The Importance of AC Thermostat Installation Location
AC Thermostat Installation Tips
The thermostats of yesteryear were small, round switches for the heater and air conditioner, with mercury as a contractor. Today’s thermostats are filled with electronics and connected to Wi-Fi and while the internal parts might have changed, their function is still to call for heat and cooling. To get it right, the thermostat needs to be placed in a prime location.
AC thermostat installation generally happens during construction, but several circumstances might require the placement to change. That includes:
- Remodeling
- Interference with traffic
- Poor HVAC performance
A misplaced thermostat can increase or decrease the call for air conditioning, reducing comfort and forcing the system to work harder than necessary. What is considered a “prime” AC Thermostat Installation location?
- Out of direct sunlight. The thermostat should respond to the air temperature, but sunlight will heat the surface of the thermostat and confuse the sensor.
- Away from heat sources, such as appliances that produce heat and lamps. For this reason, thermostats should not be placed in the kitchen.
- Away from doors or frequently opened windows. While the air temperature might be fine, the sudden draft, either hot or cold from outdoors can artificially affect the thermostat.
- Avoid drapes or curtains. It might be tempting to hide the thermostat for aesthetic reasons, but curtains create a barrier between the room air and the thermostat.
- Not the coldest or hottest room in the house. The extreme temperature in these rooms will unduly affect the temperature throughout the home.
- Not directly above a vent. The forced air coming from the vent will affect the thermostat sensors, shutting off the system.
- On an inside wall. While insulation is designed to interrupt the transfer of heat, exterior walls are still hot or cold, depending on the season.
- On the bottom floor. In a two-story home, heat will rise, and cold air will sink. A second-story thermostat will ensure the first floor is cold during the heating and cooling season. A first-floor thermostat will also ensure that the second story is warmer during the heating and cooling season.
- About 52” to 60” from the floor. The air near the floor is cooler and the air near the ceiling is warmer: a proper placement is about face high.
- Within the range of Wi-Fi. Smart thermostats connect to the internet to allow homeowners to adjust the temperature while on the move. Ideal placement keeps the thermostat connected to the internet.
The ideal placement of a thermostat is on an interior wall, on the bottom floor, and in a frequently used room. This ensures that each room is kept at the desired temperature for comfort and health.
Need an AC Thermostat Installation? We can help!
Contact our AC Thermostat Installation team at Doctor Cool & Professor Heat today at 281-338-8751 or email Doctor Cool and let our professional Residential HVAC Maintenance technicians assist with all of your AC services.
