Where should my thermostat be located?

Author: Prof. Maude Lehner  |  Last update: Friday, December 26, 2025

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.

Where is the best placement for a thermostat?

The thermostat should be in a neutral area on an interior wall away from doors, windows, and heat sources. Across from the pantry might be the best spot for it. The interior wall near the living room can work, but people gathered in that area will generate heat and through it off and the fireplace will too when in use.

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.

Should the thermostat be in the coldest room?

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.

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?

Where should you not put a thermostat?

For example, don't place it above air vents, near windows and doors, or in any spot that receives direct sunlight. Placement in these areas can cause false readings, which may cause your heating and cooling systems to run unnecessarily, increasing energy consumption and costs.

How far from return should the thermostat be?

In general, placing your thermostat at least five feet away from things that create air flow (including air returns, heating vents and even drafty windows) can help you maintain a more constant temperature and lower energy costs.

Should the thermostat be in the bedroom or hallway?

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.

What is the best temperature to set your thermostat in winter?

If someone is at home in the daytime, 72° F (22° C) is a good start, but aim for 68° F (20° C). If everyone is away from home in the daytime or you're asleep at night, we feel 66° F (19° C) to 62° F (17° C) is best.

What temperature should I keep my house in extreme cold?

Keeping your home warm in the winter is essential for one's comfort and also to keep pipes from freezing. However, you should be mindful of energy consumption as well. According to the Department of Energy, the optimal temperature setting for homes during freezing weather is 68 °F.

Where should I set my thermostat in the summer?

You want to keep your home cool, but also want to keep control of your electricity bills. Keeping in mind both energy efficiency and comfort, the best thermostat settings for summer are 76° when you are home, 80-85° when you are away and 72° at night.

Does thermostat position matter?

The placement of your thermostat can significantly impact the overall efficiency of your HVAC system. Certain heating or cooling problems result from a poorly located thermostat rather than the actual system. Quality Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing knows how frustrating it can be to have a malfunctioning HVAC system.

Where should I keep my thermostat?

Placing a thermostat too close to a heat source, for instance, will likely make your heating less efficient. With that in mind, experts advise keeping your thermostat location away from the following: Direct sunlight. Above air vents.

Can I change the location of my 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.

Is 65 too cold for a house?

The World Health Organization recommends keeping indoor temperatures between 64 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for healthy people. The minimum temperature should be kept above 68 degrees Fahrenheit to protect the very young, the elderly, or people with health problems. Watch out for signs of hypothermia.

Is it cheaper to leave your thermostat at one temperature?

Keeping your home at a constant temperature generally means that your HVAC system will run constantly to meet it. This means that your furnace or air conditioner may run when you're asleep, at work, or out of the house. This wastes more energy than the minimal amount that you might save by having it constantly run.

Is 72 too high for thermostat in winter?

68 to 72 degrees is a temperature range that is not too warm or cool, and is sufficient enough to warm up the home just enough so that everyone is comfortable regardless of the type of clothing they have on.

Where should you not install 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.

Where is the ideal thermostat placement?

The main area in your home is also best for thermostat placement as long as it's on an interior wall. Excellent airflow circulation is necessary to aid thermostats in accurate temperature readings. Placing your thermostat in a tight, cramped space allows hot or cold air to build up and create an incorrect reading.

Where should you locate your thermostat?

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. Heat rises, so if your thermostat is very high up the wall it will give you an inflated reading and tell your boiler to cool the house down.

Why are thermostats placed in hallways?

Because hallways are generally long and narrow, they have decreased airflow and circulation. This means the hallway temperature often doesn't reflect the average air temperature of the house as a whole. Placing your thermostat in the hallway means that the hall will be comfortable. The rest of your house may not be.

How high is too high for thermostat?

Your thermostat can go up to 90°F, but you shouldn't push it that far for monetary reasons. Not only will it drain power and cause a huge jump in your bills, but it will force your heater to work harder and wear down much faster.

How much money do you save by turning down thermostat?

The exact savings depend on factors like climate, insulation, and the efficiency of your HVAC system, but it's estimated to reduce energy costs by around 1-3% per degree for each 8-hour period. Over a year, this can add up to significant savings.

Previous article
Can AC work as humidifier?
Next article
How do you know if you have mold in your sinuses?