In addition, direct sunlight can also damage the plastic components of the thermostat. This could cause trouble reading the temperature and cause you to lose control of your thermostat altogether! Solution? Always place your thermostat on an interior wall away from doors, windows, and direct sunlight.
If you can move the thermostat just out of the sunlight I would do that. If that's not really a great option, hang some curtains. If that is also not a great idea, put some sort of decoration or something in front of the thermostat. Anything to shade it.
Watch your thermostat throughout the day. Direct sunlight can cause the unit to think your home is warmer than it is, making your HVAC system work incorrectly. When you're heating your home, the heat will shut off prematurely, and when you're cooling, the system will run longer than necessary.
I wouldn't do this. The temp sensor is on the thermostat and covering it would prevent it from getting accurate readings and adjusting your air HVAC appropriately.
Use a thick “gallery style” painting (aim for a canvas that is at least 2.5 inches thick) to cover up the thermostat and add a bit of design to your space. You can purchase a premade work of art, or DIY one! Art supply stores carry canvases in various sizes.
Hanging a piece of canvas art over your thermostat could cause it to not work properly. In order for your thermostat to be able to get an accurate temperature reading, you'd have to poke holes in your elegant canvas!
Dust, nicotine buildup, and other dirt inside can all affect your thermostat's performance. Some thermostats open easily so that you can clean the inside. Others will require that you unscrew the faceplate.
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.
Never install a thermostat in these places
It's best to avoid placing the thermostat in bathrooms or the kitchen for that reason, too, where steam from the shower or from cooking can interfere. The same goes for exterior walls, which are typically cooler than interior ones.
Contrary to popular belief, covering up can actually help minimize heat absorption. While it may seem counterintuitive, loose and flowing clothing that covers the body shields the skin from direct sunlight, reducing heat absorption and providing a barrier between the skin and the scorching temperatures.
The thermostat monitors the temperature of your home and automatically adjusts the cooling and heating system to the desired temperature. If you place it in direct sunlight—such as near the window or skylight—it will cause the thermostat to “think” that the interior temperature is warmer than it actually is.
Absorption of sunlight causes the molecules of the object or surface it strikes to vibrate faster, increasing its temperature. This energy is then re-radiated by the Earth as longwave, infrared radiation, also known as heat.
Placing the thermometer in a specially created covered area can work well too if you do not have any natural overhangs on your house. Outside Thermometers should Never Be Placed at Lower Ground Levels– It is best to place an thermometer for outdoors between four to six feet off the ground level.
Don't install your thermostat near doors that could let in drafts, in direct sunlight by windows or near a bathroom door that could frequently be warm and steamy.
During the holiday season, there may be a temptation to cover the thermostat with decorations to make the room more festive. However, this may reduce the free flow of air into the unit, which affects the accuracy of the thermostat.
Outside temperatures affect your energy usage
When the weather changes, keeping your thermostats at a consistent temperature helps reduce the impact of the outside temperature inside your home. During the cold winter months, it takes more energy to heat your home.
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.
It's also important to make sure that your thermostat isn't in direct sunlight coming through a window. If the sun is shining right on your thermostat, you could end up with a massive energy bill in the summertime. Exterior walls: Likewise, don't place your thermostat on an exterior wall.
If your thermostat controls your heat, you will have a white wire. The Y wire is yellow and connects to your air conditioning compressor. The G wire is green and connects to the fan.
Many thermostats have a fail safe which causes them to be stuck open if overheated. It will need replacement.
The Lifespan of a Thermostat
On average, most thermostats last about 10 years, depending on the model, usage, and proper maintenance. However, many people decide to replace their unit sooner to take advantage of new energy-saving technologies.
Additionally, a faulty thermostat can cause your heater to overheat, which can be a fire hazard.