Understanding Different Hygrometers

December 03, 2024

Ever thought about purchasing a hygrometer but unsure which one to buy? If you’re looking to monitor humidity levels in your home, garden, greenhouse, or any other space, Metcheck has you covered. We offer a comprehensive range of hygrometers, including dial, digital, handheld, and hair hygrometers. Each type has its unique features and ideal applications, so here’s a guide to help you understand each one.

1. Dial Hygrometers

Dial hygrometers are classic, elegant, and easy-to-read instruments that do not require batteries or external sensors. They offer a simple and effective way to measure humidity levels both indoors and outdoors.

ClimeMET CM4303/CM4303-SM

Ideal for: Home, garden, or greenhouse use.
Key Features: This self-contained hygrometer continually measures surrounding air conditions without the need for external wires or sensors. The humidity is displayed on a large, clear, and expanded scale within a 9-inch weatherproof casing.
Measurement Range: 0-100% RH
Accuracy: +/-5% RH

Maximum Stratus

Ideal for: Home or greenhouse use.
Key Features: This premium dial is a great option for monitoring humidity to prevent mould indoors and to keep an eye on plant health outdoors.
Measurement Range: 0-100% RH
Accuracy: +/-2% indicator, +/-4% RH sensor (10 to 90% RH)

2. Hair Hygrometers

Hair hygrometers use the expansion and contraction of synthetic or natural hair to measure humidity. They’re known for their precision and are often used in applications where continuous humidity monitoring is required.

TFA Synthetic Hair Hygrometer

Ideal for: Indoor use in areas requiring consistent humidity tracking.
Key Features: This hygrometer uses synthetic hair to provide accurate and reliable readings. It’s designed for areas where constant monitoring is important, such as museums, libraries, or archival storage.
Measurement Range: 0 to 100% RH
Accuracy: +/- 3% RH

TFA Small Hair Hygrometer

Ideal for: Small spaces where precision humidity tracking is necessary.
Key Features: Compact and precise, this hygrometer is ideal for environments where space is limited but humidity control is critical, like small display cases or storage cabinets for valuable collections.
Measurement Range: 0-100%

3. Digital Hygrometers

Digital hygrometers are a great, modern, alternative to the dial hygrometer. They offer precise readings and often include additional features such as temperature monitoring, memory for min/max readings, and easy-to-read displays.

TFA Digital Min/Max Thermometer/Hygrometer

Ideal for: Indoor use where tracking humidity and temperature changes is important.
Key Features: This unit not only measures humidity but also tracks minimum and maximum temperature changes over time, making it perfect for areas where fluctuations matter, such as wine cellars, greenhouses, or storage areas.
Measurement Range: 10 - 99%
Accuracy: +/- 5% at 25 - 75%

TFA Digital Thermometer/Hygrometer

Ideal for: Home, office, or commercial use.
Key Features: This model offers a straightforward display of current humidity and temperature. It’s a reliable choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use, no-fuss option to monitor indoor climate conditions.
Measurement Range: 20% - 99%
Accuracy: +/- 4% at 35 - 75%

4. Wet and Dry Bulb Hygrometers

A wet and dry bulb hygrometer consists of two thermometers. The dry thermometer stands alone, whereas the wet hygrometer extends into a small water tank via a piece of hygrometer wick. Using a conversion table, the dry bulb temperature and the web bulb depression, you determine the relative humidity. The instrument serves as a fantastic learning resource for both mathematics and meteorology. These devices are often used in HVAC, construction, and environmental monitoring.

Whirling Hygrometer H4

Ideal for: Professionals needing mobile humidity measurements.
Key Features: The Whirling Hygrometer uses a manual process to determine humidity. By spinning the device, it calculates relative humidity based on the difference between the wet and dry bulb thermometer readings. It’s a highly portable option used in fieldwork and education.
Measurement Range: -5° to +50°C
Accuracy: +/- 1% RH

ClimeMET CM3505 Masons Wet and Dry Bulb Hygrometer
- Ideal for: Educational, scientific, and professional use.
- Key Features: This hygrometer uses the wet and dry bulb method to calculate relative humidity. It’s often used in meteorology, HVAC systems, and educational settings.
- Measurement Range: -15 - +50°C