Best Location for a Thermostat in Your Home

The location of your thermostat plays a vital role in determining the comfort levels of your home and the efficiency of your HVAC system. It controls when your system turns on and off, as well as how it operates. An incorrectly placed thermostat can lead to uneven heating or cooling, higher energy bills, and even unnecessary wear and tear on your system. To optimize your HVAC system’s performance, it is essential to choose the right placement for your thermostat. Below are some of the best and worst places to install it.

Best Places

Thermostats use probes to read room temperature, which directs the HVAC system on how to run. For optimal performance, it is important to place the thermostat in a location that accurately reflects the indoor environment.

Interior Wall

One of the best places for your thermostat is an interior wall, ideally located in the middle of your home. The spot you choose should not have any pipes or ductwork running behind it, as the water or air inside these systems can cool or warm the wall and lead to inaccurate readings. This could cause your HVAC system to run unnecessarily and waste energy. The thermostat should also be installed at a proper height for accurate readings, ideally between 52 to 60 inches off the ground. Placing it too high or too low can result in temperature inaccuracies due to the natural stratification of air (hot air rises, cold air sinks).

The First Floor of a Two-Story Building

Since warm air rises, placing a thermostat on the second floor of a two-story home can result in false readings. The thermostat will sense the warmer air at the upper level, which could leave the lower floors colder than desired. For more balanced comfort, the first floor is generally a better location for the thermostat. However, the most effective solution in multi-story homes is to install a zoned HVAC system with separate thermostats on each floor. This allows for independent control and more precise heating and cooling in each area.

The Center of the House

A central location, such as the living room or hallway in the middle of the house, provides a more accurate reflection of the overall climate in your home. This can help ensure that the thermostat accurately measures the general temperature and prevents localized heating or cooling. Central placement also offers convenience. If the thermostat is easily accessible, household members can easily adjust temperature settings when needed.

Regularly Used Room

The room you and your family use most often, such as the living room, should ideally be the most comfortable. Placing the thermostat in a frequently occupied room helps ensure that the spaces where you spend the most time are properly heated or cooled.

Places to Avoid

Just as there are optimal places for thermostat installation, there are also areas that should be avoided to prevent inefficient heating or cooling. Improper placement can cause your HVAC system to run unnecessarily or struggle to maintain the desired temperature.

Near Windows and Doors

Placing a thermostat near windows or doors is problematic because these areas often have air leaks that can affect the thermostat readings. Windows, in particular, are prone to air leakage and energy loss. As a result, the thermostat might record outdoor drafts rather than indoor air, leading the HVAC system to overcompensate. When you open a door, gusts of outside air can rush in, further confusing the thermostat and causing temperature fluctuations. Both scenarios can lead to an inefficient HVAC system and increased energy bills.

In Direct Sunlight

If your thermostat is exposed to direct sunlight, it will register higher temperatures than the actual indoor climate. This may cause the air conditioning system to turn on unnecessarily. Direct sunlight can also lead to premature wear of the thermostat itself.

The Kitchen

Kitchens are naturally warmer than other parts of the house due to heat from cooking appliances like ovens and stoves. Installing a thermostat here will result in false temperature readings, as the device will interpret the kitchen heat as the overall home temperature. This can cause the HVAC system to work harder and waste energy, which will lead to discomfort in other areas of the home.

Hallways and Other Less-Used Areas

Thermostats should not be placed in hallways or other less-used areas of the home. Hallways often have less air circulation and do not reflect the actual temperature of your main living spaces. Placing a thermostat in a hallway can cause uneven heating or cooling throughout the home.

Supply Vents

Do not place your thermostat directly above or below a supply vent. The air coming from the vent is freshly conditioned and may not reflect the overall temperature of the home. This can confuse the thermostat, causing it to turn the HVAC system on or off prematurely, resulting in inefficiencies.

Near Furniture and Other Equipment

Thermostats should not be installed behind or above furniture, as this can block air circulation and cause the device to record inaccurate temperatures. Additionally, electronic devices such as TVs, lamps, or fans that produce heat can interfere with the thermostat’s readings, causing the HVAC system to respond incorrectly. For the most accurate temperature readings, place your thermostat in an open, unobstructed area.

Troubleshooting Poor Thermostat Placement

If you notice hot or cold spots in your home, unusually high energy bills, or frequent short cycling of your HVAC system, it may be due to poor thermostat placement. These issues often arise when the thermostat is located in an area that does not reflect the home’s true climate.

To resolve these issues, consider relocating the thermostat to a more optimal spot. If you are unsure where to place it, hiring a qualified HVAC technician can ensure the best installation for your specific home layout.

You can also invest in remote temperature sensors, which work with your thermostat to provide more accurate temperature readings. There are two types of remote sensors: whole-house control sensors and room-specific sensors. Whole-house control sensors measure the temperature in different rooms and send that information to a central thermostat, which averages the temperatures and ensures more balanced heating or cooling. Room-specific sensors work well with zoned HVAC systems to allow you to maintain localized temperature control in specific rooms.

Another option is upgrading to a smart thermostat. These devices use advanced features like learning algorithms and motion sensors to adjust the temperature more accurately based on occupancy patterns. A smart thermostat can help mitigate inefficiencies, even if placed in a less-than-ideal location. Additionally, you can control a smart thermostat remotely via a smartphone app, and this will allow you to adjust temperatures in real-time and receive notifications about any system issues.

Additional Tips to Improve Thermostat Accuracy

Proper placement is critical for your thermostat. However, there are also additional steps you can take to enhance its functionality and efficiency.

Regular Cleaning

Dust and debris can accumulate on your thermostat sensors, causing inaccurate temperature readings. Regularly clean your thermostat using a soft cloth or gentle brush. Be sure not to dislodge any internal parts while cleaning. You should also check that the thermostat is level, as an uneven thermostat can result in false readings.

Calibrate the Thermostat

Use a thermometer to check whether your thermostat is recording accurate temperatures. If there are discrepancies, access the calibration settings on the thermostat and adjust the temperature readings as needed. Regular calibration can help maintain optimal performance.

Contact Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric for Tailored Help

If you are unsure about your thermostat placement or need assistance with repairs, Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric in Los Angeles, CA can provide expert assessment and installation services. Our skilled technicians can also repair or service HVAC components affected by poor thermostat placement. We also offer a wide range of other services, including EV station installation, plumbing system repiping, indoor air quality, and duct cleaning.

Saru Yeknom