The best place to put a wireless thermostat is on an interior wall in the center of your home, about 5 feet off the ground in a frequently used room. This central location ensures the device measures an average temperature that accurately reflects your home's overall climate.
We would not advise putting the thermostat in the coldest room as this would not be a true reflection of the temperature of the rest of the house. You want an average reading for it to work efficiently so placing it in the coldest part of the house would be an extreme cold air temperature zone to avoid.
Avoid placing a thermostat in areas with abnormal temperature fluctuations or poor airflow, such as in direct sunlight, above supply vents, near exterior doors or windows, and in kitchens. Instead, mount it about 5 feet above the floor on an interior wall in a frequently used, central room.
The hall is the wrong place for the room thermostat, it should be located in the room you spend most of the time, usually the lounge. If installed in the lounge, thermostatic radiator valves will need to be removed, if fitted.
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.
If you're not sure how long it takes, try turning the heating on about 30 minutes before you need it. You should turn it off 30 minutes before you'll stop needing it. You might need to turn on your heating earlier if your home takes longer to reach a comfortable temperature.
Worst places for a thermostat
Yes, 72°F is a very comfortable temperature for your daytime heat setting. However, it is slightly higher than the recommended energy-saving guidelines, which could increase your heating bill.
Set your room thermostat
Once it reaches the set temperature, it turns the heating off until the temperature drops again. You don't need to turn your room thermostat up when it is colder outside. Your home will heat up to your chosen temperature whatever the weather, but it may take a little longer on colder days.
NHS advice is to 'heat your home to a temperature that's comfortable for you', which should be 'at least 18°C in the rooms you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom. ' 14 degrees is not a healthy room temperature.
The thermostat setting in the winter should generally be cooler — around 68°F when home, lower when sleeping or away. This contrast is why many guides reference recommended thermostat settings for summer and winter together: The goal is always to strike the right balance between comfort and efficiency.
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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.
No, 68°F is not generally considered cold for a house in winter. In fact, experts at the U.S. Department of Energy recommend 68°F as the ideal, energy-efficient temperature for the winter months while you are awake.
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Signs of an Unhealthy Temperature
The main sign that your thermostat needs adjusting is that you and your family are too cold. Even though the furnace is running, you find yourself shivering or needing extra layers. If you're too cold in your own home, turn up the heat until you're comfortable.
Extreme heat is the number one weather-related killer. It claims more lives annually on average than all other extreme weather events—including hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and lightning—combined.
Keep your thermostat set to a minimum of 55°F (13°C) to keep your pipes from freezing. If you are leaving the house for an extended period, maintain this temperature to ensure heat reaches the walls where pipes are located.
The most cost-effective way to heat a house generally combines a highly efficient air-source heat pump with localized insulation and air sealing to stop heat loss. While upfront costs are higher, heat pumps can deliver up to 300% efficiency, significantly lowering long-term utility bills.
Main causes for high gas bills
It is generally cheaper to turn your heat down or off when you are away for long periods (like an 8-hour workday) rather than keeping it at a constant, high temperature. While heating back up takes more energy, the savings from the lower average temperature outweigh the cost of re-heating, saving up to 10% on energy bills.
Research has shown that the average and safe room temperature for older adults is around 78 degrees. To prevent an elderly adult from becoming too cold, it is recommended that the room temperature never falls below 65 degrees.
Vitamin deficiencies: An iron deficiency and low vitamin B12 can make you cold and cause cold feet. Both lead to reduced blood flow and circulation.
It's better to leave interior doors open when heating your home. Open doors allow warm air to circulate evenly, preventing hot and cold spots and reducing the strain on your HVAC system. Closed doors can block airflow, making your system work harder and increasing energy costs.