What is the ideal location for installing a residential thermostat?

The ideal location for installing a residential thermostat is on interior walls out of drafts. This placement is crucial for ensuring that the thermostat can accurately read the ambient temperature of the living space without interference from external factors.

Installing the thermostat on an interior wall helps to avoid fluctuations caused by drafts from windows, doors, or vents. Drafts can lead to inaccurate temperature readings, causing the heating or cooling system to operate inefficiently, which might either overheat or overcool the space. This can result in discomfort for the occupants and can also lead to higher energy bills due to increased HVAC usage.

Ceilings are not advisable for thermostat installation because heat rises; thus, a ceiling-mounted thermostat may register a temperature that is significantly higher than that at the occupant level. Placing thermostats on exterior walls is also problematic, as these walls are influenced by outdoor temperatures and drafts, which can skew the readings further. Installing them in narrow hallways may cause the thermostat to catch air movement from different rooms, potentially misrepresenting the temperature.

Thus, placing the thermostat out of drafts on an interior wall provides the most accurate temperature reading, allowing for optimal control of the heating and cooling system, enhancing comfort, and improving energy efficiency.