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Trimming that pesky energy bill during a summer heat wave or winter cold snap might be as simple as moving your thermostat. If you're installing a new unit, consider the location carefully since putting it in the wrong place could cause your heating or cooling system to work less effectively and cost you real money over the course of the year.
Below you'll find the best -- and worst -- places to install a thermostat and why the location might affect your energy bills. (You can also check out five more tips for saving money on your heating and electric bills, and other practical ways to cut costs around the house.)
Never install a thermostat in these places
When thinking about thermostat location, the most important thing is to avoid areas with temperature extremes, which can make your thermostat think the room is much hotter or cooler than it really is and adjust the temperature accordingly.
For example, you'll want to avoid installing your thermostat near windows or doors, or by heat sources or in direct sunlight. You'll also want to avoid putting lamps or TVs near your thermostat, since they release heat that could impact the device settings, according to the US Department of Energy.
It's best to avoid placing the thermostat in bathrooms or the kitchen for that reason, too, where steam from the shower or from cooking can interfere. The same goes for exterior walls, which are typically cooler than interior ones.
Putting your thermostat in any of these less-than-ideal spots could force it into heating or cooling when it doesn't actually need to, unnecessarily using up more energy and money.
You'll also want to avoid setting up your thermostat in hallways or rooms that you don't use often. This is because the device won't be reading the temperature of the places you actually want to heat or cool, and could leave you with the wrong setting.
Here's where you should put a thermostat
The best spot for your thermostat is on an interior wall in the middle of a room you use often, such as your living room. That will keep the most popular areas of your house comfortable at the temperature you set.
And if you have a smart thermostat, make sure it's not obstructed by doors, bookshelves or decorations, so that its sensors will work as they're meant to. You also need to make sure the smart thermostat is in range of your Wi-Fi so that it can stay connected.
In some cases, you can move your thermostat yourself. But in others, you'll need to call an HVAC specialist. But that cost can potentially be recouped over time through savings.
For more money-saving tips, check out how Energy Star appliances can save you cash, and the cheapest place to buy groceries online.
For more ways to cut down on energy costs, consider unplugging your appliances, adjusting your thermostat, turning off your lights or buying some smart devices. There's even an easy ceiling fan hack that can save money heating up or cooling down your house.