A sensor is an electronic device that detects and responds to a physical stimulus. In the context of temperature sensors, this usually entails detecting either the temperature of something in contact with the sensor or reading the ambient air temperature of a room.
Ambient air temperatures have many useful applications and can even help your building save money. This is particularly true when you combine them with other sensors, such as water leak or motion sensors.
In this article, we will further explain what an ambient air temperature sensor is, how they work, and ways you can use them to save money.
What is an ambient air temperature sensor?
An ambient air temperature sensor is an electronic device that accurately measures the air temperature of any location, room, environment, or asset around the place it is stored.
You are likely already familiar with this common ambient air temperature sensor: your thermostat! A thermostat typically combines both the sensing and control action elements of a controlled system.
Ambient air temperature information can be used for various purposes, such as:
Regulating the cooling and heating in a building
Monitoring sensitive equipment
Monitoring weather conditions
Ensuring the sensor is operating within its safe range
The ambient air temperature sensor data enhances the quality of most Facility Management Systems and Integrated Workplace Management Systems without needing extensive maintenance, hardware, or installation expertise.
Ambient air temperature sensors are a cloud-based solution
Ambient air temperature sensors are usually tiny and blend seamlessly into any environment. They are wireless and do not require connecting tables. Instead, they report and communicate temperature through the cloud.
This makes them a convenient solution for commercial buildings and multi-family homes because they are able to safely and securely manage your building's data.
The sensors are also able to provide you with real-time alerts via text, email, or phone calls.
Ambient air temperature sensors are useful for measuring the environmental temperature around them without needing calibration or requiring contact with a surface.
How does an ambient air temperature sensor work?
Most ambient air temperature sensors are actually thermistors. The term “thermistor” is a combination of the words “thermal” and “resistor”.
In a nutshell, these devices technically do not measure the temperature itself but monitor the resistor whose resistance is dependent on temperature. These devices contain metal oxides and are highly sensitive to ambient fluctuations.
When there is a change in resistance, the device is able to measure the amount of variance which is indicative of the temperature fluctuation that took place.
The use of ambient air temperature sensors
Ambient air temperature sensors are useful for measuring the environmental temperature around them without needing calibration or requiring contact with a surface. These sensors ideal for applications where space and budget are limited.
Furthermore, due to their convenience, accurate readings, and low cost, ambient air temperature sensors are invaluable assets for any application that involves temperature data.
Here are some practical ways you can use an ambient air temperature sensor:
In commercial kitchens
In residential buildings
In warehouses
On computers so they don't over heat
Near musical instruments
The advantages of ambient air temperature sensors
Ambient air temperature sensors have many advantages, including:
They are unaffected by thermal objects in close proximity. This is because they do not need contact with a surface to measure temperature.
They can detect outdoor temperatures accurately without the need for calibration.
They are inexpensive and relatively small, making them perfect for use where space and budget are limited.
Ambient air temperature sensors are also easy to install and use. This makes them accessible to anyone who needs to measure their environmental temperature.
How to choose air ambient temperature sensors
Here are some of the critical factors to consider while purchasing your air ambient temperature sensor:
1. Quality
Your air ambient temperature sensor should be of good quality. It should also be durable. The best way to confirm the quality is by checking the reviews of other customers who have used the product.
2. Price
You need to calculate the amount of money you will spend on your ambient air temperature sensor and then compare it with other sellers offering a similar sensor but at different prices.
If there is a massive difference between the prices, choose the higher-priced sensor as it might be better in durability and quality.
3. Precision and accuracy
Precision refers to the consistency of the temperature sensor's readings over time. While accuracy refers to how closely an ambient temperature sensor's readings match the actual temperature of the environment or object.
Therefore, choosing a temperature sensor with both high precision and accuracy is vital. This ensures that all the temperature readings are consistent and reliable.
4. Temperature range
Different ambient air temperature sensors are designed to take measurements of specific ambient temperature ranges.
Choosing a temperature sensor that can measure the ambient temperature range you are interested in is vital.
Conclusion
The Ambient Temperature Sensor is a solution to measure, monitor, and maintain a healthy air temperature within the home. They are perfect for IoT applications where space and budget are limited.
We hope you now understand what ambient air temperatures are. Please feel free to ask any additional questions in our comments section, we'd be happy to help you further!
Have you used an ambient air temperature sensor before? What other smart devices do you use to prevent damage in your building?