Thermostat Placement 101

Your thermostat keeps a constant check on the temperature in your home. The information it collects allows it to signal your furnace to start heating and air conditioner to start cooling. To work properly, it must have an accurate reading, which is why thermostat placement is so critical.

Locations to Avoid

Locations where a thermostat can get false readings, causing your HVAC system to work inefficiently and comfort level to be reduced, include:

• Near Air Vents: If the thermostat is constantly being hit with incoming air, temperature readings can be skewed. The AC or heater may then turn on and off too frequently (short-cycle), wasting energy. Your thermostat wiring diagram should not depict the unit being near an HVAC vent.
• In the Hallway: A hallway is a bad place for a thermostat because it doesn’t represent the true temperature of our home. People don’t spend much time in hallways. Plus, hallways tend to be long and narrow, which restricts airflow; this can make readings inaccurate, and people may bump into the thermostat and accidentally change the settings.
• Near Doors: Placement near the front door can expose a thermostat to cooler or warmer outside air. A lack of temperature stability can affect the readings and how your HVAC equipment runs, and in turn, reduce temperature stability in your home. As a result, your AC may work harder yet not provide the comfort you need.
• Near Windows: A draft from a window tends to cool down areas adjacent to it. If a thermostat is placed there, the readings may represent cooler temperatures that don’t reflect how warm or cool the room is overall. Even a closed window may have inefficiencies such as poor sealing or small drafts, which can further reduce energy efficiency.
• In Direct Sunlight: This is another reason not to place a thermostat near a window, skylight, or other sunny areas. Direct sunlight heats areas around it, including your thermostat if it’s in the way. Your air conditioner may then operate more frequently, consuming more energy to provide cooling your home doesn’t need.
• Near Heat-Producing Appliances: Ovens, stoves, and other kitchen appliances produce a lot of heat. The temperature fluctuations present a problem as well. It is hard for a thermostat to get accurate readings and it will trigger the AC to run for longer. Also keep it away from bathrooms, where steam can provide warmer temperatures, as well as lamps, TV sets, or near water pipes.

Correct Placement

The best places for a thermostat are those that reflect the average temperature of your home, such as:

• In a Central Location: The most central room of your home provides the most accurate reading of average temperature. It also offers a general perspective of circulating air. Also, the thermostat should be placed about 52 to 60 inches high; any higher and it may be affected by rising heat.
• Interior Wall: Interior walls are also ideal for measuring your home’s average temperature. Examples include a living room or a family room. Exterior walls tend to vary more in temperature and are situated away from most central living areas where it’s best to place a thermostat.

Contact Black Hills Inc. Home Services Inc.

Our experienced technicians can help you install a thermostat in the best location in your home. We’re also trusted for AC installation, maintenance, and a full range of HVAC repair services in Lakewood, Federal Way, Kent, and elsewhere in the Olympia area. Licensed and bonded, and offering flat-rate pricing and 24/7 service, we’re one of the most trusted HVAC companies near you. To learn more about our services and maintenance plans or schedule service, call 888-402-3514 today!