Where is an ideal thermostat placement? The logic behind the placement isn’t rocket science but more of common sense. For instance, you should not place your thermostat at any location near abnormal temperature, such as near the window, nor aside air vents. And why is that? Because a thermostat’s main use is to detect and help manage the ambient temperature via the connected HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. If it kept detecting an abnormal temperature it will not be able to manage your house/ office temperature correctly.
Quick Disclaimer: All the information on this post is for your reference only. For professional advices do seek the nearest professionals at your area.
Why does thermostat placement matter?
When you place your thermostat at an ideal location, it helps to receive and detect the right temperature data for your home or office. And by doing so, depending on which thermostat you are using, it can help to manage your connected devices in a more effective manner. Which means the benefits below:
- Bill Savings – As the thermostat is managing based on the right ambient temperature, it won’t overuse or underuse thus your bill reflects the “right” usage.
- Energy Efficiency – Similar to the above, when the thermostat is only turning on what is needed, energy efficiency is achieved.
- Comfort & Accuracy – Your home or office will be more comfortable now that the thermostat is placed well and accurately reflecting the ambient temperature.
Where TO place the thermostat?
Ideally, you want to put your thermostat where it records the temperature of your most used spaces. That is, the location where most of your indoor activities are, and where it will not be interfered by abnormal temperature sources. The below is a list of such ideal locations and elements of it:
- In the middle of your living room – This is the best place to put it since normally, the living room is where most of your activities & traffics are.
- Vicinity of your home’s centre – Where it more reflect the indoor temperature of your living space.
- Within range of your home/ office Wi-Fi – For those who are using smart thermostat, a stable connection to your home/ office Wi-Fi is essential.
- For 2 story houses, ensure it is place on the ground floor – Basically, hot air rises and if you put your thermostat on the 2nd floor, it will record an average higher temperature and that’s not ideal for the thermostat.
Where NOT to place the thermostat? What are places to avoid?
So, where should you NOT place your thermostat? As a general rule, any location that is not part of your normal activity area, or an area where there will be abnormal temperature should be avoided. The following is the list of NOT locations:
- Do not put near any openings such as doors, windows, nor air vents – It will be detecting outside or unrelated temperature
- Do not put near heat sources nor direct sunlight – The thermostat will record higher temperatures and function abnormally.
- Do not put near bathrooms nor kitchens – There will be moisture and it affects the temperature detection. And for kitchens there is another element of abnormal heat.
- Do not put outside of your home/ office – The thermostat isn’t designed to work outside of your home/ office. This one is obvious but worth the mention.
- Avoid less used areas, hallways or basements – As if you really are not going there often, it isn’t measuring the right “living” space.
- Avoid other electronics – Electronic devices like TV or refrigerator might interfere with the device especially you use a smart thermostat.
- Avoid getting obstructed – Things like cupboards, doors, shelfs & decorations should not block your thermostat.
The above list are a general guide of items you can consider when installing your thermostat. No matter if your goal is to save energy, provide a comfortable environment or just need to install a thermostat in general, we hope you find the list above useful when finding the right thermostat placement. Should you have any ideas or found we missed anything, please let us know on the comments below.
References
- Alison DeNisco Rayome. (Jan 28, 2023). Stop Putting Your Thermostat in the Wrong Spot, and Watch Your Heat Bill Drop. CNet. Retrieved Jan 29, 2023, from https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/stop-putting-your-thermostat-in-the-wrong-spot-and-watch-your-heat-bill-drop/
Written by Louis Ng for Intelligence of Care, Jan 31, 2023