While high energy costs may feel inevitable, you actually have more control than you might think. Heating expenses naturally climb as temperatures drop in fall and winter, but your thermostat could be quietly driving up those bills even more. The issue goes deeper than just your temperature setting.
The location of your thermostat plays a critical role in your system’s efficiency. When positioned near windows or in areas with direct sunlight, your thermostat gets false readings that cause your HVAC system to run unnecessarily, wasting energy and inflating your costs. Getting it situated in an ideal spot before the cold sets in will help trim that bill.
Fixing it doesn’t require an expensive upgrade. In fact, it won’t cost you a penny. All you need to do is find a good spot for your thermostat. Whether you’re installing a new smart thermostat or just want to double-check your current setup, placing it in the right location can help your system run more efficiently, no matter the season. That means more comfort, less wear on your equipment, and savings on your electric bill, especially when your AC or heat are running full blast.
Worst places to install a thermostat
When thinking about thermostat location, the most important thing is to avoid areas with temperature extremes, which can make your thermostat think the room is much hotter or cooler than it really is and adjust the temperature accordingly.
1. Near a window or door
According to the US Department of Energy, you should avoid installing your thermostat near windows or doors, heat sources or direct sunlight. You should also avoid putting lamps or TVs near your thermostat since they release heat that could impact the device settings.
2. In a bathroom or the kitchen
For that reason, it’s best to avoid placing the thermostat in bathrooms or kitchens, too, where steam from the shower or from cooking can interfere. The same goes for exterior walls, which are typically cooler than interior ones. Putting your thermostat in any of these less-than-ideal spots could force it into heating or cooling when it doesn’t actually need to, unnecessarily using up more energy and money.
3. Hallways or low-traffic rooms
You should also avoid setting up your thermostat in hallways or rooms that you don’t use often. The device will not read the temperature of the places you actually want to heat or cool and could leave you with the wrong setting.
The best place to put a thermostat
The best spot for your thermostat is on an interior wall in the middle of a room you use often, such as your living room. That will keep the most popular areas of your house comfortable at the temperature you set.
And if you have a smart thermostat, make sure it’s not obstructed by doors, bookshelves or decorations so its sensors will work as they’re meant to. You also need to make sure the smart thermostat is in range of your Wi-Fi to stay connected.
In some cases, you can move your thermostat yourself. But in others, you’ll need to call an HVAC specialist. But that cost can potentially be recouped over time through savings.
For more money-saving tips, check out how Energy Star appliances can save you cash and the cheapest place to buy groceries online.
For more ways to reduce energy costs, consider unplugging your appliances, adjusting your thermostat, turning off your lights or buying smart devices. There’s even an easy ceiling fan hack that can save money on heating or cooling your house.
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