They say, “don’t sweat the small stuff,” but often, it’s what matters the most. When placing a thermostat in your home, location matters. It’s one of the small things that seem unimportant but makes a big difference in the overall comfort of your home. Do not install a thermostat in any random location and suffer the consequences.
The Thermostats Job
Thermostats detect the temperature in the home, then send commands to heat or cool to the HVAC system. The placement of your thermostat affects the temperature readings sent to the HVAC unit. If your thermostat is placed in the wrong area, expect uncomfortable temperatures in your home, whether too cold or too hot. Additionally, wrongly placed thermostats cause your HVAC system to work unnecessarily hard, experience more wear and tear and break down faster.
Where should a thermostat be placed to ensure accurate readings and reduce the risks that otherwise affect the HVAC system?
Where NOT to Place a Thermostat
Before we list the best thermostat placement locations, let’s look at some of the worst places for installation so you’re sure to avoid these areas.
- Across from a window since sunlight can heat up the thermostat and cause an inaccurate reading.
- Near the furnace or air conditioner. Placing the thermostat in either location can create a false reading leading to your system working harder and creating uncomfortable conditions in your home.
- Although a common placement area for thermostats, hallways are one of the worst spots. The temperature in a hallway dramatically differs from that in other areas of the home, resulting in a false reading.
Best Place for a Thermostat
Place your thermostat on an interior wall away from windows, doors, and direct sunlight. Ideally, the thermostat should be placed centrally in your home for the most accurate readings. Consider a thermostat upgrade if you want to improve accuracy. Wifi and smart thermostats are considerably more precise than traditional thermostats and offer a variety of additional benefits.
Rice Heating and Air are a full–service HVAC Contractor headquartered in Alma, AR. The company specializes in air conditioning repair, AC installations, indoor air quality systems, heating repair, and furnace installations. Rice Heating and Air are focused on helping homeowners and businesses stay comfortable year–round. We are your comfort experts. Call us today for any of your heating and cooling needs.
