The Do’s and Don’ts of Thermostat Placement

The thermostat is the command center of your HVAC system and helps ensure consistent cooling and heating throughout your home. In this blog post, air conditioning repair company Superior Air discusses the importance of thermostat placement and some of its do’s and don’ts.

Why Thermostat Placement Matters

Thermostats are more than just a remote control for your HVAC system. They are equipped with a sensor that detects changes in the surrounding air temperature, which “tells” the HVAC system to reduce the heating or cooling output as appropriate. Traditional “analog” thermostats typically have a sensor with a bi-metal strip or a mercury capsule, while modern ones have more sophisticated electronic thermometers.

While some thermostats have multiple sensors that allow more precise temperature readings, most homes have just one thermostat, which must be placed in a spot that has the closest to average temperature. This helps avoid misreadings that lead to the HVAC system unnecessarily running at full capacity.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Thermostat Placement

To find the ideal spot for your thermostat, here are some do’s and don’ts:

• Do read the user guide first. Thermostat manufacturers often have specific guidelines on where thermostats should be placed. When installing electronic thermostats, you may need to take additional precautions against electronic interference or installing them on dense walls. Wi-Fi enabled thermostats may also need to be within range of your internet router.
• Don’t install thermostats near vents and appliances. Installing thermostats near vents and registers is among the most common causes of temperature misreading. This is because they are the areas where the air is at its warmest or coolest. The same goes for heat-generating appliances like ovens, lamps, and televisions.
• Do try to find the center of the house. If your house was a cube, then the most perfect spot would be the absolute center. Of course, finding the center of an actual house is a bit more complicated, but your home’s floor plan may help you narrow it down.
• Don’t block the thermostat with furniture. Don’t hide your thermostat behind furniture. In addition to causing misreadings from poor airflow behind furniture, it will be difficult to adjust or program your thermostat if you can’t easily reach it.

Your HVAC technicians at Superior Air can also help you with thermostat placement, as well as with your other heating and cooling concerns. Call us today at (559) 734-2002 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve Hanford, CA and the surrounding communities.