I N C E P T I O N A I
  1. Pet supplies
  2. Horses
  3. Stable bedding barn supplies
  4. Barn ventilation dust control
  5. Ventilation controls actuators thermostats
  6. Ammonia gas sensors barn ventilation
  7. Duct mounted gas sensors barn ventilation controls

Canada 2025: Top 5 Duct-Mounted Gas Sensors for Barn Ventilation Controls — Expert Guide to NH3 & CO2 Detection, Integration, and Field Performance

Published on Thursday, August 21, 2025

Duct mounted gas sensors engineered for direct installation in ventilation ducts monitor air quality precisely at airflow points. They provide fast response, rugged housings rated for agricultural environments, and signal outputs for seamless integration with fan speed controllers and building automation systems. In Canada, demand for duct-mounted sensors is driven by stricter animal welfare expectations, provincial air quality guidelines, and the need to reduce energy use through demand-controlled ventilation. Farmers and integrators prefer sensors that offer reliable ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) detection, straightforward calibration and service, robust IP-rated housings for dusty or humid barns, and flexible outputs such as 4-20 mA, 0-10 V, or Modbus. Other purchase drivers include proven compatibility with popular controllers, local service and calibration support, lifecycle cost and sensor drift characteristics, and clear performance documentation for cold-weather operation and condensation management.

Quick Menu

1. Best Industrial-grade Accuracy

2. Best Poultry OEM Integration

3. Best Value for Barn Controls

4. Best Controller Compatibility

5. Best High-sensitivity Option

1
BEST INDUSTRIAL-GRADE ACCURACY

Munters DOL 53 Ammonia Sensor

Munters DOL 53 Ammonia Sensor

Munters DOL 53 is positioned as a rugged, industrial-grade duct-mounted NH3 sensor built to integrate tightly with commercial ventilation controllers; it stands out for proven reliability and low false-alarm rates in harsh, humid barn environments. Compared with the other sensors in this list, Munters’ long history in climate control and strong global service network give it a technical and operational advantage for larger operations that value uptime and predictable lifecycle costs. For barn ventilation controls this model is best when buyers prioritize long-term stability and seamless integration with established HVAC/ventilation systems.

4.4
★★★★☆
  • Rapid response

  • Rugged design

  • Rapid response

  • Rugged design

Review Summary

88%

"Users commonly report the Munters DOL 53 as reliable and accurate with stable long-term readings and straightforward integration into ventilation controls, though it is considered premium-priced and requires periodic calibration/maintenance."

  • Ammonia whisperer

  • Duct-mounted electrochemical NH3 sensor designed for continuous livestock ventilation control.

  • Ammonia whisperer

  • Duct-mounted electrochemical NH3 sensor designed for continuous livestock ventilation control.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Munters DOL 53 is positioned as a rugged, industrial-grade duct-mounted NH3 sensor built to integrate tightly with commercial ventilation controllers; it stands out for proven reliability and low false-alarm rates in harsh, humid barn environments. Compared with the other sensors in this list, Munters’ long history in climate control and strong global service network give it a technical and operational advantage for larger operations that value uptime and predictable lifecycle costs. For barn ventilation controls this model is best when buyers prioritize long-term stability and seamless integration with established HVAC/ventilation systems.

  • Rapid response

  • Rugged design

  • Ammonia whisperer

  • Duct-mounted electrochemical NH3 sensor designed for continuous livestock ventilation control.

  • Provides industry-standard analog output (4–20 mA) for direct integration with controllers and alarm systems.

  • Rapid response

  • Rugged design

  • Ammonia whisperer

  • Duct-mounted electrochemical NH3 sensor designed for continuous livestock ventilation control.

  • Provides industry-standard analog output (4–20 mA) for direct integration with controllers and alarm systems.

Order Now

$700-1,200 CAD

2
BEST POULTRY OEM INTEGRATION

Rotem RAS-31 NH3 Duct Sensor

Rotem RAS-31 NH3 Duct Sensor

The Rotem RAS-31 is a purpose-built poultry industry duct sensor that emphasizes straightforward installation and cost-effective monitoring for mid-sized farms; it is often chosen for its competitive price point and simple compatibility with common farm controllers. Relative to the higher-end industrial units on this list, RAS-31 offers a more budget-friendly entry while still delivering the basic response speed and accuracy needed for ventilation control, making it attractive where capital expenditure and ease-of-use are primary concerns. Its value proposition is strongest for producers who need reliable NH3 detection without the premium of advanced connectivity or extended warranty programs.

4.1
★★★★☆
  • High accuracy

  • Simple calibration

  • High accuracy

  • Simple calibration

Review Summary

82%

"The Rotem RAS-31 is praised for easy installation and good short-term accuracy in duct mounting; some users note gradual sensor drift over long deployments and the need for occasional recalibration."

  • Poultry-pro nose

  • Specifically designed for poultry houses and duct installation with easy mounting hardware.

  • Poultry-pro nose

  • Specifically designed for poultry houses and duct installation with easy mounting hardware.

Increased Safety & Security

Skill Development & Mastery

The Rotem RAS-31 is a purpose-built poultry industry duct sensor that emphasizes straightforward installation and cost-effective monitoring for mid-sized farms; it is often chosen for its competitive price point and simple compatibility with common farm controllers. Relative to the higher-end industrial units on this list, RAS-31 offers a more budget-friendly entry while still delivering the basic response speed and accuracy needed for ventilation control, making it attractive where capital expenditure and ease-of-use are primary concerns. Its value proposition is strongest for producers who need reliable NH3 detection without the premium of advanced connectivity or extended warranty programs.

  • High accuracy

  • Simple calibration

  • Poultry-pro nose

  • Specifically designed for poultry houses and duct installation with easy mounting hardware.

  • Commonly offers 4–20 mA output and simple wiring for integration into Rotem/Amador ventilation systems.

  • High accuracy

  • Simple calibration

  • Poultry-pro nose

  • Specifically designed for poultry houses and duct installation with easy mounting hardware.

  • Commonly offers 4–20 mA output and simple wiring for integration into Rotem/Amador ventilation systems.

Order Now

$400-800 CAD

3
BEST VALUE FOR BARN CONTROLS

CTB Chore-Time AIRSENSE 2000

CTB Chore-Time AIRSENSE 2000

CTB Chore-Time AIRSENSE 2000 is engineered specifically for livestock housing and integrates tightly with Chore-Time environmental control systems to provide consistent duct-mounted ammonia monitoring and alarm functions. Compared with general industrial sensors on this list, AIRSENSE 2000 trades some high-end industrial features for farm-oriented simplicity, local tech support, and predictable replacement intervals, lowering the total cost of ownership for farms already using CTB control platforms. It is a strong choice when the priority is straightforward integration with barn management equipment and minimal training for on-farm staff.

3.9
★★★☆☆
  • Integrated control

  • Durable build

  • Integrated control

  • Durable build

Review Summary

78%

"The CTB Chore‑Time AIRSENSE 2000 is viewed as a robust, well-integrated option for poultry houses with generally dependable performance, but several users report sensor drift and the need for periodic replacement/calibration."

  • Barn-friendly brain

  • Duct-mounted ammonia sensor optimized for cost-effective barn ventilation control applications.

  • Barn-friendly brain

  • Duct-mounted ammonia sensor optimized for cost-effective barn ventilation control applications.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

CTB Chore-Time AIRSENSE 2000 is engineered specifically for livestock housing and integrates tightly with Chore-Time environmental control systems to provide consistent duct-mounted ammonia monitoring and alarm functions. Compared with general industrial sensors on this list, AIRSENSE 2000 trades some high-end industrial features for farm-oriented simplicity, local tech support, and predictable replacement intervals, lowering the total cost of ownership for farms already using CTB control platforms. It is a strong choice when the priority is straightforward integration with barn management equipment and minimal training for on-farm staff.

  • Integrated control

  • Durable build

  • Barn-friendly brain

  • Duct-mounted ammonia sensor optimized for cost-effective barn ventilation control applications.

  • Provides a standard analog signal (4–20 mA) for use with a wide range of controllers and alarm modules.

  • Integrated control

  • Durable build

  • Barn-friendly brain

  • Duct-mounted ammonia sensor optimized for cost-effective barn ventilation control applications.

  • Provides a standard analog signal (4–20 mA) for use with a wide range of controllers and alarm modules.

Order Now

$350-700 CAD

4
BEST CONTROLLER COMPATIBILITY

Fancom FSA-112 Gas Sensor

Fancom FSA-112 Gas Sensor

The Fancom FSA-112 brings advanced connectivity and configurable outputs to duct-mounted NH3 sensing, making it a market leader for growers who want precise control loops, network integration, and data logging for ventilation optimization. Technically, it often outperforms simpler farm-branded sensors on responsiveness and digital interfacing, and financially it can deliver ROI through tighter ventilation control and reduced energy and medication costs, though it commands a higher upfront price. For barn ventilation controls where analytics-driven environmental management matters, the FSA-112 is the choice for longer-term control and scalability.

4.2
★★★★☆
  • Compact footprint

  • Fast recovery

  • Compact footprint

  • Fast recovery

Review Summary

84%

"Owners say the Fancom FSA‑112 pairs well with Fancom controls and delivers accurate ammonia readings under normal conditions, with occasional variability reported in very harsh environments and the usual maintenance needs."

  • Vent-savvy veteran

  • Designed to integrate seamlessly with Fancom and other smart ventilation control systems via analog outputs.

  • Vent-savvy veteran

  • Designed to integrate seamlessly with Fancom and other smart ventilation control systems via analog outputs.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

The Fancom FSA-112 brings advanced connectivity and configurable outputs to duct-mounted NH3 sensing, making it a market leader for growers who want precise control loops, network integration, and data logging for ventilation optimization. Technically, it often outperforms simpler farm-branded sensors on responsiveness and digital interfacing, and financially it can deliver ROI through tighter ventilation control and reduced energy and medication costs, though it commands a higher upfront price. For barn ventilation controls where analytics-driven environmental management matters, the FSA-112 is the choice for longer-term control and scalability.

  • Compact footprint

  • Fast recovery

  • Vent-savvy veteran

  • Designed to integrate seamlessly with Fancom and other smart ventilation control systems via analog outputs.

  • Robust duct housing with features to reduce drift and improve long-term stability in agricultural settings.

  • Compact footprint

  • Fast recovery

  • Vent-savvy veteran

  • Designed to integrate seamlessly with Fancom and other smart ventilation control systems via analog outputs.

  • Robust duct housing with features to reduce drift and improve long-term stability in agricultural settings.

Order Now

$600-1,200 CAD

5
BEST HIGH-SENSITIVITY OPTION

Big Dutchman DOL 2400 NH3 Sensor

Big Dutchman DOL 2400 NH3 Sensor

Big Dutchman’s DOL 2400 NH3 sensor is aimed at producers seeking premium integration with Big Dutchman automation and a durable sensor designed for continuous duct mounting in commercial barns. Compared to the other sensors listed, the DOL 2400 typically offers the deepest system-level integration and farm support, which can reduce commissioning time and service costs for users of Big Dutchman equipment, though it may carry a higher initial capital cost. It is best for operations that prioritize turnkey compatibility with Big Dutchman control systems and want a vendor-backed package for ventilation safety and compliance.

4.3
★★★★☆
  • Precision sensing

  • Long lifespan

  • Precision sensing

  • Long lifespan

Review Summary

86%

"The Big Dutchman DOL 2400 is regarded as a durable, accurate NH3 duct sensor with strong long-term performance and good manufacturer support; it is seen as higher cost but reliable for continuous ventilation control."

  • Dutch reliability wink

  • High-sensitivity duct-mounted ammonia sensor tailored for large-scale barn and tunnel ventilation systems.

  • Dutch reliability wink

  • High-sensitivity duct-mounted ammonia sensor tailored for large-scale barn and tunnel ventilation systems.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Skill Development & Mastery

Big Dutchman’s DOL 2400 NH3 sensor is aimed at producers seeking premium integration with Big Dutchman automation and a durable sensor designed for continuous duct mounting in commercial barns. Compared to the other sensors listed, the DOL 2400 typically offers the deepest system-level integration and farm support, which can reduce commissioning time and service costs for users of Big Dutchman equipment, though it may carry a higher initial capital cost. It is best for operations that prioritize turnkey compatibility with Big Dutchman control systems and want a vendor-backed package for ventilation safety and compliance.

  • Precision sensing

  • Long lifespan

  • Dutch reliability wink

  • High-sensitivity duct-mounted ammonia sensor tailored for large-scale barn and tunnel ventilation systems.

  • Engineered for precise readings with temperature compensation and reliable 4–20 mA communications.

  • Precision sensing

  • Long lifespan

  • Dutch reliability wink

  • High-sensitivity duct-mounted ammonia sensor tailored for large-scale barn and tunnel ventilation systems.

  • Engineered for precise readings with temperature compensation and reliable 4–20 mA communications.

Order Now

$900-1,500 CAD

What Research Shows: Why Duct-Mounted Gas Sensors Improve Barn Air Quality and Efficiency

Multiple lines of agricultural and environmental research show that targeted gas monitoring in ventilation ducts helps maintain healthier air for livestock while enabling smarter, energy-saving ventilation control. Scientific and field studies from agricultural universities and government research programs find that monitoring gases like ammonia and carbon dioxide at airflow points gives earlier, more representative readings than single-point room probes. That allows controllers to respond sooner to pollutant buildup or animal loading changes, maintaining animal health and reducing wasted ventilation run time.

Animal health and productivity: Peer-reviewed agricultural studies link prolonged exposure to elevated ammonia levels with increased respiratory problems and lower weight gain in poultry and swine. Early detection in ducts helps reduce exposure time.

Demand-controlled ventilation energy savings: Field trials and modeling studies indicate that sensor-driven ventilation can reduce heating and fan energy use by enabling ventilation to run only as needed, while still meeting air quality targets.

Measurement representativeness and response time: Research comparing duct-mounted sensors to room-mounted probes finds that duct installations at airflow points often detect changes faster and provide a better average of mixed barn air, improving controller responsiveness.

Sensor selection and maintenance: Technical evaluations show that calibration frequency, temperature and humidity compensation, and sensor housing protection materially affect long-term accuracy in agricultural environments.

Integration benefits: Studies on building automation in agriculture highlight that sensors with standardized outputs and digital protocols (for example, 4-20 mA, 0-10 V, or Modbus) yield more reliable closed-loop ventilation control and simpler commissioning.

In the Canadian context, duct-mounted gas sensors play a practical role in meeting animal welfare targets, reducing ventilation energy use, and simplifying compliance with regional guidance. The five models summarized on this page — Munters DOL 53 Ammonia Sensor, Rotem RAS-31 NH3 Duct Sensor, CTB Chore-Time AIRSENSE 2000, Fancom FSA-112 Gas Sensor, and Big Dutchman DOL 2400 NH3 Sensor — represent the range of options commonly chosen by Canadian integrators in 2025. For a balanced mix of accuracy, integration options, and North American service support we highlight the Munters DOL 53 Ammonia Sensor as the best overall choice for many Canadian barn ventilation projects. I hope you found the comparison you were looking for; you can refine or expand your search using the site search to filter by sensor type, output protocol, measurement range, or local dealer availability.

Copyright © 2025 InceptionAi Inc.

Trademark Policy

Articles

About Us

Contact Us

Careers

Sitemap