It seems we’re spending more time at home than ever before. Unfortunately, that means our utility costs are rising. Adding a Smart thermostat to your HVAC system is a great way to save on energy bills. But where do you put it? Does the placement of your thermostat matter?

DIY Installs

Adding a new thermostat is an easy DIY project for some homeowners. But if you’ve never worked with Smart home tech, Smart thermostat adds unexpected variables to this simple upgrade.

Before Placing Your New Thermostat

Ensure your new thermostat is compatible with your HVAC system. If not, the placement of your thermostat won’t matter at all.

Choosing the right model

For ultimate savings, opt for an ENERGY STAR rated model. The EPA released specifications in 2017 for Smart thermostats.

Questions to ask

Consider the following when upgrading your thermostat:

  1. Is it compatible with my HVAC system?

  2. Is your Wi-Fi and cellphone compatible with the thermostat?

  3. Will it work with existing Smart home devices?

If the answer to all of these is yes, now is the time to figure out the correct placement of your thermostat.

Is Thermostat Placement Different for a Smart Model?

No matter your thermostat’s IQ, you still need to place properly to get accurate readings representative of your home’s temperature.

Place your thermostat on an interior wall in an area that gets the most foot-traffic.

Exterior walls radiate heat and cold, giving your thermostat an inaccurate reading for conditions inside the home.

Install the thermostat where it’s easy to read — about 52 to 60 inches from the floor. This also helps compensate for rising heat in your home.

Special considerations

In the case of Smart thermostats, it’s critical to place it where it will get an uninterrupted Wi-Fi signal.

You may need to move your Wi-Fi router or add a Wi-Fi booster or extender to improve the connection.

Existing Installation

For most homes built in the last 75 years, the existing thermostat is properly located. Except for the issue of Wi-Fi accessibility, most thermostats in modern homes with central HVAC are just where they need to be.

Exceptions are if the home square footage has increased or if it’s been partitioned in a way that the current location receives little foot traffic.

For example, you may need to relocate the thermostat if you have added on to the house with more rooms.

If you have divided it up for independent living for several adults, you may need to move the thermostat to a new common area.

Can You Install Your Own Smart Thermostat

Many tech-savvy homeowners can install their own thermostat. However, if you’re planning on relocating it, it’s best to call in a professional to insure it’s properly connected.

Make an appointment now with the experts at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning in Chattanooga. They can install your new thermostat so that it works seamlessly with your system.