How Thermostat Installation Location Affects HVAC System Efficiency
A new thermostat installation is a great way to reduce your utility bills and improve your HVAC system efficiency. But does the placement of your HVAC thermostat matter to how well your system works? With winter in full effect and hot Southeast Texas temperatures around the corner, it is a great time to consider a new thermostat installation.
Are You Engaged in a Thermostat War?
Does your family constantly battle over the thermostat setting? Some homeowners may consider placing your thermostat in a location where it is difficult to reach or hidden. Smart thermostats are not able to accurately sense temperature if they are placed far from the area they need to control. Thermostat installation placement is a crucial factor in your HVAC system’s ability to operate efficiently.
Why Thermostat Installation Matters
The purpose of your HVAC system thermostat is to detect the temperature and humidity of your home’s air. Depending on your thermostat settings, it will signal your HVAC system to cycle on or off and where to pump hot or cold air.
If the thermostat is installed incorrectly in your home, it cannot accurately read the measurements it is designed for and cannot properly control your HVAC system.
An example that we recently observed at a customer’s home was a thermostat installation near an exterior door. During the winter, the cool outside air would make the HVAC system cycle on, and in the summer, the hot, humid outside air does the same. Both situations could cause the HVAC system to waste energy.
Thermostat Installation: Where to not install your thermostat.
Attempting to decide on a new thermostat installation location can be difficult if you do not fully understand all of the factors involved. The location choice is compounded if you are installing a smart thermostat. Hiring a highly qualified HVAC system contractor like R.M. Mullinix to install your thermostat is one of the best decisions you can make to save money on your utility bills. Here is a list of our location recommendations to NOT install your thermostat.
Avoid Bright Sunlight or Internal Heating Sources
We strongly recommend not installing your thermostat near windows or exterior doors to reduce any influence on the thermostat from outside temperatures. We also recommend avoiding the kitchen, laundry rooms, utility rooms, lamps, or areas with a lot of electronics.
Avoid Sources of Cool Air
Keep your thermostat installation away from exterior doors and windows. We also recommend that you consider the location of your refrigerator, HVAC vents, and ceiling fans.
Where is the best location for your thermostat installation?
The best location to install your thermostat is on an interior wall in the central part of your home. Interior hallways are a great location since most are located near high traffic and living areas. An eye-level installation should provide a great height (around 50-60 inches) so that rising warm air will not affect the thermostat.
*Note to Smart Thermostat Installation: Keep in mind that your new device needs a WI-FI signal. So, when choosing your location installation, keep in mind how strong your signal will be in that area.
Safe and Easy Thermostat Installation
As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when installing a new thermostat. A simple miscalculation can lead to high utility bills, unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC system, and uncomfortable living conditions. It is best to make an appointment with a NATE-certified HVAC technician like those at R.M. Mullinix for hassle-free installation and testing to ensure you and your family will enjoy the comfort of an efficient HVAC system.
For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our thermostat installation services, schedule an appointment or visit our HVAC maintenance information page.