Temperature and Humidity Sensor: Which One to Choose for Winter?

Humidity in the apartment should be within the range of 30–50% and not exceed 60%. This is recommended by the American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You can check this only by measurement, and the most convenient way is with a temperature and humidity sensor connected to your phone. The most accurate in our offer are SONOFF sensors, and the most convenient among them is the SNZB-02DR2 with a large screen. The simplest to set up is the Gosund S6, which works without any gateway.

The heating season is just beginning. Radiators dry out the air in the rooms, and in the bathroom and near windows, where condensation occurs, moisture accumulates. Both can be detected early, before mold appears or floorboards crack.

Below, we explain what percentage of humidity is normal, where to place the sensor, and how the Wi-Fi model differs from ZigBee. We also compare four sensors available in the store.

What is the correct humidity in an apartment?

Relative humidity in the apartment should be between 30 and 50%, with an upper limit of 60%. Any room hygrometer will take the measurement, but a smart sensor will additionally record history and send notifications. The range of 30–50% is provided by EPA in the guide on moisture and mold. According to the EPA, the risk of mold increases above 60%. Below 30%, the air is usually noticeably too dry, which often happens in heated apartments in winter.

Humidity	What it means	What to do
Below 30%	Too dry, the air can be unpleasant for the throat and eyes	Do not overheat rooms, consider a humidifier
30–50%	Comfort zone	Nothing, just keep it that way
50–60%	Upper limit of the norm	Ventilate more often, especially after cooking and bathing
Above 60%	Too humid: condensation on windows, risk of mold	Ventilate, check ventilation, dry wet surfaces

Why humidity drops in winter

Cold air from outside carries little water vapor. When radiators heat it, relative humidity drops because warmer air could hold more water than it actually does. Therefore, in a heated apartment, it’s easy to drop below 30%, even when it’s gray and wet outside.

Why mold still appears

Where a lot of steam is generated, it’s too humid in winter: in the bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom with the window closed. Warm, humid air condenses on the coldest surfaces, namely on windows and the corners of external walls. The EPA advises quickly drying wet surfaces and reducing the source of moisture, for example by ventilating more frequently.

Tip: one sensor in the living room won’t tell you what’s happening in the bathroom or bedroom. Humidity varies between rooms, which is why we sell SONOFF sensors in sets of two.

Temperature and Humidity Sensor: Wi-Fi or ZigBee?

This choice determines whether the sensor will work immediately after being taken out of the box.

• Wi-Fi Humidity Sensor connects directly to your home router. You need nothing more than an app on your phone. Wi-Fi sensors usually drain batteries faster, and with several devices, they can overload the network.
• ZigBee is an energy-efficient protocol designed for sensors. It operates on its own network, independent of Wi-Fi. For remote viewing, notifications, and automation, a ZigBee gateway is required, which connects to the router itself.

If you are buying your first sensor and do not have a gateway at home, choose a Wi-Fi model. If you plan to have more sensors, for example, for window openings or flooding, ZigBee with a gateway will be more convenient.

It also matters which gateway the sensor works with. Gosund ZigBee sensors are designed for the Tuya system, for example, with the Gosund ST21 gateway. According to the manufacturer, SONOFF sensors support ZigBee 3.0 gateways, including their own SONOFF hubs, the NSPanel Pro, and Amazon Echo speakers with a built-in ZigBee hub. The USB key ZBDongle is an option for Home Assistant users, not a standalone gateway for the app.

Temperature and humidity sensors in our offer

In the store, we have four temperature and humidity sensors from two brands: SONOFF and Gosund. Three operate via ZigBee (two SONOFF and Gosund ST17), one via Wi-Fi.

1. SONOFF SNZB-02DR2: accurate, with a large display

The SNZB-02DR2 display shows the current measurement as well as the minimum and maximum from the last day.

Our choice if you have a ZigBee gateway. SONOFF SNZB-02DR2 features a Sensirion SHT40 sensor, used in measuring devices. The manufacturer states an accuracy of ±0.2°C and ±2% RH. The large 3.6″ screen displays current values, minimum and maximum from the last 24 hours, and a graphical comfort indicator. Without a gateway, you can connect to it closely via Bluetooth to read the data.

• ZigBee 3.0, powered by 2× AAA
• 3.6″ LCD screen with min/max and comfort indicator
• Measurement history and alerts in the app
• Set of two sensors

Advantages:

• Highest declared accuracy, along with SNZB-02D
• Readable screen from the other end of the room

Disadvantages:

• A ZigBee gateway is needed for the app and automation, and we currently do not have SONOFF hubs in stock

2. Gosund S6: Wi-Fi humidity sensor without a gateway

Gosund S6 connects to the Wi-Fi router, and the measurement history is in the app.

Gosund S6 is the simplest way to get your first sensor. It connects directly to the home Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, so you just need the Gosund or Tuya Smart app. It has a backlit screen with a clock, and works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

• Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, no gateway
• Accuracy ±1°C and ±5% RH
• Power: 3 AAA batteries
• Measurement history and automations in the app, e.g., turning on the humidifier when the air is too dry

Advantages:

• Works immediately, without additional equipment
• Backlit screen with clock

Cons:

• Less accuracy than SONOFF
• Wi-Fi drains batteries faster than ZigBee

3. SONOFF SNZB-02D: accurate and compact

SONOFF SNZB-02D, also available in packs of two.

SONOFF SNZB-02D is an older model from the same series, with a smaller screen displaying temperature and humidity. The manufacturer states an accuracy of ±0.2°C and ±2% RH, with readings refreshing every 5 seconds, and the CR2450 battery lasts up to about 2 years according to specifications.

• ZigBee 3.0, CR2450 battery
• Readings every 5 seconds, notifications for threshold breaches
• Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home
• Set of two sensors

Advantages:

• High accuracy in a small housing
• Long battery life on a single charge

Disadvantages:

• Requires a ZigBee gateway, and we currently do not have SONOFF hubs in stock
• Smaller screen than in SNZB-02DR2

4. Gosund ST17 ZigBee: for the Tuya system

Gosund ST17 looks like S6, but connects via ZigBee.

Gosund ST17 is the ZigBee version of the S6 sensor: the same screen with a clock and the same accuracy of ±1°C and ±5% RH. Choose it if you already have a Tuya gateway or plan to use several Gosund sensors at once. You can export the measurement history from the app to your email.

Advantages:

• ZigBee usually consumes battery more efficiently than Wi-Fi
• Compatible with the Tuya system, e.g., with the Gosund ST21 gateway

Disadvantages:

• Without a gateway, you cannot connect it to your phone
• Accuracy is the same as in the cheaper S6

Comparison of temperature and humidity sensors

Feature	SONOFF SNZB-02DR2	Gosund S6	SONOFF SNZB-02D	Gosund ST17
Connectivity	ZigBee 3.0	Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz	ZigBee 3.0	ZigBee
Works without a hub	❌ no (close by Bluetooth)	✅ yes	❌ no	❌ no (Tuya hub needed)
Temperature accuracy	±0.2°C	±1°C	±0.2°C	±1°C
Humidity accuracy	±2% RH	±5% RH	±2% RH	±5% RH
Display	LCD 3.6″, min/max	LCD with clock	LCD	LCD with clock
Power supply	2× AAA	3× AAA	CR2450	3× AAA
Included	2 pieces	1 piece	2 pieces	1 piece

How to choose in short:

• First sensor, without a hub? Gosund S6 Wi-Fi.
• Do you care about accurate measurement and have a ZigBee hub? SONOFF SNZB-02DR2 or SNZB-02D.
• Want to control two rooms and have a ZigBee hub? SONOFF sets with two pieces.
• Building a system on Tuya? Gosund ST17 with Gosund ST21 hub.

Where to place the humidity sensor

The sensor shows conditions where it stands. If placed incorrectly, it will measure the radiator instead of the room.

1. Away from the radiator. Heat lowers relative humidity and raises temperature.
2. Not right by the window. It is colder and more humid by the glass than in the rest of the room.
3. At human height. About where you spend your time. Not on the floor and not on the wardrobe under the ceiling.
4. Also in the bedroom and bathroom. That’s where humidity changes the most.

Automations with humidity sensor

The smart sensor can not only measure but also trigger a reaction before it gets too dry or too wet.

• Too dry? The sensor can turn on a humidifier plugged into a smart socket when humidity drops below a set threshold. Such an example appears in the descriptions of the Gosund S6 and SONOFF sensors.
• Too humid in the bathroom? A notification on your phone after exceeding 60% will remind you to ventilate.
• Ventilation control. Gosund S2 window opening sensor works via Wi-Fi without a hub and will send a notification when the window is opened. In combination with a humidity sensor, you can see if ventilation actually lowers humidity.

All sensors, including window opening, flooding, and motion, can be found in the smart home sensors category. Outlets and other automation devices are in the home automation category.

Summary: which temperature and humidity sensor to choose

• Correct humidity in the apartment is 30–50%, and above 60% the risk of mold increases.
• The most accurate temperature and humidity sensors in our offer are SONOFF SNZB-02DR2 and SNZB-02D (±0.2°C, ±2% RH).
• The simplest start is the Gosund S6 Wi-Fi, which does not require a hub.
• ZigBee requires a gateway, but saves batteries and works better with multiple sensors.

The heating season is a good time to measure humidity in the apartment before the first mold spot appears by the window. You can find the entire selection of sensors in the smart home sensors category. Delivery is free for orders over 100 PLN.

FAQ

What humidity should be in the apartment in winter? Just like throughout the year: from 30 to 50%, no more than 60%. In winter, a more common problem is overly dry air in heated rooms and too humid air in the bathroom.

What is the difference between a humidity sensor and a room hygrometer? A hygrometer is a general term for a device that measures humidity. A smart temperature and humidity sensor does the same thing, but additionally records history, sends notifications to your phone, and can control other devices.

Does a ZigBee sensor work without a gateway? For full functionality, meaning remote viewing, notifications, and automation, a gateway is needed. An exception is the SONOFF SNZB-02DR2, which will connect to your phone via Bluetooth from close range. If you don’t have a gateway, the simplest option is to choose a Wi-Fi sensor, e.g., the Gosund S6.

Will the SONOFF sensor work with a Tuya gateway? The manufacturer lists compatible ZigBee 3.0 gateways, including SONOFF hubs, NSPanel Pro, ZBDongle key, and Amazon Echo with a ZigBee hub. Tuya gateways are not included in this list, so with a Tuya system, it’s safer to choose the Gosund ST17.

Where is the best place to put a humidity sensor? About at the height where you spend time, away from the radiator, window, and direct sunlight. It will tell you the most in the bedroom and bathroom.

How to reduce humidity in the apartment? Ventilate briefly and intensively, especially after cooking and bathing, and do not dry laundry in a closed room. Dry wet surfaces, such as condensation on windows, immediately.