If you care about your crops, strive to grow the best and want to gather as much environmental data as possible, this blog post is for you. It does not matter if you grow food, or flowers; having the ability to accurately measure and control your crops environment is everything! In sort, when it comes to measuring your environment, you have the option to use a standard wall mounted sensor, or you can use an aspirated, ceiling hung sensor. Spoiler: the aspirated sensor is far more accurate and puts greater data in your hands.

The term aspirated sensor refers to a sensor that houses a shielded fan that pulls air within the unit and reads temperature and humidity without other external influences that may create inaccurate readings. Standard sensors are only able to read from their direct, and many times, stagnant environment. This type of sensing does not allow for a true, accurate reading of the space. Another variable that can negatively affect readings is direct, infrared heat. If a sensor is not shielded, the sensor may be directly exposed to infrared radiation, which would cause the sensor itself to heat up. If this occurs, you will receive a reading of the sensors surface temperature, not a reading of the room total temperature.

Like many products that are available today, lower price usually means the lower quality, and capability; this is true with environmental sensors. A basic, wall mounted sensor is about $100 USD. A top-of-the-line aspirated sensor can be over $1,000 USD. Keep in mind the higher price gets you a sensor that not only reads true room temperate, humidity, but CO2 levels, and even PAR lighting values; these values can be referred to as T.H.C.P. In addition to the benefits of T.H.C.P readings, the aspirated sensors are hung at the canopy level of the plans, the most important part of the grow room!

The short message: it does not matter what you grow. If you want to grow the best and want to gather as much environmental data as possible, aspirated sensors are for you. There may be an added cost, but you will have data that will enable you to make more informed decisions, supporting your plant’s ability to be the best.

Have Questions? Leave a comment and we will get back to you.