Gas detecting apparatus and gas detecting method

A method for detecting a state of a gas in an atmosphere, the method comprising:

• exposing a heating element to the atmosphere;
• controlling the heating element to exhibit a first temperature;
• detecting a first output voltage from the heating element exhibiting the first temperature;
• controlling the heating element to exhibit a second temperature;
• detecting a second output voltage from the heating element exhibiting the second temperature;
• setting a first offset voltage and a second offset voltage;
• determining a first potential difference by subtracting the first offset voltage from the first output voltage;
• determining a second potential difference by subtracting the second offset voltage from the second output voltage;
• amplifying the first potential difference and the second potential difference;
• and
• detecting the state of the gas using the amplified first potential difference and the amplified second potential difference.