Is there any rule of thumb where thermostats should go? We have two central locations under consideration:
A) Hallway : Somewhat unused hallway, in the center of the house, but is also the location for the central return (HVAC system). Seems to make some sense to put it in front of the central return, as that should give a good reading on the temperature in the house
B) Family room : Most used room in the house, not as much in the center of the house, basically a room away from the central return. Convenient access, room we most care about being comfortable, but not that central. Also attached to the kitchen, which might make the room a bit warmer than other rooms in the house.
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either way, really, in my opinion. If comfort is most critical in the family room, the stat will surely give you what you want. When the stat is satisfied, the other rooms may be a bit cool (in winter) ... but that may be OK if you don't spend a lot of time there (i.e. except for sleeping). Either way, you end up setting it at some kind of compromise that gives you everything you want. If that rooms stays a little on the warm side due to the kitchen (consistently, that is), pinch of the registers a bit to force more heat into other rooms ... should balance out.
Just don't put in on an outside wall or where e.g. direct sun will hit it (duh).
Either is functionally acceptable.
My pref would be the family room.
The hall seems like it would be prone to being hit by walking by or moving furniture
Several "rules" for thermostat loacation.
1 - interior wall that gets no direct sunlight
2 - near a(the) return
3 - away from windows, doors, bathrooms, kitchens, fireplaces or anything else that will provide/induce large temperature swings.
4 - in a representative space that is most like the area in which you feel the need to be the most cmfortable
5 - someplace in which running the wires to it will not be impossible.
Based on that, I would go with your first choice.
Nearest the return, or in the return (remote bulb) is best IMO.
If your family room lags behind the rest of the house, I would try to balance the air flow better to suit your needs, rather then making a temp adjustment on the stat.
They also make wireless thermostats, so you can change your mind as needed.
I tend to agree w/ Boats ... balance the system for you needs is the ideal way to do it.
Wireless stats, huh? Cool or warm ... depending on the time of year!
If you happen to have a variable speed blower in your air handler, I highly reccomend the Honeywell IAQ thermostat.