An important component of smart thermostat functionality is the placement of its sensors. In this guide, we’ll explore what smart thermostat sensors do, how they can impact your home’s comfort, and the best practices for sensor placement.
What Smart Thermostat Sensors Do
Smart thermostat sensors play a pivotal role in maintaining your home’s climate. They monitor temperature, humidity, and sometimes even occupancy or light levels within different rooms. This data allows the thermostat to adjust heating and cooling settings automatically, ensuring your home is always at your preferred comfort level while also saving energy.
The Impact on Home Comfort
Correct sensor placement is crucial for accurate readings. Sensors that are placed in less-than-ideal locations can lead to inaccurate temperature control, causing your heating and cooling system to work inefficiently. This not only affects your comfort but can also lead to higher energy bills.
Ideal Locations for Sensors
1. On Interior Walls
Place sensors about 5 feet above the floor, on walls that are free from drafts, direct sunlight, or any heat sources. This height is considered the average “breathing zone,” and placing sensors here gives the most accurate representation of the air most people are actually experiencing.
2. Central Locations in Frequently Used Rooms
Sensors should be placed in rooms that are used most often, such as living rooms or bedrooms, to ensure the thermostat is responsive to the temperature in these areas.
3. Away from Windows and Exterior Doors
Avoid placing sensors near windows or doors leading outside, as they can be affected by drafts or direct sunlight, skewing temperature readings.
Locations to Avoid
1. Near Appliances
The heat produced by TVs, ovens, stoves, or dishwashers can cause sensors to record higher temperatures, misleading your thermostat.
2. In Direct Sunlight
Sunlight can heat the sensor directly, causing it to send incorrect temperature information to the thermostat.
3. Close to Air Vents
Placing sensors too close to air vents can result in false readings due to direct exposure to heated or cooled air.
4. Hidden Areas
Avoid placing sensors in areas obstructed by furniture or curtains, as blocked airflow can lead to inaccurate readings.
Smart thermostats have become a key component for enabling HVAC systems to achieve a comfortable, energy-efficient home. By following these guidelines for sensor placement, you can ensure that your heating and cooling system operates optimally, keeping your home comfortable year-round while also conserving energy.
If you need further assistance with your smart thermostat or have any other heating and cooling concerns in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork and the Flathead Valley, don’t hesitate to contact Central Heating Cooling Plumbing Electrical. For over 30 years
