Where you place your thermostat has a big effect on how accurately it takes temperature readings. Incorrect placement may lead to hot and cold spots throughout the house, and your HVAC system may short-cycle as it attempts to correct the temperature.
In this guide, we’ll take a close look at thermostat placement do’s and don’ts and why it matters. You’ll have a clear understanding of what affects thermostat accuracy and how to properly place your device for optimal performance and energy savings.
Quick Takeaways
- Proper thermostat placement helps you create more energy-efficient and comfortable living spaces.
- The best placement is somewhere on an interior wall at the proper height.
- You never want to place it in sunlight or an area that’s prone to drafts or temperature swings.
- Improper placement increases energy costs and wears out HVAC equipment faster.
- All thermostats, even smart ones, require proper placement to achieve their best performance.
What Is the Best Location for a Thermostat?
The thermostat should go on an interior wall that’s in a central location within the house. This ensures the device is easy to access and doesn’t get affected by temperature fluctuations from exterior walls, windows, or doors. The recommended height is about 52 to 60 inches, so everyone can easily reach the thermostat (except for kids).
Thermostat Placement Do’s
The following thermostat placement tips focus on making sure the device can take accurate readings. This not only allows for better temperature regulation but also helps your HVAC last longer.
Place the Thermostat on an Interior Wall
Interior walls provide a more accurate reading of the home’s actual temperature because they don’t absorb heat and cold like exterior walls do.
Choose a Central, Frequently Used Room
The most common interior walls that work for installation include living rooms and family rooms. Their central location helps the thermostat sense the temperature your home actually experiences.
Mount the Thermostat at the Correct Height
You don’t want the thermostat too low on the wall because this provides easy access for children. Plus, it risks false readings from cooler floor-level air.
Up too high on the wall can cause just as many problems from rising heat collecting around the sensor. A height of 52 to 60 inches will keep it in the sweet spot where it can provide precise readings and keep the HVAC from short cycling.
Ensure Unrestricted Airflow Around the Thermostat
The thermostat needs adequate airflow at all times so it can sample the room temperature accurately. Obstructions from shelves, furniture, or wall decor trap heat or cool air that distorts readings.
Thermostat Placement Don’ts
Thermostat placement mistakes are one of the biggest contributors to uneven temperatures and short cycling. Here are the main ones to avoid as you pick out a place to install the device.
Don’t Install It in Direct Sunlight
You must keep the thermostat out of direct sunlight so it doesn’t skew temperature readings.
Don’t Place It Near Supply Vents or Return Air Grilles
Placing the device near a supply vent or return grille increases the risk of false high or low readings from the direct blast of conditioned air.
Avoid Drafts from Doors and Windows
Keep the thermostat away from doors and windows since they let in outdoor air that disrupts accurate temperature readings.
Don’t Put It Near Appliances or Electronics
Appliances and electronics produce heat that can lead to false temperature readings. Placing the thermostat away from these devices will ensure it doesn’t get confused by localized heat sources.
How Bad Thermostat Placement Impacts Home Comfort and Energy Costs
Thermostat placement may not seem like a big deal at first. The HVAC will run wherever you place the temperature reader, but it may not run nearly as efficiently as it could with better positioning.
Over time, bad thermostat placement leads to:
- Overheating and overcooling make the home uncomfortable.
- Rising energy costs from unnecessary cycling.
- Extreme wear and tear on the HVAC from constant cycling.
- Hot and cold spots that further reduce overall comfort.
Special Considerations for Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats use extra sensors and algorithms to provide more precise temperature readings. They connect to Wi-Fi to allow for remote access via mobile devices like smartphones. Because of this, their placement matters even more since they need a constant connection to the internet.
How to make sure your smart thermostat has an uninterrupted connection to the home’s Wi-Fi:
- Strong router placement: Keeps signal consistent near thermostat
- Avoid signal obstacles: Walls and metal weaken Wi-Fi
- Use mesh Wi-Fi: Extends coverage throughout the home
- Update router firmware: Improves stability and device compatibility
- Limit network congestion: Prevents slowdowns from overloaded bandwidth
When to Call a Professional for Thermostat Placement
If you think your thermostat may not be in the best location, just give us a call.
A professional installation ensures the following:
- Proper unit calibration
- Optimal sensor placement
- Accurate temperature readings
- Reduced energy waste
- Reliable Wi-Fi connection
FAQ: Thermostat Placement Questions
What is the ideal height for a thermostat?
You should always place the thermostat at a height of 52 to 60 inches from the floor. This location prevents false readings while also ensuring it doesn’t have easy access for children or pets.
Should a thermostat be placed on an exterior wall?
Don’t ever place the device on an exterior wall. You don’t want the heat or cold absorbed by the wall to interfere with the thermostat’s readings.
Can sunlight affect thermostat accuracy?
Yes, that’s why you should always place the thermostat in a location that doesn’t have direct sunlight throughout any part of the day.
Where should a thermostat be placed in a two-story home?
Homes with multiple stories should place the thermostat on the main level, where most of the activity and regular living take place. Upgrading to HVAC zoning is an excellent idea for these homes. Each floor can have its own thermostat for independent temperature control.
Does thermostat placement matter for smart thermostats?
Yes, maybe even more since smart thermostats require a constant connection to the internet.
Can bad placement raise my energy bill?
Yes, a thermostat in direct sunlight or too low on the wall can cause false readings that increase how often the HVAC cycles, thus raising your energy costs.
Book a Professional Thermostat Installation Today
When you need help installing a thermostat, Pensacola One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating is just a phone call away. We help homeowners in Pensacola all the time with thermostat placement and replacement.
We’ll make sure your device is in the best location possible so it provides peak comfort and energy efficiency. We serve all of Pensacola, FL, and the nearby areas.
Call us today! We’re always on time, or you don’t pay a dime!