Decisions about new-thermostat placement in your home should not be based on convenience alone. You should also consider efficient and effective operation of your heating and air-conditioning system. Most houses include certain rooms or areas where temperatures vary from the norm. However, locating a thermostat in an area where the average temperature is most representative of conditions throughout the house is important if you want to keep operating costs low and maintain consistent comfort throughout all living spaces.
Avoid These Spots for Thermostat Placement
The first concern is to keep the unit away from sources of unusual heat or cold, which exist in almost any home. When considering where to mount a thermostat, avoid these locations:
- Areas close to heat sources such as kitchen stoves and ovens, lighting fixtures, clothes dryers, and televisions. Also, don’t mount a thermostat where it’s exposed to direct sunlight.
- Certain rooms that are for any reason chronically chilly or warm
- Any areas that do not receive heated or cooled air from the HVAC system
- Close to HVAC supply vents or return vents
- Any spot where large objects such as doors or furniture block normal air circulation
Suggested Thermostat Placement for Best Results
Make sure the thermostat is in a central location in the house for accurate temperature sensing that, in turn, supports efficient operation of the HVAC system.
- The thermostat should ideally be in a part of the home where it will be exposed to temperatures that represent the average midpoint for the house.
- Install the thermostat on an interior wall only. Exterior walls are affected by outdoor temperatures and may be colder or warmer than indoor conditions.
- Place the thermostat between 52 and 60 inches above the floor. Installation higher than this may mean exposure to more heat, while a lower installation may register unusually cooler temperatures.
For experienced thermostat placement and installation to support maximum comfort and efficiency, contact the professionals at Jackson & Sons.