Three Thermostat Mistakes That Could Be Costing You Dearly

Ever find yourself engaged in a back-and-forth battle over the thermostat settings in your home? One room feels like you're in a sauna, while another might remind you of the Arctic, yet the thermostat consistently reads a perfectly comfortable 72 degrees. If this scenario is familiar, it's not just in your mind.

The positioning of your thermostat could be the hidden issue affecting both your comfort and your utility expenses. This small yet critical device acts as the control center for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, regulating when it should heat or cool. If the thermostat's perception is skewed by its location, it may lead to inefficiencies that cost you money. Here are some common placement errors and suggestions for more effective positioning.

Mistake 1: Placing Your Thermostat in Sunlit Areas

Positioning your thermostat where direct sunlight hits it is a major error. Sun exposure can lead it to mistakenly record a higher temperature than the space actually is, causing your air conditioning to work overtime and resulting in unnecessary cooling and energy expenditure.

Similarly, proximity to heat-emitting appliances such as ovens, televisions, or lamps can deceive your thermostat into believing the ambient temperature is higher than it actually is. This can cause your air conditioning to operate more than needed, wasting energy and comfort.

During colder months, this setup might fail to activate your heating system adequately, leaving you shivering in the cold.

Mistake 2: Choosing Drafty or Unused Spaces

Placing your thermostat near drafty locations like poorly sealed windows, frequently opened exterior doors, or airy hallways can result in it sensing cooler temperatures than those in your main living areas. This can lead to overuse of heating during winter as it continuously works to warm a draft-influenced spot.

If the thermostat is placed in an unused room, its readings will be based on conditions that do not reflect the space where you actually live. For a space that's naturally warmer or cooler than your main rooms, this can prompt your HVAC system to compensate for discrepancies, driving energy and comfort issues.

The Best Location for Your Thermostat

To ensure optimal efficiency, position your thermostat on an interior wall in a frequented room such as the living room or in a central hallway that has consistent airflow and temperature.

Installing it 52 to 60 inches from the floor ensures it captures a true average temperature, steering clear of sunlight, drafts, and concentrated heat sources.

Aim to select a spot that represents the general climate of your home for an accurate temperature assessment, aiding in both comfort and energy bill savings. Though repositioning your thermostat might seem cumbersome, the resulting efficiency can reduce your HVAC system's workload and improve your home's climate balance, thereby lowering expenses.

Before adjusting your heating or cooling systems further, consider evaluating your thermostat's location. A strategic move can enhance your home environment and ease your financial outlay—a small modification with potentially substantial rewards.