Don't Plug in Appliances Near Your Thermostat!

Your home's thermostat is vital to maintaining a comfortable indoor climate, but its accuracy can be affected by external factors. Placing a heat-producing appliance near your thermostat can cause incorrect temperature readings. This can lead to your heating or cooling system running more than necessary, increasing your energy bills and causing discomfort in your home.

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What Happens When You Place Appliances Near Your Thermostat?

When a thermostat is exposed to additional heat from nearby appliances, it may detect a higher temperature than the actual room temperature. This can lead to several issues, including:

• Overworked air conditioning. Your thermostat may misinterpret the room as too warm, causing your air conditioner to run longer than needed.

• Underperforming heating system. In colder months, heating appliances near the thermostat can make it think the room is warmer, preventing your heating system from turning on when necessary.

• Higher energy bills. The extra energy used due to misread temperatures can result in increased energy consumption and higher utility bills.

• Inconsistent room temperatures. Other areas of your home may remain too hot or too cold because the thermostat isn’t reading the actual room temperature correctly.

Common Heating Appliances That Affect Thermostat Performance

Certain household appliances generate enough heat to impact a thermostat’s readings. These include:

• Refrigerators and freezers: These appliances release heat as they cool their interiors, which can interfere with thermostat placement.

• Washers and dryers: Laundry appliances produce warmth, especially during long cycles, affecting nearby temperature readings.

• Air fryers and ovens: These high-wattage appliances emit significant heat, causing false readings that can throw off climate control.

• Space heaters: Even a small space heater can make a thermostat believe the entire room is warmer than it is.

• Power strips and extension cords: Overloaded power strips can generate heat, subtly affecting nearby thermostat readings.

What to Do If You Can't Avoid Placing Appliances by Your Thermostat

Sometimes, space constraints make it impossible to keep heat-producing appliances away from your thermostat. If that’s the case, consider these solutions:

• Use smart plugs. These devices help regulate energy consumption and can prevent unnecessary heat buildup from certain appliances.

• Adjust thermostat placement. If possible, relocate the thermostat to a central location that better represents the overall temperature of your home.

• Create airflow separation. Use fans or vents to direct heat away from your thermostat and ensure better circulation.

• Insulate around appliances. Installing heat-resistant barriers between large appliances and your thermostat can reduce their impact on temperature readings.

• Monitor energy bills. Keep an eye on your utility bill to detect unusual spikes that may be caused by thermostat interference.

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Choosing the Best Thermostat Location

Proper thermostat placement can help save you money on energy costs and improve your home's overall comfort. The best locations for a thermostat include:

• Interior walls: Placing your thermostat on an internal wall helps it better reflect your home’s true temperature.

• Away from direct heat sources: Keep thermostats away from ovens, air fryers, radiators and other heat-producing appliances.

• In frequently used rooms: Install your thermostat in a main living area rather than a hallway or unused space.

• At an appropriate height: Mount your thermostat around 5 feet from the floor for the most accurate readings.

The Impact of Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat can be an excellent solution if appliance heat is affecting your home’s temperature control. Some smart thermostats offer remote sensors that help balance temperature readings throughout your home. Others can learn your schedule and adjust heating or cooling automatically, reducing energy waste and helping you maintain a more consistent indoor climate.

Being mindful of thermostat placement and the surrounding appliances can significantly impact your comfort and energy consumption. Avoid placing high-wattage appliances near your thermostat, and take steps to improve airflow and reduce heat interference to keep your home temperature at the appropriate level.