Hi,
I suspect that my furnace/AC thermostat should re-located, but I would like to hear from you if this would resolve my issue.
The issue:
When my (electric) furnace runs, the thermostat changes by at least 2 to 3 degrees. Then it heats (in winter) or cools (in summer) to the correct temperature, at which point the furnace (and blower) stop. After about 1 minute, the thermostat reads 2 or 3 degrees more (or less depending on the season). If the difference is more than 2 degrees, the furnace and the blower starts again. The correct temperature reading comes back within 1 minute to the true room temperature (before actual heat or cold air hits the ducts). It all stops. Then 2 minutes later, it all starts over again.
7 years ago, when the house was built, I called the HVAC guy and he told me not to worry, all I had to do is leave the fan/blower on (continuously running). He said it would allow better temperature exchange and healthier air. I was concerned that running the fan 24/7 would wear it out, but he said that is not probable and many clients of his do this.
So I've been running my furnace fan for the past 7 years. Some days, when we open the windows, obviously I turn everything off.
The thermostat location:
My furnace is in the basement close to the middle of the house. I have the ground floor and the floor with the rooms.
The thermostat is on the ground floor, in the hallway (no light, no door drafts, no kitchen heat or washroom walls). It is at 5' from the floor on the drywall.
Behind the drywall is the furnace air return. So the front of the thermostat is visible on the wall (as it should be), but the back of it is exposed to the air return. The furnace itself is just about underneath the location.
What I suspect:
I suspect that the heat generated by the furnace (after it stops and the blower stops) raises in the ducts (especially the return) and the thermostat increases the temperature reading.
Some questions
Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions.
I suspect that my furnace/AC thermostat should re-located, but I would like to hear from you if this would resolve my issue.
The issue:
When my (electric) furnace runs, the thermostat changes by at least 2 to 3 degrees. Then it heats (in winter) or cools (in summer) to the correct temperature, at which point the furnace (and blower) stop. After about 1 minute, the thermostat reads 2 or 3 degrees more (or less depending on the season). If the difference is more than 2 degrees, the furnace and the blower starts again. The correct temperature reading comes back within 1 minute to the true room temperature (before actual heat or cold air hits the ducts). It all stops. Then 2 minutes later, it all starts over again.
7 years ago, when the house was built, I called the HVAC guy and he told me not to worry, all I had to do is leave the fan/blower on (continuously running). He said it would allow better temperature exchange and healthier air. I was concerned that running the fan 24/7 would wear it out, but he said that is not probable and many clients of his do this.
So I've been running my furnace fan for the past 7 years. Some days, when we open the windows, obviously I turn everything off.
The thermostat location:
My furnace is in the basement close to the middle of the house. I have the ground floor and the floor with the rooms.
The thermostat is on the ground floor, in the hallway (no light, no door drafts, no kitchen heat or washroom walls). It is at 5' from the floor on the drywall.
Behind the drywall is the furnace air return. So the front of the thermostat is visible on the wall (as it should be), but the back of it is exposed to the air return. The furnace itself is just about underneath the location.
What I suspect:
I suspect that the heat generated by the furnace (after it stops and the blower stops) raises in the ducts (especially the return) and the thermostat increases the temperature reading.
Some questions
- I know the thermostat must be close to the return air duct, but is it good practice to mount it on the wall that has the return?
- Do you beleive the temperature reading (different when fan blowing) is due to the fact that the furnace is right underneath?
- Is it possible the thermostat is defective?
- Any suggestions so that I can have the fan/blower run only when the furnace is heating/AC cooling?
- Should I re-locate my thermostat a foot to the right/left so it is not in the air return?
Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions.