What Is a Home Weather Station: Finding the Right Model for You
November 26, 2021
The weather can be unpredictable but with the right home weather station, you can become your own meteorologist.
With the huge advancement in home technology, home weather stations have become prominent. Homeowners, particularly weather enthusiasts, started incorporating this device into their properties
One of the common reasons is a home weather station provides a more detailed look into the whims of Mother Nature. Its sensors pick up conditions right in the comfort of your backyard.
There is a huge array of options available, so picking which one suits your needs best can be a bit challenging. After thorough research, we picked the best tips and features you need to find the ideal model for you.
To make this guide handier, we are going to discuss everything you need to know about this weather device, too. Keep on reading!
Defining What Home Weather Station Is
A weather station, in general, is a collection of instruments that measure atmospheric conditions. As the name suggests, these various tools help to discern the surrounding weather.
The in-built temperature monitors and sensors give you information about the climate around you and the environment you might be in. It measures temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed and direction, and rainfall.
Weather stations were mainly utilised in meteorological departments to gather weather data. But the innovation in technology has led to the creation of smaller versions.
These gadgets can now give localised information on the weather conditions around the house or nearby areas. They are called home weather stations.
Home weather stations have proven to be pretty accurate and very efficient in providing the readings you want. By recording data several times per minute, they can afford you real-time insights should a storm come rolling in.
Moreover, most are connected to the Internet to share data and track conditions remotely.
The Applications of a Home Weather Station
Weather stations have a wide range of uses that have made them quite popular. An official weather station, for one, is used for meteorological purposes, aviation, and the military.
Meanwhile, a home weather station takes a more practical approach. Weather enthusiasts, farmers and, in some cases, schools invest in one for their own use.
Suppose you are planning to host a BBQ on the weekend. A home weather station can give you data on the temperature and whether the weather will be conducive to your plans that day.
Some stations offer extra sensors that are useful for specific applications. One is the lighting and UV sensors which is helpful for those who often take part in outdoor activities.
The other one is soil and leaf moisture sensors that are worthwhile for gardeners and farmers. Overall, this innovative device can help you be better prepared for any kind of weather condition.
Why Do You Need One At Home?
A home weather station can offer you localised and more accurate reports than your weather app that may be receiving data from a station miles away from your location. Most importantly, it can prepare you up for the weather ahead.
Listed below are some of the potential reasons why a home weather station may be useful for you.
- You can learn more about the weather and climate where you live.
- It comes in handy if you live in a remote area without an official weather station nearby.
- It can activate smart home devices with the data.
- If your business is weather-dependent, you can optimise it to operate more efficiently with the help of the personal station.
Benefits of Home Weather Station
If you are on the fence about investing in one, then it would help to know the advantages that a home weather station has to offer.
1. Reliable readings
The weather predictions you get thru an app may not be the most precise if the meteorological department is located far from your house. Plus, the weather in that region may not be the same as where you live.
This is where a home weather station becomes handier. It can provide you with the exact details regarding the weather condition you reside in. For one, the readings are centered around your property.
2. Real-time data
The ability to get real-time information is what makes a home weather station worth investing in. Equipping your home with one means you can get your own precise data on the weather a lot faster. Thus, enabling you to make plans in a more convenient manner.
3. Real-time alerts
The weather can take an unexpected turn, especially in regions that are prone to hurricanes and storms. If this is your case, owning a home weather station can help you and your loved ones stay safe in such circumstances.
The real-time data and alert features will notify you every now and then, helping you prepare ahead.
4. Precise forecasting
Another great thing about a home weather station is it can deliver the weather forecast for the next several days. This again helps you prepare better and plan your activities better.
Finding the Best Home Weather Station
Features
Common home weather stations come with a thermometer and hygrometer. These two features help track temperature and humidity outside and within your home.
They also have clock and calendar functionalities, alerting you to certain weather conditions. Forecasting and historical data also come standard.
But more advanced systems can have all that plus they come with bonus features, such as:
- Rain gauge
- Anemometer (measuring wind speed and direction)
- Barometer
- Actinometer (checking UV index and solar radiation)
The outdoor measuring instruments on a modern home weather station are housed in an all-in-one sensor suite. This operates on battery or solar power.
The data they record is also transmitted by cable or wireless signal to a digital console. This has more sensors to track the temperature and humidity inside.
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, cable models are your best bet. But if you prefer a convenient set-up, opt for the wireless ones. A typical transmission range for wireless units maxes out around 350 feet.
While you are here, we recommend you check out our available weather station units.
Digital Weather Station with Colour Monitor
Product code: JXC0434
Get all your weather information in one place with this Digital Weather Station! The model includes 5 unique features:
- Rain collector
- Wind vane
- Anemometer
- Temperature gauge
- Humidity sensor
The data is conveniently transmitted to the main display unit and is displayed for 24 hours. You can keep it up to 150m away from the unit itself. This implies that you can get all this relevant data without ever leaving the house.
Moreover, not only does this unit stores data but also analyses it. Meaning you are displayed with daily, weekly, and monthly, or even yearly averages.
A monochrome display version is also available (Product code: JXC0432)!
Wireless Weather Station with Mini LCD Display
Product code: JXC0400
This mini weather station helps you keep up to date with the weather conditions in your area. It also gives you a quick and accurate view of various weather parameters.
It may be small in size, but the unit lets you read the temperature, wind chill, speed and direction, dew point, humidity and more. The LED backlight allows for greater reading clarity in the mini LCD display.
Digital Rain Gauge with Temperature
No longer available
Product code: JXC0430
Measure rainfall with ease using this Digital Rain Gauge! The display unit stores the rain data for 24 hours.
But the analysis does not stop here. It can analyse hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and even yearly rainfall.
Bonus: it also doubles as a temperature gauge and self-empties itself after use. This system is discrete, easy to use and perfect for personal and professional use.
Handheld Anemometer with Separate Vane Probe (Min/Max)
Product code: JQM1646
A sophisticated handheld anemometer with a separate sensor from the display. It provides a simultaneous display of temperature and wind.
Extend the sensor to reach clear airflow in turbulent areas or out of the window when checking out external conditions. Also ideal for measuring airflow within the equipment without obscuring the display.
The Bottom Line
To enjoy the benefits of this device, you need to choose the right model. The ideal home weather station provides both enhancement and convenience.
It should have the following features:
- Thermometer for temperature measurement
- Barometer for atmospheric pressure
- Anemometer for wind speed and direction
- Humidity sensor for humidity levels
- Rain gauge for rainfall and precipitation
A standard home weather station will suffice if you only need basic features. An advanced unit, meanwhile, may be the best option for you if want something more comprehensive.
But when investing in one, do not lean towards the cheapest just to save a little money. The more you spend on a device, the more reliable and accurate it will be. Cheaper models tend to have less precise data, defeating the purpose of owning one.
We hope this quick guide has informed you on what a home weather station is. Most importantly, that it helped you find the ideal station for your needs.
© Wiltronics Research Pty Ltd 2021
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