In many (or maybe even most) homes, you’ll find the thermostat in a hallway. Somewhere along the line, builders decided that was where they should be placed to not interfere with the design choices of the home.
But is that really the best place to have your thermostat? Does it matter?
It turns out, where your thermostat is located in your home matters… a lot. Having the thermostat in the wrong location can lead to excessive heating and cooling bills and parts of your home that are just not comfortable.
Should Your Thermostat Be in a Hallway?
Unless there is really no other option, a hallway is not the best choice for your thermostat. The U.S. Department of Energy says there are several keys to proper thermostat placement.
- Avoid direct sunlight
This might be obvious but if the sun shining through a window also shines on your thermostat, it will read that it is warmer than it really is. This could make your house uncomfortably cool in the winter and in the summer – as it kicks your air conditioning into high gear. - Avoid rooms that are going to be warmer than the rest of the house
The kitchen and bathrooms are going to often give off heat and moisture… confusing your thermostat. These are bad places to measure the house temperature. - Skip the exterior walls
Thermostats on exterior walls will be influenced by the outside temperature (not just the temperature of your house), often meaning higher heating and cooling bills. - Avoid small, enclosed spaces – like hallways
Chances are you aren’t usually hanging out in the hallway, so why use it to decide what’s comfortable for the rest of the house. Placing your thermostat in a room where no one spends time means it isn’t measuring anything for your actual comfort. - Stay away from vents and air returns
If your thermostat is too near a vent or air return, it may measure the draft and lead to higher bills.
How Far Should Thermostat Be From a Return?
While most of us don’t notice the subtle flow of air around our air returns, your thermostat might. It won’t harm your thermostat to be close to the air return but it might negatively impact your heating and cooling bills because of the air flow.
In general, placing your thermostat at least five feet away from things that create air flow (including air returns, heating vents and even drafty windows) can help you maintain a more constant temperature and lower energy costs.
How Important Is Thermostat Placement?
Having the thermostat in the right place is going to save you money and make your home more comfortable. If the thermostat is in the coldest room of the house, for example, other rooms may be uncomfortably warm. If the thermostat is getting too much heat from the kitchen or bathroom, the rest of the house can be too cold.
So where is the perfect place in your home for your thermostat?
That’s a hard decision, but experts say it should be in the center of the house in a space your family regularly uses. For many families, a living room or family room might be the best place. Keep the thermostat to a maximum of about five feet off the floor because heat rises and place it somewhere that you want the household temperature to be comfortable.
Tragar Can Help You Relocate Your Thermostat
When you are trying to save money with your heating and cooling bills, Tragar Home Services is here to help. Whether it’s replacing an out-of-date heating system or simply helping you relocate a troublesome thermostat, Tragar is here for all your heating and cooling needs. Contact us today.
