A Wi-Fi thermostat offers plenty of convenient features, but where you install it in your Mississippi home could impact its performance. To get the most benefit from your investment, consult your HVAC technician about these issues.
Walls
Ideally, your thermostat should sit about halfway up your wall. Since heat rises, you want your thermostat to detect the temperature at the median point in terms of temperature. It will take into account the cool air from below and the warm air above.
Windows
If you install your Wi-Fi thermostat directly opposite a window, it will receive the brunt of sunlight for at least part of the day. This will skew the temperature reading and cause your air conditioner to run more often.
Air Vents
Similarly, when air vents blow conditioned air on your Wi-Fi thermostat, the temperature sensor thinks it's cooler than reality. Your home might feel warm despite the temperature reading on the thermostat.
Obstructions
Don't let any other objects block your thermostat. Bookshelves, radiators, curtains, artwork, and other obstructions can influence the thermostat's reading.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
These areas of your home introduce extra heat to the space. In the kitchen, your stove and oven produce heat, which can skew a Wi-Fi thermostat's reading, while running hot water in the bathroom's shower, bathtub, or sink can produce the same result. Consider a more neutral place, such as a living area.
Hallways
Avoid hallways when possible because they're self-contained spaces in which you don't spend much time. You want the temperature reading on your thermostat to show the temperature in living spaces, such as great rooms and bedrooms.
Multiples
In many homes, especially if you have a
ductless system, you might have multiple Wi-Fi thermostats that control different areas. Follow the above tips for each thermostat unless you have a separate unit for the kitchen.
Wi-Fi thermostats help your air-conditioning system function more effectively. If your
HVAC system needs maintenance or if you want to discuss upgrades, find a local contractor through AC Southeast®.
