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Planning for Temp, moisture and humidity sensors in envelope.

SouthPaw42 | Posted in Green Building Techniques on

I have built IOT (Internet of things) sensors. The sensors can be built inexpensively and the probes would be remote. probe with wire running to IOT sensor pack. I need the help of the GBA community on ideas where to install the probes as the home is built.

Home will be Single floor, slap on grade, non conditioned attic, in Hudson Valley area of NYS. I want to see how the thermal models compare to real life. Concerned about Insulation performance. Due point location in walls etc.

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Replies

  1. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #1

    David,
    Q. "I want to see how the thermal models compare to real life."

    A. If that is your main concern, you don't need sensors. Just compare your annual energy bills to the energy modeling predictions.

    Q. "Concerned about Insulation performance. Dew point location in walls etc."

    A. If you are concerned about insulation performance, you don't need sensors. You can determine insulation performance by comparing your annual energy bills to the energy modeling predictions.

    If you are concerned about the dew point location in the walls, what you want is a moisture content sensor near the sheathing, toward the bottom of a north wall. North walls have more winter moisture than south walls, and the lower part of the wall tends to be where the moisture accumulates.

    Note that using probes to determine the moisture content of OSB or plywood is notoriously difficult, and misleading readings are probably more common than accurate readings. I urge to to have detailed conversations with experienced academic researchers before you install your sensors or try to interpret your results.

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