How to Measure & Record Temperaure & Humidity

Temperature and humidity are important indicators of environmental conditions.

Temperature and humidity are important measurements that represent indoor and outdoor environmental conditions. Temperature is measured with a thermometer, and humidity is most often measured with a hygrometer. Environmental temperatures are expressed in degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity is expressed as relative humidity, which is a percentage of moisture in the air related to the maximum amount of humidity the air can hold.

Things You'll Need

• Thermometer
• Hygrometer
• Paper
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Choose a testing location where the thermometer and hygrometer are away from air vents, heat sources and direct sunlight to ensure accurate measurements.

2. Place the thermometer and hygrometer in the area to be measured. The thermometer should reflect an accurate temperature within several minutes, but the hygrometer can take up to two hours to reach a stable reading.

3. Read the thermometer's display. Digital thermometers will provide a digital number reading. Mercury thermometers will have a scale; read the measurement by noting the uppermost level of the mercury. Dial thermometers have an arrow that points to the temperature value.

4. Read the hygrometer's display. An electronic hygrometer will provide a digital number percentage value. A mechanical hygrometer will have an arrow that points to the humidity value.

5. Record the temperature and humidity on a piece of paper. Label the temperature with the correct label, either degrees F or degrees C. Label the humidity as a percentage. Write down the date and time of the reading as well as the location.

Tips & Warnings

• Find the average temperature and humidity of rooms, buildings or outdoor areas by taking multiple readings. Add the temperature readings together and then divide by the number of readings to find the average temperature. Add the humidity readings together and divide by the number of readings to find the average humidity.

• When purchasing a thermometer or hygrometer, look for units that combine the two readings in a single unit.

References

• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation: Measuring Humidity in Your Home