Mechanical Technologies

When placed in the right spot, a thermostat can help ensure even heating and cooling throughout the house. In today’s post, local air conditioner service contractor Mechanical Technologies shares an in-depth look at the importance of thermostat placement. 

Is Thermostat Placement Important?

All thermostats are equipped with a component that detects changes in temperature. Traditional thermostats use mechanical components like a mercury capsule or a bi-metal strip, while modern ones use electronic sensors for “reading” temperature changes. It’s important to note that most thermostats measure the temperature in the immediate surroundings, then adjust the HVAC system’s output based on these readings. Therefore, it should be placed in a spot where the air temperature is closest to the average indoor temperature.

Placing the thermostat in the right spot will help avoid temperature misreadings, which can result in the HVAC system releasing too much or too little conditioned air. This can cause an imbalance that will result in some of the rooms being too cold or too warm. It can also increase wear on the HVAC system, which will result in frequent AC repair appointments.

Ideal Locations for Thermostats

Thermostats need to be placed in a central location in your home, ideally on an interior wall, where it can get the best temperature reading. It should be installed between 52 and 60 inches from the floor to help prevent misreadings caused by radiant heat from the floor, particularly if you have a radiant floor heating system. 

It’s also important to know where you should not install your thermostat. Areas around the windows and doors generally have fluctuating temperatures when they’re opened and closed, or when there’s a lack of insulation that results in drafts. Walls that receive direct sunlight from windows can also cause misreadings due to solar heat. Areas that are directly above air vents can experience incorrect temperature readings as well.

Mechanical Technologies is your leading provider of HVAC services, including air duct cleaning. Give us a call at (915) 544-1550. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.