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Why You Should Carefully Consider Your Thermostat Placement

Mark J. Biel • May 31, 2023

Noticing any fluctuations in your home’s indoor comfort levels happening too frequently? The culprit could be the placement of your thermostat. Proper thermostat placement plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable living environment and the efficiency of your HVAC system. To help you out, our  HVAC maintenance  and repair experts explain the importance of thermostat placement. We’ll also discuss how having it in the right spot can help you save on energy costs and ensure a more comfortable home.

Factors Affecting Thermostat Placement

Several factors can impact the effectiveness of your thermostat, ultimately influencing how well your HVAC system works. To determine the best area in your home to place your thermostat, you need to consider the following:

  • Proximity to Heat Sources

Installing your thermostat near a window that receives direct sunlight can cause it to read higher temperatures than the actual room temperature. As a result, your HVAC system may work harder to cool down the room. This leads to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. This false reading may make your home colder than it should be.

Similarly, placing your thermostat near heat-generating appliances like ovens or televisions can also interfere with temperature readings. These appliances can emit heat, causing the thermostat to register warmer temperatures and affecting the performance of your HVAC system.

  • Proximity to Drafts and Cold Spots

Drafts from windows and doors can impact your thermostat readings, making it challenging to maintain a consistent room temperature. Avoid placing your thermostat near these areas to ensure accurate temperature readings and efficient HVAC system performance.

Professional  HVAC repair  and maintenance technicians advise against installing your thermostat too close to air vents. This can lead to inaccurate readings as it may sense the cool or warm air blowing directly on it. This proximity can cause your HVAC system to cycle intermittently frequently, resulting in uneven temperature distribution and higher energy consumption.

  • Height and Location Within the Room


The optimal height for most thermostats is approximately 52-60 inches above the floor. Placing your thermostat at this height ensures that it reads the room’s average temperature and effectively regulates your HVAC system.

Installing your thermostat in a central area of your home will help it accurately gauge the overall temperature, resulting in more consistent heating and cooling. However, don’t place it in rarely used rooms, hallways, or near staircases as these locations can lead to inaccurate readings and reduced HVAC efficiency.

How Incorrect Thermostat Placement Impacts Your HVAC System

Improper thermostat placement can have several negative consequences on your HVAC system and overall comfort in your home, including:

  • Inefficient Heating and Cooling.  If your thermostat is placed near heat sources, drafts, or cold spots, your HVAC system may work harder and run longer to maintain the desired temperature. This increased effort can result in higher energy consumption and utility bills. Ensuring your thermostat is in the right location can help you save on monthly energy expenses.
  • Increased HVAC Maintenance and Repair Needs.  If your thermostat is placed incorrectly, your HVAC system may work harder and more often than necessary, increasing wear and tear on its components. This excess strain can result in the need for more frequent  HVAC maintenance  and repairs. Neglecting to address the issue of improper thermostat placement can potentially lead to more significant HVAC problems, such as complete system breakdowns or costly repairs.
  • Uncomfortable Living Environment.  When your thermostat isn’t placed correctly, it can result in uneven temperature distribution throughout your home. Certain rooms may feel too warm, while others may be too cold. This inconsistency can create an uncomfortable living environment for you and your family.
  • Frequent HVAC Cycling.  Improper thermostat placement can also cause your HVAC system to cycle on and off frequently. This can lead to constant temperature fluctuations in your home. These fluctuations can make maintaining a comfortable and consistent indoor environment difficult.

How to Ensure Proper Thermostat Placement

To make sure your thermostat is placed correctly, consider the following steps:

  • Consult With a Professional HVAC Technician.  A professional  HVAC repair  technician can assess your home and recommend the best location for your thermostat based on various factors. Their expertise will help you optimize your HVAC system and ensure it runs efficiently. They can also provide personalized recommendations based on your home’s unique layout, ensuring your thermostat is placed in the optimal location.
  • Consider a Smart Thermostat.  Smart thermostats offer advanced features, such as learning algorithms, geofencing, and smart home integration can help you achieve even better temperature control and energy efficiency. With a smart thermostat, you can monitor and adjust your home’s temperature remotely, providing greater convenience and control over your HVAC system.

More Ways to Improve HVAC Efficiency

In addition to proper thermostat placement, there are other ways you can help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your system. These include:

  • Air Duct Cleaning

Clean air ducts are essential for maintaining your HVAC system’s efficiency and ensuring optimal performance. Dirty ducts can restrict airflow and force your HVAC system to work harder, leading to increased energy consumption and reduced efficiency. In addition to improving HVAC performance,  air duct cleaning  can also enhance your home’s indoor air quality by removing dust, allergens, and other contaminants that may be present in your ductwork.

  • Regular HVAC Maintenance

Through regular maintenance, you can be sure your HVAC system operates at peak efficiency while also extending its life span. With the help of expert technicians, you can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems, saving you money on costly repairs. Scheduling regular HVAC repair and maintenance checks helps identify and address potential problems before they escalate into more significant issues or require expensive repairs.

Drop Us a Line

Don’t let an improperly placed thermostat affect your home’s comfort and efficiency. Get in touch with R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc. in Farmington, NM, for expert thermostat placement and  air duct cleaning  services. We take pride in offering high-quality traditional and smart thermostats from the leading home comfort brand Carrier®. To learn more about your options, give us a call at  (505) 327-7755 , or fill out our  contact form  to schedule an appointment today.

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