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  1. #1
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    Mar 2007
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    Garland, TX
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    Default Thermostat location?

    How will this location, within 3' of the thermostat, in relation to the return air affect the equipment function?

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  2. #2
    Brian E Kelly's Avatar
    Brian E Kelly Guest

    Default Re: Thermostat location?

    The thermostat will get a false reading as the air moves across the stat to the return air grill.


  3. #3
    Scott Dana's Avatar
    Scott Dana Guest

    Default Re: Thermostat location?

    Maybe I misunderstood an HVAC technician who is very reputable in this area, but I swear he said to me it was good to have the thermostat "near" one of the return vents. In my house that is the case with both my HVAC systems.


  4. #4
    Bob Mayer's Avatar
    Bob Mayer Guest

    Default Re: Thermostat location?

    Quote Originally Posted by BARRY ADAIR View Post
    How will this location, within 3' of the thermostat, in relation to the return air affect the equipment function?
    It should make the temperature reading more representative of the actual air temperature in the house. The thermostat is not sitting in a dead-air pocket.

    Quote Originally Posted by Brian E Kelly View Post
    The thermostat will get a false reading as the air moves across the stat to the return air grill.
    Why? There is a misconception that airflow cools objects. This is true if either the object is warmer than the air or if it is moist. If the object is dry, airflow tends to bring the object to air temperature, which, for a thermostat, is a good thing. (Of course, if the air is moving really fast, the object will be heated, think of reentry from outer space.)

    Quote Originally Posted by Scott Dana View Post
    Maybe I misunderstood an HVAC technician who is very reputable in this area, but I swear he said to me it was good to have the thermostat "near" one of the return vents. In my house that is the case with both my HVAC systems.
    I would agree.

    - BOB


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Plano, Texas
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    4,245

    Default Re: Thermostat location?

    Ditto, Bob.

    You don't want the SUPPLY air to blow across the stat, but a stat mounted on the wall near a return grill is a good thing.

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  6. #6
    Bob Mayer's Avatar
    Bob Mayer Guest

    Default Re: Thermostat location?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Luttrall View Post
    Ditto, Bob.

    You don't want the SUPPLY air to blow across the stat, but a stat mounted on the wall near a return grill is a good thing.
    Right. The temperature of the air going into the return register is (likely) representative of the temperature of the air in the house. The temperature of the air coming out of a supply register is more representative of .. well.. the temperature of the heat exchanger. (Of course there is some temperature drop in the supply ducts.)

    - BOB


  7. #7
    Brian E Kelly's Avatar
    Brian E Kelly Guest

    Default Re: Thermostat location?

    All I can say is when I took the Manual D duct school we were told not to place the thermostat near either the sully and or return air registers as it would possiable give it a false reading. I have never put a stat near either.


  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring Hill (Nashville), TN
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    5,851

    Default Re: Thermostat location?

    Not a thing wrong with that location, in fact it is a good location. As for a false reading, it is reading the air temp. The air at the return will be more representative of the air in the home, as the air is being pulled to the area from around the home.

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Corpus Christi, TX
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    615

    Default Re: Thermostat location?

    I may be nit picking, but I'd be more concrned about the location of the return that close to the access hatch. How was it sealed? Did it have much insulation?

    The only reason some people get lost in thought is because it's unfamiliar territory.
    - Paul Fix

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Frankfort, KY
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    326

    Default Re: Thermostat location?

    Returns have almost no effect on room air patterns so I would say it is fine.

    Measured Performance more than just a buzzword

  11. #11
    James Duffin's Avatar
    James Duffin Guest

    Default Re: Thermostat location?

    Some HVAC systems have a return air sensor located in the return air duct. This is used to control a chilled or hot water valve. This type of sysetm works fine so a room stat located near a a ruturn should work as well.


  12. #12
    Joseph Rago's Avatar
    Joseph Rago Guest

    Smile Re: Thermostat location?

    Perfectly OK in or around the return air location. This location will give a general indication of "mixed air temperature" within the home if air is properly returned from other spaces. (Undercuts, transfer grilles etc.)


  13. #13
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Corpus Christi, TX
    Posts
    615

    Default Re: Thermostat location?

    So, should the location of the return right next to the attic hatch be of concern?

    The only reason some people get lost in thought is because it's unfamiliar territory.
    - Paul Fix

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