Reliable OUTDOOR temperature sensor

[johnr]

Looking for a reliable outdoor sensor, temperature and humidity.
I am putting one of these in my cabin, where I do not have everyday access, so important that they are reliable.

Wish list:
Reliable
zig bee or z-wave (if z-wave must be available for European frequencies)
Long lasting battery power

I was looking into Aeotec aërQ Temperature & Humidity Sensor which looks like a good one, but hesitating since the stated temperature range is 14 to 146°F and I easily get sub zero temperatures most part of the winter.

Anyone that have tested it, or have other ideas?

[BrianX]

I don't know what the temperature limits are on it, but my Hue outdoor motion sensor (zigbee) reports temperature, and the battery still reports 100% after about a year. It is very reliable. I have three of them and am considering a fourth.

But it does not report humidity.

[waynespringer79]

I second the Hue Outdoor have 2 of them and they are both great and like you battery life is exceptional

Doesn't do Humidity though

[Ranchitat]

@johnr

Wish list:
Reliable
zig bee or z-wave (if z-wave must be available for European frequencies)
Long lasting battery power
...other ideas?

Check out Ecowitt products, very reliable, not ZigBee or z-wave.
No internet needed, but does connect to HE via Wi-Fi.
Various accessories (WH32 Exterior Sensor) available.

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[JohnRob]

FWIW I've had a Aqara temp/humidity/pressure (Zigbee) in my covered porch here in New England. Its been there for nearly two years. A few weeks ago I changed the battery after 13 months.

In its location it doesn't get direct water or sunlight.

[scottgu3]

FWIW, I have 3 outdoor Hue Motion Sensors, and they are terrible for temperature. Oh, they report ok, but the dark case plays merry heck with accurate ambient temp readings. Sun Loading is a huge issue with these. If you don't care about motion or illuminance, then using one placed in an always shaded place might work for reasonably accurate temp measurements.

YMMV though.

S.

[c.j.winter]

I have a fibaro Z-Wave sensor in my shed, to detect motion as part of HSM. It also does temperature, and is almost always aligned with the outdoor temperature from google on cold days. However on sunny days it does go off a bit....the shed is metal, so i see 45C on a sunny day.

[Eric.C.Miller]

I use the Sensative Strips Comfort (temperature and ambient light).
They claim:
"Up to 10 year battery life means no charging or changing batteries.
Suitable for outdoor use (-20°C to +60°C | -4°F to +140°F)."
The battery can not be replaced so the useful life of the device is the battery life. I have one of these in my attic and one on the front porch - they have been reliable and seem to be fairly accurate. I have not compared them to a high accuracy thermometer to see how accurate.
Both of mine are still showing 100% battery after three years.
I also have several of the Strips contact (door/window) sensors and one of them was down to 1% battery after almost five years (I have now replaced it with another brand).
The Strips are entirely sealed which, I believe, adds to their durability. But, being sealed, all interaction with the device is done by moving a magnet in a specific pattern across the device. I find it to be a major PITA. You should only need to do this for initial pairing and if you move to a different hub and need to exclude and re-pair.

[johnr]

Thank you all, for the suggestions!

I am a bit skeptical to Aqara, all do I have a bunch of them in my house, I had my outdoor senor to break two weeks ago...

I actually think I will go for the Sensitive stip with a backup hue sensor.

[Ken_Fraleigh]

@johnr

actually think I will go for the Sensitive stip with a backup hue sensor.

I have the Hue outdoor motion sensor and have been using it for a year now. In the past year it has dropped off exactly one time; when I did some rearranging of repeaters indoors and forgot about it. As far as temp sensing goes, I have it on the north side of my house so it has been very accurate. I think any sensor is going to be skewed if placed in the sun.

[Eric.C.Miller]

I have the Hue and the Sensative both on my front porch so they are shaded. They read within a half a degree (F) when I have checked them.

Right now . . .

Sensative

Hue

[kahn-hubitat]

ya unshaded they really dont work at all in sun.. but unfortunately my front door is south facing with no way to get shade.. i put it inset in a side window to the door but that is only 2" inset so doesnt really help.