt, you will find many applications for it.

 

Pros

Because of its small size, it can be placed anywhere you need a hygrometer, but you’re also preoccupied with saving space, such as the case of a musical instrument or an incubator.

Its fast 10-second response is one of its most important traits, as it is capable of detecting changes in environmental conditions, an important aspect when you need to monitor temperature and humidity.

The error margins of only ±2.7°F for temperature and ±5% for relative humidity help to create the image of a reliable product that you will want to use for a long time.

Even more than just displaying temperature and humidity, this unit comes with level icons that let you know if the conditions are normal, comfortable, or uncomfortable.

Due to the large symbols displayed, this unit has better readability than others.

 

Cons

One disadvantage is the fact that there is no backlight on this unit, so you won’t be able to read it in the dark.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

11. SMARTRO SC42 Professional Digital Hygrometer 

 

If you look for more than a run of the mill hygrometer, you should take a look at this model. It is large enough to allow you to read the symbols displayed with great ease, and it also comes with a backlight, something that you don’t often see in other models on the market.

This hygrometer does more than looking the part. It is equipped with industrial-grade sensors, so even the slightest changes in the environment will be instantly registered. With a response time of just 10 seconds, it is truly a monitor of surrounding conditions as it will let you know right away if changes occur.

With a tolerance for calculating the temperature of only ±0.5°F, and with a range that goes from -4°F to 158°F, it is clearly an excellent thermometer. The error margin for relative humidity is ±2%, and it goes from 1% to 99%, which is more than what you can typically see in similar devices.

The retractable stand makes it easy for you to place it on a bedside table. Also, it comes with 2 magnets on the back for easy mounting on a refrigerator and with a small hole that allows you to mount it on a wall.

 

Pros

This unit is incredibly versatile, as it can be used in a nursery, an incubator, a greenhouse, a wine cellar, a terrarium, and so on.

It is capable of displaying highs and lows for 24-hour time, which means that you will have a clear representation of the evolution of environmental conditions.

You will love that it comes with a backlit display that makes it possible to read in the dark; also, the symbols used are large enough for anyone to see them.

A wide variety of mounting options makes it even better than other models available; you can use the retractable stand, the magnets on the back, or the small hole for wall-mounting.

Its calibration certification comes from the Aerospace Institute for Metrology and Measurement Technology, so you can count on it to be extremely accurate.

 

Cons

Recalibrating the unit, even with all the instructions provided by the manufacturer, seems a bit of a hassle.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Q: What is a hygrometer?

How much water vapor exists in the environment is an essential detail that can help you make decisions regarding how you should modify the conditions in the respective environment. To do that, what you need is a hygrometer, which is an instrument for measuring humidity that is easy to use.

There are various types available, so don’t be surprised to find a wireless hygrometer that can be connected with your phone via an app. With its help, you can determine the humidity levels inside or outside, depending on what you have in mind.

It would be safe to say that a hygrometer is nothing else but a humidity meter, as that’s precisely what it does. It measures the humidity levels in the air, and that can give you some essential information you can use later for adapting the conditions so that they meet the required criteria for the application you have in mind.

Q: How does a hygrometer work?

A hygrometer uses particular materials that attract moisture, and then calculate the humidity levels by combining data extracted from how the materials modify as moisture is absorbed. Although old models of hygrometers used a hair taken from the tail of a horse or even human hairs, modern hygrometers no longer depend on such things to monitor humidity.

The most common configuration is one that works with two bulbs, one wet and one dry. As the temperature around the hygrometer influences the two bulbs, humidity is calculated as follows: moisture evaporates from the wet bulb, and that causes the temperature calculated to drop.

A hygrometer will establish the difference in temperature between the wet bulb and the dry bulb, and the result will be the relative humidity present around the hygrometer at any moment. This is how digital models work nowadays, and the old model that used human or animal hair has been out of fashion for a long time.

 

Q: Are hygrometers accurate?

If you decide to purchase a hygrometer, the most important thing you will want to know is whether the device can deliver accurate readings or not. That means that you will have to know a little about the ±% RH rating and what it stands for.

RH, as you may well know it, is the abbreviation for relative humidity, and this rating refers to the error margin a hygrometer can present. It doesn’t matter if the model you want to use works with remote sensors or not. This rating is what you should be aware of so that you can tell whether the hygrometer you picked is accurate enough for what you have in mind.

Its accuracy can vary up and down, and the most inexpensive models can have an error margin of up to 4%. Those that are considered highly accurate have a rating of ±1%, so that’s something you should pay attention to when you examine various models.

 

Q: Where are hygrometers used?

There are plenty of applications for hygrometers, as you may well know. They can be part of weather stations that gauge the overall ambient weather conditions so that you know what you can expect when you walk outside. These units usually come equipped with an accurate hygrometer so that they can even predict if there is a high chance of rain.

Of course, an indoor humidity monitor is the most common application you can find for such a device. Since the living conditions can be affected by humidity, it serves to know such details. A digital hygrometer is quite a common thing in many modern homes.

Hygrometers can be used in many different ways. They can measure the humidity levels inside a terrarium, or gauge the conditions inside a cigar humidor. People who play musical instruments may also use them to protect their violins or guitars. You will also find hygrometers in greenhouses.

 

Q: Who invented the hygrometer?

The hygrometer, as we know it today, is a far cry from the first units that were worthy of such a name. In the 1400s, Leonardo da Vinci was the first to come up with the concept of a hygrometer. However, the model he created was very basic, and it would take more than two centuries for Francesco Folli to make a more usable hygrometer.

However, Folli’s hygrometer from 1664 was not yet accurate enough to offer reliable information. Horace Bénédict de Saussure is considered the real father of the hygrometer as he made the first model to work with human hair to measure humidity in 1783. All these models were mechanical.

John Frederic Daniell also advanced the science of this device as he created, in 1820, the first dew-point hygrometer. His invention was capable of establishing the point at which the air became saturated with humidity.

 

 

 

The humidity level in your home is very important for your comfort and for your house. Get yourself a hygrometer to measure humidity, and then you can determine your needs and choose from an extensive array of tools for controlling household humidity.

Low humidity – effects on your health and home

If you’ve got an irritated throat and nose, and your skin is permanently dry and lips chapped, it can mean there isn’t enough humidity in your home.

Your house doesn’t react well to low humidity, either — the dust builds up, the furniture’s joints will get loose and the floors and stairs become squeaky.

High humidity – effects on your health and home

On the contrary, high humidity makes you feel sticky and it gives you allergic reactions, like sneezing and chronic coughing.

Also, your house might develop mold on the walls and the ceiling and you might struggle with insect infestations.

 

Checking your household humidity

An instrument called hygrometer is of great help because it measures the amount of moisture in the air. There is more than one type of hygrometer — you can opt for a mechanical one or an electronic one. The best place to leave your hygrometer is a living area away from the kitchen or the bathroom as there is a lot of humidity there.

For your comfort and for your household’s sake, the relative humidity levels should be between 30% and 50%. During the summer, 55% is acceptable. However, if the humidity level is anywhere under 30% or over 60%, you will feel uncomfortable and it could be damaging to your home.

 

How to deal with low humidity

Dry air in your house has a chilling effect because it increases the cooling power of perspiration. Once you manage to get your indoor humidity at the right level, you can decrease the thermostat temperature by a few degrees and feel just as warm and comfortable. Your heating system’s efficiency will increase by 1% for every degree you dial down and that means considerable savings during the winter.

You can start increasing your household humidity by adding a house humidifier to your heating system.

This type of humidifier comes with a built-in humidistat which automatically prompts the unit to produce the perfect amount of moisture. Some of these systems include an outdoor sensor that takes into account the air temperature. Your best bet in terms of efficiency are steam versions.

You can also weatherproof your doors and windows and by doing this you’ll remove air leaks that allow humid air to escape. You can check how well you’ve insulated your home using an insulation multimeter. Or, if you don’t want to do any of that, you can just purchase a portable humidifier.

How to deal with too much humidity

During the summer, you can keep your house humidity under control using the air conditioning unit. Air conditioning helps to remove excess water as it cools the air inside your home.

This doesn’t really work for homes that have basements or are located in coastal regions and in this case you may encounter high humidity problems year round.

There are a few solutions to this problem: you can buy a portable dehumidifier in case you struggle with isolated dampness in your household. Or you could purchase a vent fan for your bathroom.

A more efficient solution is to install a dehumidifier in your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It is equipped with automatic sensors which will detect the humidity level in the air and will adjust it accordingly.

As a pre-emptive measure, you should make sure excess moisture from the outside isn’t allowed to get inside your home. Pay attention to the gutters and drain pipes and repair any leaks you find. Use drain pipes extenders to keep water away from the foundation and make sure all your window wells are covered so they don’t accumulate water from the rain.

 

What about new constructions?

New houses built in high humidity areas are especially prone to excess interior humidity because they’re built tightly and air leaks are rare. Not having air leaks is efficient, but it can contribute to an increase in humidity level inside the house.

To prevent that, you can add a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) to your HVAC system — it removes moisture without losing any heat.

 

 

Unavailable products

 

Indoor Humidity Temperature Monitor

 

If you have been looking for an indoor hygrometer that doesn’t cost too much and is rather user-friendly, you might have just encountered it. This model is a winner when it comes to usability, and you don’t even have to take our word for it as there are dozens of reviews attesting it.

The monitor can help you keep tabs on the temperature and humidity in your room. It records both the highest and the lowest value over the span of twenty-four hours, so even if you aren’t at home for as many as nine hours, you can at least find out what has been happening.

The design of this choice makes it a sight for sore eyes. It looks great and performs just as well. What’s more, it can be installed in different ways. You can set it up on a wall, mount it anywhere you need, or just leave it on a table.

 

Pros

Something about this model cannot be denied, and that is the fact that it is far more budget-friendly than other choices.

It’s versatile, easy to use, and convenient, and it provides temperature and humidity readings.

The product can tell you what the highest and lowest readings have been in the course of the past twenty-four hours. This can let you know how you are supposed to set your thermostat.

You can mount the device on a wall or let it be on a table.

The fact that this alternative is powered by two standard AAA batteries is an advantage per se as you can always replace them with ease.

 

Cons

Despite the vast majority of favorable reviews we have come across in relation to this product, some people might still think it is less cost-effective than others,

 

 

Bibliography:

1) Interesting Hygrometer Facts

2) What is a hygrometer and what is it used for?

3) Do I need a hygrometer?

4) How is a hygrometer used to measure humidity?