Indoor outdoor thermometer placement tips

Indoor display

Keep the indoor unit away from kitchens, vents, and direct sun.

The indoor sensor is usually built into the display itself, so wherever you put the display is where the room is measured. Shelves above radiators, window sills in the afternoon sun and walls next to an oven all produce readings that swing more than the room actually does. A central interior wall at about seated head height gives a reading that matches how the room feels.

Electronics give off heat as well. Avoid placing the display directly on top of a router, TV box or computer.

Outdoor sensor

Mount the outdoor sensor in shade with airflow. Avoid dark walls and roof heat soak.

A good outdoor spot has three things: it is shaded for most of the day, air can move freely around it, and it is away from surfaces that store heat such as brick walls, paving, roofs and parked cars. The north side of a building in the northern hemisphere (south side in the southern hemisphere) is often a reasonable choice, as long as the sensor is not tucked into a sheltered corner where air stays still.

If there is no natural shade, a simple ventilated radiation shield helps a lot. It keeps direct sun off the sensor while letting air through. Mount the sensor so rain cannot pool on it and so the battery cover faces down.

Wireless range and batteries

For wireless remotes, walls, metal cladding, insulated glass and distance all weaken the signal. Test the reading at the chosen spot before drilling holes. In cold weather, some batteries lose capacity quickly; if readings drop out in winter, check the battery type recommended in the manual for low temperatures.

Give it time

After moving a sensor, wait before judging the result. Readings need a while to settle, and comparing a single moment on a sunny afternoon tells you little. Compare min/max values over a few days instead.

Next step

See the indoor outdoor thermometer page or the buying guide.