Large garages behave like several microclimates. A single average hides the coldest corner where pipes run and the warmest bay under a sunny roof. Multiple probes turn one vague number into actionable zone data.
Example zone map
- Zone 0. Door-adjacent: Captures infiltration when the door opens; expect wide swings.
- Zone 1. Interior workbench: Represents where you stand and where tools live.
- Optional third. Ceiling or attic knee wall: Spots hot air stratification in summer.
Firmware and dashboard alignment
JSON keys 0, 1, and avg map to dashboard labels you configure after sign-in: see probe mapping and labels. The average is a convenience snapshot for history, not a substitute for checking each zone during cold snaps.
Dual-probe wiring and LCD layout are covered in DHT22 sensors and LCD display and dual-probe averaging logic.
When to add another probe
- Split-level garage: Floor and loft can differ by 10 °F on calm winter nights.
- Shared wall with house: Interior partition may stay warmer than the exterior bay.
- Workshop corner with heat gun use: Isolate occasional spikes from whole-garage trends.
FAQ
Where should I place probes for freeze risk?
Prioritize the coldest expected zones: north walls, door tracks, and exterior corners, not only the workbench where you stand.