Can You Place Your Thermostat Anywhere?

A thermostat helps keep the indoor temperature the same. It switches off the heating system and switches on the cooling system when the indoor temperature goes above the preset temperature. If this temperature goes below the preset temperature, the thermostat switches off the cooling system and then switches the heating system off.

For the thermostat to switch your HVAC system on or off, it needs first to measure the indoor temperature. This device can only register the correct indoor temperature if it is placed in the right location. Therefore, whenever you are finding a place where you will place your thermostat, you need to know it matters a lot. Below are more details on where you should and should not place your thermostat.

1. You Should Never Place Your Thermostat in Direct Sunlight

While it is a good idea to welcome sun rays into your house, you should ensure that your thermostat is not exposed to these rays. If it is exposed to them, they will warm it up, making it register higher temperatures than actual indoor temperatures. Your air conditioner may overwork as a result of this which, in turn, can make your energy bills go high.

2. You Should Never Place Your Thermostat Near Exterior Windows and Doors

You should place your thermostat away from your exterior windows and doors. Otherwise, it will register the outdoor temperature. If there is a big variation between your indoor temperature and outdoor temperature, your HVAC system will not offer the comfort that it is supposed to.

3. You Should Never Place Your Thermostat in the Path of Your Air Vents

Your HVAC system has supply and return air vents. The supply vents suck in air from your indoor space, which goes through the air ducts to your HVAC system. On the other hand, the return vents allow air that has been heated or cooled by your HVAC system back to your indoor space.

If you place your thermostat near the return vents, it will register the temperature of the air coming from your HVAC system rather than your indoor temperature. The thermostat will then prompt the HVAC system to short cycle. Short cycling can lead to HVAC system damage. It can also cause indoor air quality and humidity problems.

4. You Should Never Place Your Thermostat in a Hallway

You may be tempted to place your thermostat in your home’s hallway since that is a hidden place. You should, however, not do this since airflow in hallways is restricted. Therefore, the temperature in this place is less likely to reflect the indoor temperature.

5. You Should Never Place Your Thermostat Near Your Cooking Area

Your cooking area gets warm whenever you are cooking. Therefore, if you place your thermostat near this area, it will register higher temperatures than actual indoor temperatures. The thermostat will then prompt the air conditioner to overwork due to this. That can reduce the air conditioner’s lifespan and make your monthly energy bills rise.

Where Should Your Place Your Thermostat?

You should place your thermostat away from the areas mentioned above. If possible, place it on an interior wall. If you place it on an exterior wall, it will register a lower temperature than the actual indoor temperature since exterior walls are often cooler than indoor spaces.

You should also ensure that you place it in a frequently used room. That will help make sure that this room remains comfortable all the time. You should place the thermostat in a decentralized location since when it is there, it will register the temperature of the central circulating air.

You should ensure that you place this device 5 feet above the ground. If you place it too high, it will register a higher temperature and will prompt your HVAC system to cool your indoor space when it is not supposed to. If your home is a two-story house, you should place the thermostat downstairs since the heat will rise to the other floor. Alps Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can help you place your thermostat in the right location. We serve the people living in Santa Fe and the surrounding areas.

The Best HVAC Company

Alps Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. offers the best heating and air conditioning services. We are an award-winning HVAC company that has been in business since 2006. We offer air conditioning, heating, indoor air quality, mini-split system installation, and duct cleaning services.

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