Does the location of a thermostat matter?

Author: Mr. Michel Mraz  |  Last update: Monday, May 4, 2026

So, where should you place the thermostat in your home? Ideally, you should place your thermostat in a room that you use frequently so your thermostat is reading accurate temperatures. You should also place your thermostat on an interior wall that is unobstructed by household items.

Where is the best location for a thermostat?

For best results, you want the thermostat centrally located. This is a part of the home that you frequently use rather than tucked away in a hall. The thermostat should be positioned at a height of about 52-60 inches. Since heat rises, if the thermostat is higher than that, the readings will tend to be too warm.

Can you put a thermostat anywhere?

Whether you're moving a thermostat to another room or just moving it to another wall, there are a few main things you need to consider: Try to install your thermostat near the middle of the room or zone that it is controlling. Avoid putting your thermostat near windows, doors, or on exterior walls.

Where is the best place to keep your thermostat?

Location within a room

Heat circulates around rooms naturally, so we'd recommend placing your thermostat in a central position and around 1.5m off the ground for the most balanced view.

How far should a thermostat be from the heater?

Better yet, install your thermostat at least 1 stud away from the heater. Moving a thermostat out of the same wall cavity as a heater will help performance.

Where should a thermostat be? Should a thermostat be in the hallway?

Does it matter where you put your thermostat?

Ideally, you should place your thermostat in a room that you use frequently so your thermostat is reading accurate temperatures. You should also place your thermostat on an interior wall that is unobstructed by household items.

How to relocate a thermostat?

A Step-by-Step Guide
  1. Turn Off the Thermostat. Prior to moving a thermostat in a house, ensure to switch off the power at the circuit breaker box to avoid any electrical mishaps. ...
  2. Remove the Thermostat. ...
  3. Prepare the New Location. ...
  4. Route the Wires to the New Location. ...
  5. Reinstall Your Thermostat. ...
  6. Turn on the Power.

How important is thermostat placement?

Proper thermostat placement is crucial not only for your home's overall comfort but also for energy use. A mislocated thermostat can gradually increase your monthly utility bills and create additional wear and tear for your HVAC unit.

How much does it cost to relocate a thermostat?

come and move a thermostat it will cost between $200-$400 depending on how long the new wire has to be. The normal labor rates vary per region so it is between $75-$90 dollars per hour and it will probably take all of 2 hours to pull a new wire and rewire and mount the thermostat.

Should I put my thermostat in the coldest room?

If you put the thermostat in a spot that gets hotter or colder than the rest of your house, a conflict between your thermostat and boiler can arise. Your heating system might end up in a constant battle to keep up, and you'll find yourself constantly fiddling with the settings to feel comfortable.

Where not to put a thermostat?

For example, you'll want to avoid installing your thermostat near windows or doors, or by heat sources or in direct sunlight. You'll also want to avoid putting lamps or TVs near your thermostat, since they release heat that could impact the device settings, according to the US Department of Energy.

Can you change the location of a thermostat?

If your thermostat isn't in the right place, it is possible to move it to a new location. However, the amount of work that takes depends on how far away you plan to move it. The reason is that there's a set of control wires running from your HVAC system to the wall where the thermostat resides.

Should a thermostat be in a hallway?

Your thermostat should be in an area that your family spends a good amount of time in, and we're guessing your hallway isn't one of those places. This, combined with the fact that hallways can restrict airflow, means that a thermostat in a hallway won't get an accurate reading of your home's temperature.

Where should I keep my thermostat in the summer?

The ideal thermostat location is an interior wall, ideally near the center of the house. When considering your thermostat location, it's also smart to keep in mind which rooms people use most since these are the rooms where you want the temperature to be the most comfortable.

Does it matter how a thermostat is installed?

When installing a thermostat, ensure that you place it in the recommended places. Avoid areas near air vents, heating appliances, open doors, and windows. This will help you maintain the required temperatures around your home. Additionally, it will help you save on energy bills.

Where should a thermostat be placed on a wall?

For the best thermostat placement, here are some general guidelines when looking for the right location:
  1. Keep it away from heat-generating appliances like stoves, ovens, lamps and televisions.
  2. Avoid the hottest or coldest room of the house.
  3. Keep sensors from being blocked by shelves and doors.

Where is the best place to put a room thermostat?

Near the centre of your home

As we mentioned earlier, the thermostat measures the average temperature of your home. And what is another word for average? Middle or centre! So the middle of your home will give you the most accurate average reading since it will measure the centrally circulating air.

How much is labor to replace a thermostat?

Replacing a Thermostat. You'll pay between $15 and $300 for the unit in addition to labor ($65 to $100 per hour) to replace an old thermostat with a new one.

Who to hire to move a thermostat?

If however, your desired new thermostat location resides far away in another room distant from existing infrastructure, strongly consider hiring an HVAC technician to safely perform the complex wiring rerouting involved.

What is the proper location of a thermostat?

Ideal Thermostat Placement

The best place for your thermostat is on an interior wall, away from all the areas we previously discussed (direct sunlight, air vents, your kitchen, hallways, windows and doors). Ideally, it should be placed toward the center of your home.

How hard is it to relocate a thermostat?

Fortunately, in many cases, moving a thermostat is a DIY job that requires a few basic tools. In fact, if you're moving the thermostat to an adjacent wall or replacing the interface, the project may last just an hour or less.

Is thermostat housing important?

Although it's possible to drive with a damaged thermostat housing, it's highly recommended that you don't. Ignoring a coolant leak is flirting with disaster, and cooking your engine can ruin your whole day.

Do electricians move thermostats?

Pros do More

Some of you may be asking, “Why would I call a professional if the installation instructions are right here on the box?” Hiring a professional is ensuring that the job is done right. Also, the electrician will do more than just install the new thermostat, move it to a new location, and/or add new wiring.

How much would it cost to move a thermostat?

Moving a Thermostat: If the required wiring exists at the desired location, moving a thermostat may cost as little as $65. However, moving the unit can entail installing new wiring and cutting and patching drywall, so the project can cost up to $450.

Does thermostat need to be near return?

While it's best practice to install a thermostat near a return air vent, so that the thermostat senses a homogenous mixture of air sucked from various areas of the home, it's a mistake to have the thermostat located near a supply air vent, where hot or cold air blowing on it can change its reading.

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