Outdoor thermometer on a plastic window - new technologies or the old-fashioned method

If you always want to know the exact air temperature outside the window, you can, of course, look up the information on the Internet. However, it would be better to simply purchase a high-quality outdoor thermometer.

The Chinese have long learned to produce such thermometers. If previously they were not durable and the only thing they could do was show air temperature, today they can already measure humidity, atmospheric pressure, as well as the strength and direction of the wind.

This article presents the most successful outdoor thermometers from AliExpress, which are worth paying attention to.

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Types of outdoor thermometers

The most inexpensive type of such device is liquid. The measurement takes place using a liquid that is poured into a flask. This could be, for example, alcohol, mercury. Liquid expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations. The flask is mounted on a base made of wood or plastic, and divisions are also marked there. The thermometer shows the temperature quite accurately and is easy to attach using special Velcro. Such devices can be mounted on a window without fear of it being stolen. This is convenient for the first floors.

But in this case there are several disadvantages:

• short service life;
• small numbers and divisions;
• Velcro practically does not hold when used repeatedly;
• simple design that can stand out from the overall interior.

The next type is bimetallic thermometers, the operation of which is based on two metals with different coefficients of thermal expansion. A spring is made from these metals, which rotates the arrow when heated and cooled. It indicates values ​​arranged in a semicircle.

Bimetallic thermometers allow you to measure temperature more accurately and have an interesting design.

But such devices can heat up from the sun, which penetrates through the transparent plastic case. They are attached with Velcro.

The outdoor electronic thermometer has a modern look and convenience. They also use two metals, but with different electronegativity. It's best if there is platinum there. A battery or solar cell is used for power, and the information is shown on the display.

The only negative is the need to choose a location so that nothing affects the accuracy of the measurements. Such devices have many more advantages:

• modern and sometimes original design;
• precise measurements;
• ease of use;
• intuitive interface;
• often a large display with large indications.

As a result, digital or electronic appliances are becoming an ideal option for different families. Elderly people and even children can easily handle them.

How to attach a thermometer to a plastic window using self-tapping screws

Although we do not support this method, many people use it. Some people simply don’t take care of government-issued frames, while others think there’s nothing wrong with screwing a thermometer onto the frame of a plastic window. Well, let's look at this option. In fact, everything is simple. Everything is the same as in the previous case, with one exception, self-tapping screws are used instead of mounting. Here you can use self-tapping screws and mounting tape together. Which will lead to better results. Also if you use self-tapping screws, we would even recommend using mounting or sealant. This is necessary in order to seal the hole from the self-tapping screw into the frame cavity. Well, this procedure for installing a thermometer is very simple. We pre-drill holes for screws in the plastic fasteners. If you don't drill, the plastic will simply crack, trust us. Nothing good will come of this. So don’t be lazy, find the tool and strength to drill holes in the thermometer mounts. Next, attach the thermometer to the mounting tape. If there is no tape, then do not forget to squeeze out a drop of sealant. Now, screw the screws through the holes in the thermometer mounts.

It is not necessary to drill holes in the window frame; the probability of cracking there is negligible. That's it, the outdoor thermometer is attached to the sash of the plastic window. However, there are other alternative options so as not to “spoil” the frame...

Which outdoor thermometer is better to choose?

The most practical is a liquid thermometer using alcohol. Now you can find models with interesting designs.

Advice! It is better not to purchase cheap models made from weak materials. They will quickly fail and require replacement.

A digital thermometer is the most reliable. Many models are not cheap, but the price is compensated by their long service life and convenience. Therefore, in the end they turn out to be even more economical than other types.

Bimetallic devices are considered less reliable. They often break due to temperature changes. Careless use and mechanical stress will also quickly damage them.

Alternatives for a window thermometer that do not mount it directly on the window

The main purpose of a thermometer on the frame is to be able to look at it and see what the temperature is outside. But who said that the thermometer should be installed on the window sash!? The thermometer can be mounted on a slope outside, while its functionality will be fully preserved, and it will be convenient to monitor the readings. In this case, the frame of the plastic window will probably not be damaged. All you need to do here is to bend the metal fasteners to the diameter of the thermometer and drill holes in the wall for the dowels. Next, we screw the entire structure to the window slope and voila, the thermometer is in place. It may be unsightly, but it is pragmatic and the frame is intact.

Well, another option would be to purchase an electronic thermometer with a remote sensor. The advantages here are obvious. You can simply place the thermometer on the window sill without drilling or gluing anything at all. There is no need to talk about installation here. The wire with the temperature sensor is simply thrown outside, and the thermometer itself is located in the room. If you want the thermometer to be in place, you can embed it into the slope, which in most cases are PVC panels. They are easily cut with the simplest stationery knife.

Then the wire is routed to the frame, and there it is also brought out beyond the sash. It is even better to install such a thermometer when the slopes are being made and the frame has not yet been foamed. Then the wire can be completely routed behind the panels and frame, directly to the street. He will not be visible in the room at all. The third option is weather stations with signal transmission via a wireless channel. Such stations work as follows. A sensor for measuring temperature and more is attached to the street, often it is also a barometer and a hygrometer. The sensor is mounted on standard mounts in the housing using a dowel.

Digital telemetry data is then transmitted at high frequency (433 Hz) to the main station, where it is decrypted and displayed.

In this case, the main station can now be placed not only by the window, but also in the room, in any place convenient for you. The signal transmission range is about 20 meters. The most popular well-known brand is stations. True, the price for them is “biting”. Well, the fourth option, or special case, is a thermometer installed directly on the glass, using suction cups, or using mounting tape.

Let's say right away that the option is not very successful, since the LCD screen is located on the street. During the cold season it may fail. It is better not to consider this option as a possible installation. And we also don’t need to mention about attaching the suction cup in the cold. Not reliable, which means not practical! Now that we have presented various options for thermometers and stations and methods for attaching them, let's look at all the pros and cons of each, as well as installation features. Let's start with the safety of each of the thermometers.

Features of installation of measuring instruments for plastic windows

Modern thermometers are mounted on a window profile using a special bracket

It can be installed on a window or loggia, but it is important to follow these rules:

• remove dirt from windows;
• eliminate any possibility of direct light from the sun hitting the device;
• install away from air conditioners and any heat sources;
• Check the thermometer for errors.

Often the measuring device already comes with a mounting system (screws and holders).

For long-term and normal operation of the window measuring mechanism, when installing it, it is better to follow these simple rules:

1. select the correct position of the bracket and the device;
2. remove the protective film, check and align the holes in the case and holder;
3. choose a location for the device (away from direct sunlight, wind and rain);
4. secure to the frame using screws or mounting tape.

Electronic (digital) temperature measuring instruments are often installed when installing plastic windows. Their installation requires pulling a wire under the window frame to remove the temperature sensor. The most suitable for installation and operation is a wireless digital device with a remote radio sensor behind the window frames.

Remember that the accuracy of the displayed temperature directly depends on the correct installation of it on the window structure.

Recommendations for selection and installation

When purchasing and installing a window thermometer, it is useful to consider the following recommendations:

• As is known from the above technical characteristics of temperature meters, the greatest error is caused by bimetallic devices, during the production process of which the smallest differences in the physical parameters of metal springs lead to deviations of up to 3 degrees.
• If the accuracy of the readings is important, you should not purchase decorative alcohol thermometers with a short capillary tube - they are not calibrated during the production process and the error can go far beyond 1 degree. Also, a short scale has a higher error compared to a long scale, not only due to the lack of calibration, but also due to the manufacturing technology - its temperature range is lower and usually ranges from -30 + 50 ° C.
• Attaching expensive electronic thermometers to glass with suction cups or Velcro is not very reliable and one day the device may end up outside the window - in addition to weather conditions with precipitation and temperature changes, it can be knocked over by perched birds. Therefore, the most reliable method is to attach an electronic thermometer to an external hinge screwed to the slope.

Most often, the thermometer is attached to the glazing using Velcro; during installation proceed as follows:

• Before attaching an outdoor thermometer to a plastic window, clean the glass at the attachment point from dirt, degrease it with acetone or white spirit, and then wipe it dry with a dry cloth.
• Remove the protective film from the Velcro and forcefully press the thermometer onto the glass with the contact pads, holding it for some time.
• Velcro fastening should be carried out only in the warm season at a positive temperature of +10 ° C - in the cold the glue may freeze and reliable adhesion to the glass will not work.

Options for thermometer designs for attaching to slopes
To measure street temperature, you can use any type of thermometer, and taking into account the fact that the readings are significantly influenced by thermal radiation from the walls, the error of the device itself is not significant. Therefore, from the point of view of functionality and cost, bimetallic and alcohol thermometers are the best option, and more expensive measuring electronics deserve attention with a full set of weather diagnostic (barometer, hygrometer) and household auxiliary functions (clock, alarm clock).

Mounting options

Nowadays, most often thermometers need to be installed on the facade of a building or on plastic window frames. It is worth considering that some models have landing pads with holes for self-tapping screws. Such options, naturally, are not suitable for metal plastic. In such situations, the meter must be positioned using alternative installation methods.

• Using Velcro, which may be included in the package. If the device is attached to glass, then, most likely, characteristic marks will remain on it.
• Application when installing double-sided tape. This option becomes the optimal solution for many models.
• Secure the thermometer with superglue. This radical method can be a solution in situations with almost any surface on which the measuring device is installed.
• The thermometer can be glued to the glass using suction cups. In this situation, you should remember that such a connection is not reliable, and the device may simply fall off at any time.
• Securing the thermometer using the sealing rubber bands of the glass unit.

It is important to consider a number of important rules for installing the described devices. First of all, before installation, you should thoroughly clean and treat the selected location.

To do this, you can effectively use special window cleaning sprays.