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C h a p t e r 3 | S e n s i n g A c c u r a c y f o r O p t i m a l C o m f o r t Traditional sensors require periodic recalibration because their sensing materials inevitably drift through molecular-level changes that cannot be reversed. Building environments accelerate this degradation through exposure to cleaning chemicals, refrigerants, dust, and organic compounds that coat sensor surfaces or penetrate protective housings, creating systematic errors that compound over time. Multi-parameter environments expose sensors to interfering compounds that affect measurement accuracy through crosstalk mechanisms. CO2 sensors experience interference from humidity variations that affect infrared absorption characteristics, while pressure sensors drift with temperature fluctuations that change the mechanical properties of sensing diaphragms. Low differential pressure applications present particular challenges, requiring sensors capable of detecting pressure drops as low as 1"H2O with high stability for early detection of air filter loading. The Calibration Challenge: Maintaining Precision Over Decades The physics of long-term sensor stability reveals why factory calibration cannot predict real-world performance over building operational lifetimes. Small calibration errors that seem insignificant initially can compound over years of operation, causing building systems to operate far from optimal conditions. A humidity sensor that drifts just 2% per year reaches 20% error after a decade, potentially causing serious indoor air quality problems or substantial energy waste. Advanced sensor designs address these challenges through self-referencing systems that automatically compensate for aging effects without field intervention. Jeffery Tucker CEM, CMVP, Industrial Field Application Engineer, Americas Region, Amphenol Sensors Our sensors help buildings do more than detect—they help them decide. We're not just delivering data; we're delivering insight at the edge." 16 Industrial-Grade Building Automation: Rugged, Reliable, Smart