Hidden Plumbing Problems: What to Look for

Furnace Thermostat Placement: What You Need To Know

3 February 2021

Herbert Chambers

The placement of your furnace's thermostat is vital for a functioning heating system. If you are installing a new thermostat or upgrading your old one, here are some things to know about placement.

Interior Vs. Exterior Wall

The first consideration is the location of the wall where you plan to install the thermostat. Avoid any wall that faces out to the exterior of your home on one side. These walls tend to suffer from more temperature variances due to outside weather conditions, so they do not accurately reflect the ambient air temperature in your home. Instead, choose a wall that faces into the interior of the home on both sides.

External Temperature Factors

There are many external factors that can mess with a thermostat's reading. Walls that back up to an appliance on one side may be warmer than the average ambient room temperature. For example, the compressor heat from a refrigerator on one side of the wall can impact the accuracy of the thermostat if you install it on the opposite side of the same wall. Nearby stoves, computers, televisions, and even fish tanks can all affect the temperature reading. Further, walls directly across from a window that receives direct sunlight may read higher temperatures than what is currently felt within the majority of the home.

Height From the Floor

Height also matters when it comes to the thermostat. Cold air tends to collect closer to the floor, while hot air rises and pools at the ceiling. If the thermostat is too low, then it will read cooler temperatures and can overheat the home. Yet, if it sets too high on the wall, you may feel cold, but the thermostat will be reading the higher temperatures located near the ceiling. The optimum spot is about 5 feet above the floor. This is about halfway between the floor and ceiling, so the air is fairly evenly mixed. Further, it is at an accessible height for most people to read and adjust it.

Airflow Concerns

Avoid placing the thermostat in an area with stagnant air and minimal airflow, such as a closet. It simply can't get an accurate reading of the ambient temperature in this area. Areas with high airflow can also lead to false readings, so avoid placing the thermostat near an exterior door, a hallway with many doors opening off of it, or near an air supply vent. Walls in larger open rooms, such as the living or dining rooms, are usually good locations when it comes to airflow.

For more information about thermostat installation or other heating services, contact a local heating contractor.

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