Why Does the Placement of My Thermostat Matter?
Many people are particular about their thermostats and prefer that nobody adjust the settings. Finding the optimal temperature often takes time and too many drastic shifts can result in an overworked HVAC system and high energy bills. Thermostat placement is often an overlooked, but very important detail when it comes to the efficiency and functionality of your heating and cooling systems.
Thermostats act as the brain of your HVAC system. They monitor the temperature in your home and send signals to adjust the heat or air conditioner to reach your desired comfort level. Proper thermostat placement is crucial to ensure accurate readings so the heating and cooling equipment can work efficiently and effectively.
Where NOT to place your thermostat:
Windows and doors: Placing a thermostat in an area that's too close to windows and doors can lead to false readings caused by drafts and sudden temperature shifts when doors are opened and closed. This causes your HVAC system to cut on and off frequently. This is hard on the equipment and very inefficient.
Exterior Walls: Radiant temperature from outdoor conditions affect thermostats placed on exterior walls. These walls tend to be cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer leading your thermostat to read inaccurate temperatures thus causing your HVAC system to work unnecessarily hard. This can lead to unwanted repairs and shorten the lifespan of your system.
Bathrooms and Kitchens: Rooms that fluctuate in temperature due to their purpose are also not ideal for thermostats. Examples of these types of rooms include bathrooms where showers create steam and heat, and kitchens where ovens, stoves and other appliances generate heat.
Near Vents: Similar to windows and doors, placing a thermostat near an air vent or register can create false readings from the conditioned air blowing through the ducts and out of the vent.
Hallways: Thermostats are supposed to read the temperature of common spaces but they are frequently placed in hallways where most people do not spend much time. This can lead to very comfortable hallways but other living spaces that are too hot or too cold.
Where to place your thermostat:
Central location: such as a living room or family room
On an interior wall
Place the thermostat approximately 52-60 inches off of the floor. This allows the thermostat to capture an accurate temperature while also being easy to read and adjust.
Still uncertain about the best place to put your thermostat in your home or commercial space? Contact our trusted and certified team of HVAC professionals at Total Temperature Control for more help.
Whether you need 24-7 emergency service or a solution to improve your indoor comfort—at home and work—call us at 781-224-2400 or submit a convenient contact form.
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