HVAC Myths: Is Thermostat Placement Important?

In our series “HVAC Myths,” we debunk common misconceptions about heating and air that homeowners everywhere have believed for years!

This week we are debunking the myth that thermostat placement in your home is unimportant. We will also give you some tips on how to choose optimum thermostat placement to keep your home comfortable and to keep your energy bills relatively lower.

The Myth:

Thermostat Placement Doesn’t Matter:

Untrue! There are several different factors that influence the correct place in your home to install your thermostat, because your thermostat plays the crucial role of telling your heat and air when to turn on and off. Your thermostat only knows the temperature in its immediate surrounding area, so improper placement can greatly affect the accuracy of your heating and cooling system and its efficiency.

The Facts:

There are several factors that a homeowner should take into consideration before settling on a final location for the thermostat. One thing to consider is whether or not the thermostat will ever be hit by direct sunlight for prolonged amounts of time. If sunlight hits the sensor directly, it can give your system the incorrect information and it will not run as efficiently.

Next, since the kitchen hosts several large appliances that give off heat, and also changes temperature frequently depending on use of the stove and/or oven, placing a thermostat in or near a kitchen can skew the thermostat reading.

Hallways, doors, and windows are cause for concern regarding placement because these areas can either get too much or not enough airflow. Poorly insulated windows and opening or closing doors can cause air to heat up and cool down, which causes thermometer readings to skew. In addition, iridescent light bulbs placed too closely to the thermostat can affect temperature readings as well.

The Lesson:

Improper placement of your thermostat could result in ghost readings of the temperature in your home, wasted energy, and higher energy bills.

Proper placement of your thermostat should be mounted approximately five feet up from the floor, which will give a good average temperature reading between floor to ceiling.  Typically, your thermostat will be installed at the same time as the rest of your system, so your HVAC contractor may be able to help with proper placement. It is best to contact your contractor in the beginning planning stages so the thermostat placement can be planned in advance.

If you’re unsure if your thermostat is placed correctly, or need help with getting your HVAC system and thermostat installed, reach out to us to schedule an appointment today. Visit us online or give us a call at 1-800-404-0371 to speak with a comfort specialist today.