Selecting the correct thermostat placement in your home helps your HVAC system deliver optimum comfort and energy efficiency. The thermostat is the device that senses indoor temperature and actuates your furnace or air conditioner to cycle on and off and maintain desired temperature settings. Today’s smart thermostats execute multiple programmed settings daily, according to the specific time and day of the week. However, maintaining accurate temperature control in all parts of the house still depends on proper thermostat placement when the unit is installed.

Here are some factors that influence decisions about thermostat placement:

• A thermostat should be mounted on an interior wall in a central part of the house. A good example is a living room commonly utilized by residents, usually with a comfortable average temperature.
• Don’t install a thermostat on an exterior wall, as infiltrating outdoor heat and cold may bias thermostat readings. Also, avoid locations close to exterior doors.
• Mount the thermostat between 52 and 60 inches above the floor.
• Other factors that may degrade thermostat accuracy include: direct sunlight through windows, as well as proximity to HVAC supply vents, window air conditioners, or portable heaters.
• Do not place a thermostat in a kitchen.
• Because heat rises, upstairs rooms are naturally warmer than downstairs rooms. Therefore, if the residence is a two-story house, thermostat placement should always be on the first floor. Also, avoid putting a thermostat in or near the stairwell leading to the upper floor.
• Because steam emanating from hot water may distort accurate temperature readings, place the thermostat away from bathroom doors.
• To make sure sensors integrated into “smart” thermostats aren’t obstructed, avoid thermostat placement near shelves, cabinets, or closet doors, as well as other large items that could impair sensor function.
• To support continued thermostat accuracy, clean the unit regularly to ensure that accumulating dust does not block the small air vents in the thermostat housing.

For more about proper thermostat placement in your home, call the pros at Jackson & Sons, who are ready to help with experienced advice and service.