When you think about your heating system, the chances are that your mind first goes to your radiators, or perhaps to your boiler. Your mind might even go straight to your heating bill. While that is understandable, it is the central heating thermostat that is the key piece of the system, as it ties the whole thing together. It is literally the brains of the operation, acting as the communication hub through which all information flows. Your thermostat is the piece of kit that determines whether the temperature in your home is comfortable, or whether it needs to be repeatedly adjusted. Even more importantly, your thermostat positioning can go a long way to bringing your heating bill back under control.

Why Does Thermostat Positioning Matter?

The thing to remember about your thermostat is the fact that it works by measuring ambient temperature. It checks the average temperature in the area in which it is installed and sends a signal to your boiler. If the average temperature in the area is too low, it tells your boiler to switch on the central heating. If the temperature is too high, it makes sure the central heating is switched off. The sole objective of your thermostat is to maintain the temperature that you have indicated as your preference. With this in mind, we can see that the position of the thermostat can have a significant impact on your heating bill. Installing it in a spot that is too cold, or too warm, in relation to the rest of the house will have your boiler locked in a constant battle to compensate, while you spend your time at home correcting it by adjusting the thermostat. Where is the best place to position a heating thermostat?

What Factors Do I Need To Consider?

The main consideration in thermostat positioning is airflow. Being guided by the fundamental principle that hot air rises is crucial in finding the optimal spot. The upper floors of a house will generally be warmer than the lower floors - particularly in the late afternoon and evening when your central heating system is most likely to be needed - so positioning your thermostat upstairs should be avoided. Similarly, the areas above radiators and those in direct sunlight will also create falsely high ambient temperature readings from the thermostat unit. By that same token, placing the thermostat on an exterior wall, above an air vent, in a stairwell, in a hallway, or near a door or window will create falsely low-temperature readings on your thermostat.

The thermostat should be placed in a room that is among the most frequently used. Firstly, this means it will be easily accessible and convenient to use, and secondly, it will measure the ambient temperature in an area of the house in which you spend a lot of time. This is where you would like to be the most comfortable. Finally, and returning to the core principle of hot air rising, you should install the thermostat approximately five feet above the floor. Any closer to the ceiling will produce temperature measurements that are too high. Any closer to the floor, and they will be too cold. A height of approximately five feet, however, is just right. This particular positioning factor also has the advantage of keeping the central heating thermostat out of reach of young children, potentially saving even more money in bills.

Now you can narrow down your options Taking these factors into consideration, it is now possible to narrow down the options for thermostat positioning by a process of elimination. - Away from doors, windows, and draughty areas - Away from air vents and radiators - On an interior wall - In a frequently used room - On the ground floor - Five feet above floor level If you have considered all of these factors, you have probably identified a spot for your heating thermostat that is close to the middle of the ground floor of your home. That is the best place to position your thermostat unit.

Does The Type Of Thermostat Make A Difference To Positioning?

There are many different kinds of thermostats on the market today, the most modern being a range of digital thermostats. In general, the positioning principles remain the same for all, with the exception being SMART thermostats. With these, you need to ensure that they are situated within range of your WiFi source, as well as comply with the rest of the positioning factors discussed here.

The Thermostatic Radiator Valve Complication

There is one further complication. These days, many central heating systems include thermostatic radiator valves on most, if not all, radiator units in the house. These are small cylindrical valves that sit at one end of the radiator and allow for the temperature of that radiator to be adjusted independently of the rest of the system, provided the heating is switched on. It means that you could set the overall thermostat to one preferred temperature, but have a radiator in a largely unused room set to 0 or 1 so that you are not paying to heat a room that is standing empty. Other rooms can be adjusted upwards at different levels to suit the occupants.

While a thermostatic radiator valve can be helpful in managing your heating bill, the settings you intend to use on different radiators must be taken into consideration when positioning your overall thermostat. All of the same factors for consideration would still apply, but additional thought should be given to the resulting ambient temperature that would be achieved by the settings of these valves.

With proper consideration given to all of these points, a thermostat position can be found within any household that will keep the occupants comfortable while reducing heating bills. An efficient central heating system is a cost-saving measure, and Just Radiators is happy to provide any advice or guidance you might need. Call today to discuss your heating system questions with the expert customer service team. With free delivery on everything from radiators to air vents and from brackets to valves, Just Radiators is your one-stop-shop for heating queries.