Quick access

Somfy Temperature Sensors

About temperature

Temperature is one of the most measured figures globally, and it’s a vital reading for many processes. Plus, it’s a number that often needs to be accurate, as there’s little room for fault if you’re not receiving an exact reading. If you need a quick, intelligent and accurate way of being alerted when it’s too hot or cold – temperature sensors are the way forward. But how do you pick the best one for your requirements?

This guide will discuss everything you need to know, so that you can make a better-informed decision. Before you know it, you’ll never have to worry about being too hot or too cold when at home.

What is a Temperature Sensor?

A temperature sensor is a gadget that records, monitors or sends signals when it detects a change in temperature. It does this by measuring the temperature of its surroundings to then convert this into electronic data.

How do Temperature Sensors Work?

In order for temperature sensors to be able to detect coolness or heat, they rely on the voltage in their diode. Instead of reading values, the resistance of the diode is detected. This is then converted into simple and readable temperature figures.

The Different Types of Temperature Sensors

1. Electronic Temperature Sensor

Electronic temperature sensors, also known as digital thermometers, work by using heat sensors to determine body temperature. Once measured, these devices will display the reading digitally on a small LCD screen.

The advantages of electronic temperature sensors include:

  • Quick to use – you’ll get a temperature reading almost instantly and with high accuracy.
  • Handy – they’re super easy to operate and you can carry them round with you wherever you go due to their compact size.
  • Accessible – the display is easy and clear to read.
  • Hassle-free – these types of sensors require no special maintenance.

2. Infrared Temperature Sensor

The growth of thermal development technology as well as the Covid-19 pandemic has meant that now more than ever, non-contact infrared temperature sensors are being used.

This type of sensor is a handheld temperature detecting device which is used to measure the surface temperatures of an object or area without having to actually touch either. It’s able to be a non-contact device as it has a built-in laser which can detect the surface temperature without contact – clever right? Once it’s scanned an object or area, it’ll display the temperature reading on the indicating screen.

Infrared temperature sensors come with the following benefits:
 

  • Compact and easy to use – due to their light weight and shape that resembles a gun, they’re able to be portable and handled easily with comfort. Plus, memory functionality is available in most infrared thermometers, making it easier and more efficient to record multiple temperatures from several objects at a time.
  • Instant temperature reading – you can measure surface temperatures within seconds, so taking temperatures of large crowds, for example in airports, has never been quicker.
  • Accurate temperature reading – able to make accurate temperature readings with a very slim chance of error. Plus, many infrared sensors now feature an adjusting emissivity setting. This calibrates the sensor to fit the emissivity of different types of objects, leading to more accurate readings.
  • Touch-free – as they’re non-contact, infrared sensors mean measurements can be taken at a distance. So, if a high-temperature surface needs measuring that’s too hot to touch, these types of sensors can do the job.
  • Valuable in a wide range of situations – can be used in many applications such as detecting automotive problems, identifying heat-related HVAC issues, checking food safety, monitoring manufacturing goods for quality assurance and measuring people’s body temperature.

3. Wireless Temperature Sensor

From smart blinds to smart lighting, now you can have smart temperature systems too! Having a stable temperature within homes and businesses alike is essential for comfort as well as avoiding costly damage to the property and its possessions.

Fortunately, a wireless temperature sensor, also known as a remote temperature sensor, can do this and its thanks to wireless technology. They work by recording and keeping track of temperature changes in the area where you install it. Often, they’ll send real-time data to your smartphone so you’ll always be in the know, wherever you may be.

There are various advantages to using wireless temperature sensors and these include:

Better sleep

Research suggests that the wrong temperature can lead to restless nights. However, these nifty devices can optimise your home's temperature. Once you’ve received the real-time data on your smart device, you can set different temperatures for different hours of the day. So, you can sleep more comfortably at night and save electricity at the same time.

Prevent mould and bacteria

With a wireless temperature sensor, you can maintain optimal temperature throughout your property. Therefore, you can reduce mould and germs in your home as well as protect your health by managing your home’s humidity.

Accurate

Using wireless technology means you’ll never need to worry about the accuracy and validity of readings.

Easy access

Thanks to the wireless technology, you can check your home’s temperature at any time and from anywhere.

Increased connectivity

Connect your wireless temperature sensor to your other smart home products for maximised comfort and convenience e.g. electric patio awnings.

Thermis Wirefree io

The Thermis Wirefree io can be connected to other smart home products, for example your electric pergola, to automate the opening of the slats/fabric. This clever device is an autonomous wireless io temperature sensor for indoor and outdoor use.

When certain temperatures have been measured, it’ll wirelessly alert you, as well as automatically open the pergola slats to keep the area cool on those sizzling summer days. So, there’s no need for you to leave the deckchair!

When can Temperature Sensors be Used?

If you want the smart features of your home to work at their best and last longer – temperature sensors can help do this.

1. Electric roller shutters

To potentially save a few pennies on your energy bills, you need to optimise your energy use. And what better way do this than via a temperature sensor that activates your electric roller shutters to open or close automatically when the temperature rises or falls. Not only will this enable you to have ideal temperatures in your home both summer and winter, but plenty of light at any time of the day.


If you want to take your motorised roller shutters even further – welcome the Thermosunis Indoor WireFree RTS Sensor into your life. It’s an indoor temperature sensor which will provide you with comfort as well as potential energy savings. In summer, you’ll never have to worry about being too hot, as it’ll lower your roller blinds to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room. And in winter, if the sun is shining but the room still isn’t toasty enough, it’ll keep your roller shutters open so you can bask in the sun’s heat.

2. Electric outdoor screens

An electric outdoor screen is the first step to making life at home more convenient. A little connectivity goes a long way as it’ll keep the inside of your home cool as well as protect you and your family from prying eyes.

If you’re wondering how motorised outdoor screens can keep the inside of your home cool, it’s due to their built-in temperature sensor – convenient right?

As soon as temperatures start rising, your electric outdoor screens will do the hard for you and automatically close. So, you can enjoy summer at a comfortable temperature!

3. Electric patio awnings

Electric patio awnings are stylish roof-like covers designed to shelter your deck or patio. Its retractable awnings mean you can relax in the shade in summer or be kept nice and dry if you’re tending to your plants whilst it’s raining. Plus, it’ll do all of this for you automatically!

Fitted with a sun sensor, it’ll open and close without you having to manually do it, so you can enjoy the outdoors, even during the hottest hours! And don’t worry if a storm blows in whilst you’re away – with one tap on your smartphone you can close the awning.

4. Electric pergolas

More resistant than a motorised patio awning, an electric pergola on the terrace is the picture-perfect addition so that you can enjoy more time outdoors. If you want a trendy way to add shade, privacy and definition to your outdoor living space – this is it. Set the scene at your garden party with just a voice command or a tap on your smart device, and before you know it, the pergola slats will close, lights switch on and music will begin to play.

Plus, if like many others you’re working from home and it happens to be a hot day, the built-in sun sensor triggers the pergola’s slats to tilt, closing the roof – comfort at its best! And it also works the other way round as when the sun comes out in winter, the sun sensor triggers the pergola’s slats to open. After all, you need to make the most of the extra warmth during the colder months!

Conclusion

To conclude – there are many different types of temperature sensors out there. The smart, automated (wireless) ones can however be used across many different home settings, from electric blinds to motorised pergolas.

Thanks to automation, you can always experience comfort in your own home with the desired and optimum room temperature. Users can enjoy a variety of features, such as remote control and the potential to conserve energy. Go further with Somfy and explore our Thermosunis Indoor WireFree RTS Sensor and Thermis Wirefree io for optimum comfort at home.

esp

Where to buy?

Find your closest Somfy dealer. We’re always happy to advise you further.

or
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Buy online

  • Somfy shop

    View many more products and packs for TaHoma® Smart Home, Alarm and accessories.