How can I make sure I get an accurate reading from a hygrometer?

Inaccurate readings from the hygrometer can lead to poor final results and get you into a lot of trouble. So how can you be sure you've read correctly? What can you do to protect yourself from false readings and the challenges that come with them?

We've put together some tips to make sure you get it right every time.

read multiple times

As any scientist will tell you, the importance of having a large sample size cannot be overemphasized when conducting experiments. You should not rely on just one reading, especially with large quantities of material. For example, if you are testing the moisture content of a large volume of wood before building a house or laying hardwood floors, but you only need to take readings for the entire wood, it is difficult to say whether your readings are truly representative of the entire wood pile.

If your hygrometer is accurate, you should get similar, if not identical, readings when you take readings in the same area. Consistency is key. If you get different readings in the same area, you may need to check the meter's calibration. And, don't forget to read multiple samples as well to make sure you have an accurate reading for the entire product.

use the right tools

Are you looking to make a paper Moisture Meter for woodworking or concrete? If so, you won't be 100% sure that you're getting great results. For best needs, buy the right hygrometer for best results, or consider buying a general purpose hygrometer or a near infrared hygrometer. Both gauges require little to no calibration and give you the flexibility to use them on virtually any material.

Just like using a flat head screwdriver to turn a Phillips head screw, using the wrong hygrometer can be quite a challenge and hassle. Make sure you get the most accurate humidity readings by investing in the proper tools.

Properly calibrate the meter

It is important to recalibrate the meter each time it is used and each new material is read in order to get the readings as accurate as possible. Taking the time to do this will ensure that your instrument properly assesses the composition of the material and provides correct readings.

Use a meter beyond its intended use or use a general-purpose meter? Know the proper conversion method so that you can be confident that not only is your reading accurate, but your information is interpreted correctly. Being aware of these transitions is just as important as reading them correctly.

Consider temperature and material

Different temperatures can mean different levels of relative humidity in the air. Although in most cases this will not significantly affect the accuracy of your readings, extreme changes in temperature may affect your readings. For materials such as wood or hay that absorb large amounts of moisture, it is especially important to use a temperature correction table in extremely cold or hot conditions to obtain the most reliable readings.

Another thing that plays a role in getting accurate readings is material variance. Different woods absorb different levels of moisture, as do papers of different densities or concrete made in different ways. Knowledge is power; knowing what your material is made of can ensure you get a good read.

Protect the meter from damage

Your meter should be properly cleaned and stored after each use. Wipe down the pins to protect them from prolonged exposure to moisture or other debris, and store the meter safely in its case to protect it from knocks or other injuries that could damage the instrument.

Keeping the quality of your meter to the next level means it will continue to work just like it did on day one. Loose wiring, damaged circuitry, rusted or damaged pins, or other structural issues are sure to give you inaccurate readings, so be sure to wipe the pins clean and store the instrument properly.