You average the high and the low swing.
A low of 37 averaged with a high of 38 averages 37.5
The problem is with averaging is that it tends to be off by just a bit, on the low side. In the example above, the heat snaps on at 37 and begins to build. The heat snaps off at 38 but the eggs act as heat sinks, holding the temperature. They won't cool as fast as the air that one reads on the gauge.
Thus, in simple arithmetic the average seems to be 37.5, but in real life, I'd guess the average to be 37.6
This isn't enough difference, however, to be concerned. This biggest cause of temperature swing is the inaccuracy of the thermostat. Bi-metal is inexpensive to buy, but you only get the quality you paid for. Digital thermostats are much more precise in their operation but also cost twice as much.
The second biggest reason for sudden low readings and sudden high readings is the ambient temperature of the room. If one locates the incubator in a place with perfect 34 degree, constant, laboratory type consistency, it helps a lot. Few of us have that quality of temperature control in our homes, which may swing 5 degrees from afternoon highs to late night lows. The thermostat in the incubator tries hard to compensate for the difference and is only so good at doing so.
A low of 37 averaged with a high of 38 averages 37.5
The problem is with averaging is that it tends to be off by just a bit, on the low side. In the example above, the heat snaps on at 37 and begins to build. The heat snaps off at 38 but the eggs act as heat sinks, holding the temperature. They won't cool as fast as the air that one reads on the gauge.
Thus, in simple arithmetic the average seems to be 37.5, but in real life, I'd guess the average to be 37.6
This isn't enough difference, however, to be concerned. This biggest cause of temperature swing is the inaccuracy of the thermostat. Bi-metal is inexpensive to buy, but you only get the quality you paid for. Digital thermostats are much more precise in their operation but also cost twice as much.
The second biggest reason for sudden low readings and sudden high readings is the ambient temperature of the room. If one locates the incubator in a place with perfect 34 degree, constant, laboratory type consistency, it helps a lot. Few of us have that quality of temperature control in our homes, which may swing 5 degrees from afternoon highs to late night lows. The thermostat in the incubator tries hard to compensate for the difference and is only so good at doing so.
