Indoor Outdoor Thermometer: How It Works

Indoor outdoor thermometers generally come with one unit that reads the temperature inside and a sensor or probe that reads the outdoor temperature.

If the probe is connected to the unit via a wire, mount the sensor on a window sill or just set it outside the window. Set the base unit close to the sensor on a counter or shelf indoors.

If the sensor is wireless, simply mount it within about a 100 feet of the receiver, in an outside location. In either case, the base unit has a readout, which is either digital or analog, that displays both the indoor and outdoor temperature readings.

Indoor Outdoor Thermometer: Style Options

When choosing the best unit, consider looks, convenience and accuracy.

Consider the following style options when selecting a unit:
• Display: The thermometer should have a display that is large enough and easy to read. Options include digital with either large and small print, or traditional analog and classic dial displays. The display is usually battery operated.

• Shape: Units can come in circular or rectangular shapes, or a classic tube model. Handheld units are both convenient and popular, as are both monochrome and brightly colored designs.

• Wired Versus Wireless: Wired units are usually cheaper than wireless units and are a good option if it’s feasible to mount or set the base unit close to a window.

• Protection from the Elements: Most models feature weather resistant housing to protect the outside sensor from wind, rain, heat and cold.

• Accuracy: Buy a unit that measures temperature in a range typically experienced outdoors. For consumers living in North Dakota, a unit that measures a temperature range of -13 Fahrenheit may not meet consumer’s needs as in some of the winter months where temperatures have been known to plummet to −60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Choose the type of temperature scale that is convenient. Many models allow a consumer to switch being Celsius and Fahrenheit readings.

Indoor Outdoor Thermometer: Popular Brands

There are many popular, accurate and reliable brands of indoor outdoor thermometers.

Top selling brands include:
• La Crosse,
• Cabela’s,
• Meade,
• Oregon Scientific,
• Springfield,
• National Geographic,
• BIOS,
• Acurite,
• Maverick,
• Expocell,
• Springfield,
• Chaney and
• Acu-rite.

All of these brands feature a variety of options, prices and accessories. Read customer reviews on a particular model to see how satisfied consumers were with the product.

Indoor Outdoor Thermometer: Additional Features

Many units offer much more than just a basic temperature reading.

Additional options include:
Humidity readings: Many models also have a hygrometer, which measures humidity. This unit is practical for older persons or those suffering from asthma or other health conditions who are sensitive to high humidity.

Web/Alert: Specify a temperature range and the system will send an alert, usually via the Internet, email or text message, whenever the temperature falls outside this range.

Clock: The readout can feature a digital or analog clock for added convenience, making it possible to note the temperature at any precise time interval. Many units allow the consumer to choose between 12 and 24-hour time modes and select a time zone. For added convenience, select a unit with a daylight savings zone option.

Forecast Icon: If you need to know the temperature outlook, choose a model with forecasting technology. Usually the forecast is limited to descriptions like sunny, partly cloudy, or rainy but can be helpful if a consumer is wanting to know if packing an umbrella is appropriate.

Radio Controls: Radio controls allow the consumer to set the time and date from a remote location. Many units also allow the consumer to program start and stop times with the remote.

Current Moon Phase: These displays generally show a picture depicting the current phase of the moon.

Time Alarm: Many units also double as an alarm and some even have snooze control.

With looks, style and many options from which to select, the sky is really the limit when choosing and indoor outdoor thermometer.