Where should you not install a thermostat?

Author: Prof. Shane King  |  Last update: Thursday, May 7, 2026

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.

Does the location of a thermostat matter?

While keeping it near the return will accurately read the temperature of the air returning to your air handler, placing your thermostat too close to the intake grille can cause too much air to move across the sensor and skew the reading.

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.

Should the thermostat be in the hallway or living room?

Generally speaking thermostats should be located on an inside hallway near a return and away from any type heat source.

Where is the best place to put a room thermostat?

  • Central Location: Place the thermostat in a central part of the home to accurately gauge the temperature of the entire space.
  • Away from Heat Sources: Avoid placing the thermostat near heat sources like windows, radiators, or appliances that can cause false readings.

When You Do And Do Not Need A Thermostat

Where would be a bad place to put a thermostat?

When installing your thermostat, the main thing you want to avoid is placing it in an area with extreme temperatures. For example, don't place it above air vents, near windows and doors, or in any spot that receives direct sunlight.

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 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.

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.

How high should room thermostat be from floor?

So, what height should a thermostat be? Generally, the standard thermostat height is between 52 and 60 inches from the floor. Placing your thermostat within this range helps ensure it is getting the room's average temperature in order to regulate it effectively.

What not to do with a thermostat?

Avoid these seven mistakes to get the most from your HVAC system in Calhoun, GA, and keep your utility costs down:
  1. Constantly Adjusting the Temperature. ...
  2. Never Adjusting the Temperature. ...
  3. Using the 'On' Fan Setting. ...
  4. Turning Off Your System. ...
  5. Using Extreme Temperature Settings. ...
  6. Using an On-Off HVAC Thermostat.

Can you install a thermostat incorrectly?

A mismatched thermostat can damage the HVAC system and the electrical system. The clash between the instructions from the thermostat's computer algorithms with the HVAC system can harm components. (And if you add in a possible wiring error, things get even worse.)

Can I cover my thermostat with a picture?

Covering your thermostat with a painting or a frame might sound like a brilliant idea to improve your wall's decor. Unfortunately covering your thermostat prevents it from accurately reading the temperature in your living space.

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.

Do you need a thermostat in every room?

Having a different thermostat per room also allows for more efficient heating and energy use. By individually controlling the temperature in each room, it is possible to avoid heating unoccupied rooms or overheating areas that are already warm enough.

How high can a thermostat go?

Think of your thermostat as similar to your car's speedometer. Your car can go 120-140 mph according to the speedometer. But you shouldn't go that fast under almost any circumstances for safety (and legal) reasons. Your thermostat can go up to 90°F, but you shouldn't push it that far for monetary reasons.

Where is the best place to put a 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.

How much do contractors charge to install thermostat?

The cost to install a thermostat is $182 on average, but you could pay between $113 and $264. Thermostats play an important role in our daily lives, cooling us down during the sweltering summer heat and keeping us warm and cozy during winter. While the average cost to install a thermostat is $182, pricing can vary.

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 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.

Should thermostat be in hallway or living 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.

Where should wall thermostats be installed?

The Center of Your House. The center of your house serves as the best place for an average temperature reading. Having a more accurate temperature reading is crucial for your HVAC system. The more accurate a thermostat reading, the more efficient your heating or cooling system will work.

What is a good thermostat temperature for winter?

Best thermostat temperature in the winter

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 68 degrees. Ram Narayanamurthy, deputy director of the department's Building Technologies Office, told USA TODAY that temperatures between 68 and 70 degrees are best for heating a house efficiently.

What is the most efficient heating system for a house?

Geothermal systems provide the most efficient type of heating. They can cut heating bills by up to 70%.

Should I insulate behind my thermostat?

A hole behind the thermostat, in the attic or in the crawlspace can let cold air in that causes problems for the temperature sensor on the thermostat. The hole can be filled in with rock wool or fire foam with some silicone right behind the thermostat.

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