Where is the Best Place to Have a Thermostat and Why?

Where is the Best Place to Have a Thermostat and Why?

Where is the Best Place to Have a Thermostat and Why?

As the cold nights draw in, we all start having to think about getting our homes ready for winter. One of the most important systems to test and set up is of course how we heat our homes. For those with traditional gas, oil or LPG heating, this will mean making sure the boiler has been serviced, the radiators are all in working order, setting the thermostat and then luxuriating in ambient heat.

What is a thermostat?

As opposed to electric heating options, such as electric radiators and underfloor heating which can be independently controlled, the heat output from traditional heating systems will be regulated by a central thermostat.

A thermostat is a wall-mounted device that can be mechanical, digital or employ smart technology. They can be wireless and battery-operated, or hardwired to the boiler, while smart thermostats such as Hive or Nest employ small remote sensors to track room temperatures.

Essentially, thermostats are used to regulate the temperature within a home. They do this by sensing and monitoring the temperature and turning on the heating when the air temperature around them falls below a pre-set level. They’re very easy to control, and allow the homeowner to quickly alter the internal temperature of the home if there’s a sudden change in the weather.

What to consider when fitting a thermostat

Thermostats are wall-mounted and will be permanently located in one room of the house; but as with everything, location is key.

So where’s the best place to locate the thermostat or sensor within your home? Here are some points to consider, when deciding on the best location:

  • Are there other heat sources that might influence the thermostat?
  • Does the area receive direct sunlight?
  • Is the area north facing?
  • Is there a decent airflow?
  • Is it a busy thoroughfare?
  • Could the thermostat be obstructed by anything?

Where should a thermostat ideally be located?

1.       On an interior wall

Don’t place a thermostat on an exterior wall. Using an interior wall will give a better indication of the temperature within your home.

2.       In the centre of the home

As indicated above, an interior wall is best for monitoring the temperature of the home. Ideally, you should place the thermostat somewhere near the middle of the home for the most accurate reading.

3.       In a frequently used room

We know that thermostats aren’t the prettiest to look at. Even the aesthetics of smart systems leave something to be desired. But there’s no point hiding the thermostat away in a room that’s never used. The rooms you frequent the most are the ones you need to have at a comfortable temperature.

4.       In an area away from drafts

Just as you don’t want the thermostat to be positioned where it receives direct sunlight or a North facing wall, you also don’t want it near windows or external doors. These will create drafts that lower the temperature detected by the thermostat, meaning the thermostat will continue to call for heat even when it’s not necessary.

 

5.       At the correct height

Heat rises. This is why your thermostat should be located on the ground floor, at the height you’re living in. The recommended height to locate a thermostat is therefore approximately 5 foot above the floor.

For all of these reasons, the majority of homes will have the thermostat placed somewhere in the downstairs hallway. Away from drafts and direct sunlight, but with good airflow, this central position within the home is typically the best location for detecting the temperature of centrally circulating air.

Why the position of your thermostat really matters

The position of your thermostat should be really carefully considered. By placing your thermostat in an area that’s far cooler than the main rooms you occupy, excessive heat can be called for. This will burn more fuel than necessary and leading to inflated heating costs.

Conversely, if you place the thermostat in an area that’s warmer than your living area, you’ll actually not be calling for the correct amount of heat. OK, so this will save you money, but being cold all the time really negates the reason for having a central heating system in the first place!

Also, you need to consider fluctuations in temperatures. We’ve already stated that the thermostat needs to be placed in an area that’s away from drafts or blasts of heat. This is because these volatile shifts in temperatures will result in the thermostat constantly switching on and off to reach the desired temperature, potentially wasting energy.

By placing your thermostat in the correct area, that ‘sweet spot’ in your home that has the most consistent and accurate average reading, you’ll be able to run your heating system efficiently. This will keep your home comfortably warm, without wasting fuel or heat.

Finally… try the lowest setting

Once you’ve located your thermostat, really think about programming when your heating comes on. By using your central heating system only as and when you need it, you’ll not only save money but also reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Also, and this is really important, find the lowest comfortable temperature setting that works for you. The WHO recommends that in the winter months, UK households should aim for room temperatures of 18 degrees centigrade. This can mean that your thermostat could be set anywhere between 18-21 degrees. So experiment and turn your thermostat down to the lowest comfortable setting. Indeed, turning your thermostat will not only save you money but also improve your carbon footprint. According to The Energy Saving Trust, turning your thermostat down by just 1 degree could save £60 a year on your heating bills, and prevent some 310 kg of carbon dioxide unnecessarily being released into the atmosphere.

Of course, there is a simple and clean solution to your heating needs that doesn’t require a central thermostat. That’s the installation of electric radiators. These sleek, elegant units are 100% energy efficient and work completely independently of each other. This allows you to control the heat in the rooms you use the most, and at the specific temperatures, you need. Furthermore, they come with 24/7 programming and frost protection, giving you ultimate controllability and peace of mind. Some even come with smart technology, meaning you can control your room temperature with the swipe of an app.

If you’re interested in making the switch to electric heating then get in touch today. Here at Electric Heating Expert, we have the product range and expertise to help you install the most cost-effective heating solutions in your home or office space. Get in touch today on 01252 560770 or you can email us at enquiries@electricheatingexpert.co.uk.

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