Thermostat placement is critical because your furnace and air conditioner require precise temperature information to heat or cool your house properly. In many ways, the thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. It senses the temperature inside the house and activates and deactivates the system according to schedules and desired temperatures that are programmed into the unit. Proper thermostat placement ensures that temperatures in living spaces are accurately sensed and that the furnace or AC turn on and off properly.
Here are some guidelines for correct thermostat placement:
- Always mount the thermostat on an interior wall. Exterior walls are often cold in the winter and hot in the summer and thus may influence the thermostat temperature reading.
- The thermostat should be placed on a wall between 52 and 60 inches above the floor and oriented square on the wall (not slanting or tilted).
- Don’t install a thermostat near HVAC vents, a window AC, or in a common location for portable heaters.
- The thermostat should be located in a central part of the house in a common area; not in an enclosed room or in an area that is seldom occupied. A living room that is frequently used by residents and generally representative of temperatures throughout the house is a good option.
- When selecting a proper thermostat placement, avoid areas which are subject to temperature extremes, such as the kitchen.
- In a two-story house, the thermostat should always be located on the first floor. However, don’t place the thermostat on or immediately next to a stairwell, because currents of rising heat will influence temperature readings.
- Thermostat placement should be away from direct sunlight entering through windows and not exposed to cold drafts entering through exterior doors.
- Avoid mounting a thermostat near bathroom doors. Steam originating in bathrooms can distort temperature accuracy.
- Make sure “smart” thermostats that incorporate sensors to detect occupancy are not obstructed by doors, shelves, or other objects that block sensors.
- If the unit includes Wi-Fi connectivity, make sure thermostat placement is close enough to your home router for a reliable connection.
For more information about correct thermostat placement, contact the professionals at Ace Hardware Home Services.
