Avoid These Thermostat Errors During a Heatwave: 3 Money-Saving Suggestions from a Specialist

Have you ever engaged in a constant battle with your thermostat? Maybe one part of your house feels scorching while another is uncomfortably chilly, and all the while, your thermostat insists that your home is maintained at a pleasant 72 degrees.

The reality is, this is not just in your head—the location of your thermostat could be the cause. Its position on your wall significantly influences your comfort and your electricity bills.

Frequently, thermostats are not situated in optimal spots that allow for accurate temperature readings throughout the home. Essentially, the thermostat is like the control hub of your HVAC system, detecting ambient temperature and triggering adjustments accordingly.

But what if it's reading incorrect information? Experts indicate that this situation is common and can be financially detrimental. Here, we offer advice on where not to place your thermostat and some suggestions for better locations.

1. Avoid Direct Sunlight

One common blunder is installing your thermostat in a spot that gets direct sunlight. If it sits in a sunny area, it will register a higher temperature than the room actually is. As a result, your AC will run excessively, causing you to cool the house too much and wasting energy, which is both costly and environmentally unfriendly.

Similarly, installing near heat-emitting devices like ovens, televisions, or lamps can also lead to inefficiency. These areas can give your thermostat an overly warm reading, leading your AC to work harder than necessary. Conversely, in colder periods, it might not sufficiently activate the heating.

2. Steer Clear of Drafty Areas

Putting your thermostat near an ill-sealed window, a frequently opened door, or a windy hallway can lead to cooler temperature readings, resulting in the heating working harder during colder months to compensate.

Additionally, setting it in an unused room that doesn’t reflect the actual living conditions of your home is ill-advised. If that room is naturally warmer or cooler, your heating and cooling system will struggle futilely to balance these discrepancies.

3. Find the Optimal Installation Spot

So where should this vital piece of technology reside? Ideally, choose an interior wall within an often-used space such as a living room or central hallway that provides steady temperature and airflow.

Position it at a height of about 52 to 60 inches to accurately gauge the room's average climate. Steer clear of direct heat, sunlight, or drafts for the best performance.

Think of this as selecting the most 'normal' area in your home. You want your thermostat to mirror the overall climate, not an extreme condition.

While relocating your thermostat might seem troublesome, the payoff in efficiency, reduced energy costs, and improved comfort is significant. You'll experience more even temperatures and lessen the strain on your HVAC system.

Before you crank your air conditioning or heating again, consider examining its placement. A simple adjustment could be the difference between a comfortable home and unnecessary costs.