Where Should Your Thermostat Be Located?
Location is everything, but not just in the real estate world. This common piece of advice also applies to your thermostat. What you want is a place where you can get accurate readings, so your heating and cooling system maintains optimal efficiency and indoor comfort. Below, we discuss what to consider with the thermostat location.
Areas without Direct Sun Exposure
If a thermostat is close to areas with skylights or open windows, you may get "ghost" readings. These are false readings caused by the excess heat from the sun. The result could be an HVAC system that runs too frequently or not enough, which could leave the rest of your home uncomfortable in one direction or the other.
Away from Vents/Registers
A thermostat getting hit with blasts of heated or cooled air from your vents could also register false readings. In other words, it can consider a room hotter or colder than it really is, which could throw off your HVAC system's efficiency and leave you with higher utility bills.
Away from Doors, Windows, and the Kitchen
You may also get inaccurate thermostat readings if it's in a location like a kitchen that tends to be naturally warm from the oven and stove. Doors and windows can also be problematic thermostat locations if you have issues with drafts. In this instance, the problem may be correctable with new weather-stripping and other steps like updating your doors and windows.
Recommend Placement Options to Consider
Ideally, your thermostat should be in a location that's used fairly often, so it reflects what's preferred in your living spaces. In this case, you want to avoid places like a hallway since this is a space that's usually empty. Also, a thermostat located in a narrow area like a hallway is more likely to be accidentally brushed up against, which could throw off the settings.
You'll get a more accurate reflection of your preferred comfort with a thermostat in a more "lived in" space like a living room, family room, or dining room. Place the control device for your furnace, air conditioner, or combination HVAC system on an interior wall towards the center area of your home. Also, with thermostat location, consider:
- Areas where most household members spend their time.
- Whether or not there are airflow obstructions that could affect readings.
- Which area of your home is most reflective of the level of comfort you prefer throughout your home.
Consider Going Programmable with Your Thermostat
As long as we're on the topic of thermostats, a programmable model is worth considering. These thermostats are easy to set and adjust, which results in more consistent comfort. You'll also save money with settings that are more precise and based on what's appropriate for different times of the day.
Call Us Today
Still unsure about the right thermostat location if you're updating what you currently have or considering a new HVAC installation? Call the experts at Romano Bros. Heating and Air. Our knowledgeable technicians will gladly discuss your options so you can determine what's right for your home, budget, and preferences.
Contact us today to benefit from any of our heating and cooling services.
