Humidity Meters

Home Depot has a thermometer/humidity strip for $3, and more for much more. if the $3 meter didn't work pretty well, I can't imagine they would be selling it. What do you use and trust? As always, please, and thank you!



Perhaps a category for tools in the main forum?

Here you go, Clayton:

Relative Humidity Sensor Buying Guide

1. Digital vs. Analog

Digital humidity sensors can store maximum and minimum relative humidity information, while analog humidity sensors cannot. In addition, digital humidity sensors tend to be much more accurate.
2. Records Minimum & Maximum Levels

This allows you to see the range of high and low readings of humidity and temperature since the last time you hit the reset button. As a result, you can gain a better understanding of the typical humidity and temperature levels over a specified time period.
3. Display

Out of convenience, it is preferable if you can read the numerals on your humidity gauges display from across the room (or at least halfway across the room). With some humidity sensors, you need to be right up next to them in order to read the display.
4. Temperature

Temperature is an important part of controlling relative humidity. Simultaneous display of temperature and relative humidity will help you to track your efforts. Moisture meters that also measure temperature are often referred to as thermo hygrometers.
5. Outdoor Sensor

As an added bonus, some humidity sensors have an external sensor attached by a cord. This external sensor can be mounted outside, so you can also see the temperature outdoors from your humidity sensor display.
6. Celsius or Fahrenheit Readings

Your humidity gauge should offer both Celsius or Fahrenheit readouts to avoid conversion errors.
7. Clock / Alarm

Some humidity sensors are designed to show the time in addition to the relative humidity level and temperature. These multi-functional units may also include an alarm.
8. Battery Included

Digital humidity sensors will require a battery in order to operate. If the battery is not included, then you will have to buy it separately.
9. Easy to Use

Some moisture meters require calibration. However, most homeowners and building maintenance managers prefer something that can run practically right out of the box.
10. Wall Mountable or Stand for Flat Surfaces

Some humidity sensors can only be mounted on the wall, and some can only be placed on a flat surface. For the sake of versatility, it is much better to have a moisture meter that can be both mounted on the wall, and placed on a flat surface.
11. No Maintenance or Calibration Required

Hygrometers that require maintenance or calibration may be to technical for a homeowner’s or building manager's needs. Moisture meters that require calibration are geared more towards the industrial sector. Plus, calibration kits are typically very expensive.
12. Accuracy & Range

Traditional humidistats were only accurate within a 20% RH (relative humidity) margin. Most humidity sensors today are accurate within a 5-10% margin, which will give you a very good idea of what the humidity level is in your home or building. Some of the more expensive, industrial models are accurate within 2-5%.
A humidity sensor should be able to measure relative humidity between at least 25% and 80%, since these represent extremely low and high indoor humidity levels). Your hygrometer should also offer a significant range for measuring temperature as well.
13. Price

To fulfill the humidity monitoring needs for homes and buildings, a $50-or-less model will be sufficient.
14. Guarantee / Warranty

Just in case you end up with a unit that does not work properly, you should make sure that you only buy humidity gauges with a money-back guarantee. Also, a warranty will ensure that you get your money's worth, although humidity sensors are generally a problem-free product.

I think that a tools section for the forum would be a great idea!