This paper concerns characterization and modeling of single crystalline tin oxide nanowires used as CO sensors. In this work we analyze the performance of these devices when they are used with variable operating temperatures. The aim is reducing the power consumption and establishing a model suitable for the development of sensing systems working with programmed temperature protocols. In particular we developed and tested a model for the dynamic behavior of the sensor able to predict the sensor response during thermal or chemical transients. This model can be therefore exploited for the selection of optimum temperature profiles targeted to specific applications.