Direct Sunlight Wrecks Your Thermostat Readings

If your Houston, Texas, home’s cooling system isn’t keeping your family comfortable, it could be as simple as bad thermostat readings. Many different issues can cause incorrect thermostat readings.

Sunlight

Watch your thermostat throughout the day. Direct sunlight can cause the unit to think your home is warmer than it is, making your HVAC system work incorrectly. When you’re heating your home, the heat will shut off prematurely, and when you’re cooling, the system will run longer than necessary.

Heat Sources

Thermostats placed near heat sources like your oven, clothes dryer, or fireplace will read incorrectly. Units placed next to or above appliances like these will read higher than the real air temperature in your home.

Location

Is your thermostat in a central room where your family spends the most time? Many units are in hallways and don’t allow for correct readings based on your family’s needs. Hallways are empty most of the time and have restricted air flow, making temperature readings inaccurate for your home’s living areas.

Thermostats in kitchens present a different problem. Kitchens get toasty when you’re cooking, and a unit in that room could cause your air conditioner to kick on every time you use the stove. If you’re crafting a warm, delicious soup in the winter, your family will need it, because the thermostat, sensing the kitchen’s warmth, will turn off the heat. 

Drafty Areas

Thermostats register temperature changes from air coming from vents, doors, and windows. Any unit placed above an air vent or near windows and doors will sense a change in air temperature and react creating, uncomfortable areas in your home.

Bad Thermostat

Like any other machine, thermostats go bad. You air conditioning problems could be caused by an old thermostat. Today’s technology allows you to manage your home’s energy by monitoring your usage. These systems also recommend ways to help you save on home heating and cooling costs.

If you think you need help with your thermostat placement, or if you just need a new one, call Davis Air Conditioning & Heating at 888-710-5530.

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