Are you considering moving a thermostat in your home? Its present location may not be the one you prefer, particularly if it was installed before you owned the home. Whether it’s a matter of convenience or aesthetics, most thermostats can be moved to a more preferable location in the house. However, certain factors need to be taken into account before you take that step. Read on to learn some of the things you should consider when it comes to moving a thermostat.

• Does it clash with the decor? Some thermostats may be too conspicuous for the furnishings and interior design of a specific room. Maybe there’s an alternate location where the thermostat will blend in better.
• Does it sense temperatures properly? If the thermostat is located in an enclosed area that doesn’t receive adequate air circulation, the unit cannot compute accurate temperature settings. This may make comfort inconsistent throughout the house, as well as increase HVAC operating costs.

What’s Involved in Moving a Thermostat?

As “smart” thermostats have become more multifunctional and complex, relocating these units is increasingly a job that is best handled by a qualified HVAC technician. Here are some things to think about while considering making this move:

• The new location of a thermostat must be carefully located. It should be in a place where it is exposed to an air-temperature range that is representative of the entire house or in the case of zoned appliacations – that zone.
• Wired thermostats require wiring for power as well as control wiring connected to the HVAC units. It’s likely that relocating the thermostat will require making holes in the wall at the new location, as well as “fishing” wires through wall voids, then connecting to a power circuit as well as to terminals at the AC and furnace.  
• Relocating wireless thermostats includes making sure that signal reception at both the furnace and the air conditioner is adequate. Also, if you’re upgrading from a wired thermostat to a wireless unit, you’ll need to install the proper sensors at the HVAC units.  If you have newer communicating equipment that reports information back to your thermostat you will also need to upgrade some of the wiring to shielded wiring which requires the same issues as mentioned for the wired thermostats above.

For experienced advice and service when moving a thermostat, contact the professionals at Powers Heating & Air.