A thermostat controls the temperature of a heating or cooling system and is usually located on the wall.
The thermostat maintains the temperature near the desired point.
Some of the systems or devices that are usually connected to the thermostat include air conditioners, HVAC systems, central heating, water heaters including kitchen appliances such as refrigerators and ovens.
So, Can You Relocate A Thermostat In A Mobile Home?
Yes, it’s possible. Many reasons can prompt you to relocate a thermostat in your mobile home. For instance, you may need to relocate your thermostat to an adjacent wall or if the thermostat has become an obstacle, you will have to relocate it. This work can be done DIY with just a few basic tools. But if the project requires advanced wiring and readjustments, you will have to seek the assistance of HVAC system professionals.
Four Reasons To Move Your Thermostat
Consider the following instances that can prompt you to relocate a thermostat:
1. If The Thermostat Was Not Properly Installed
If the thermostat is unsightly placed on the wall, it will create an unpleasant display in the house.
You should consider relocating it if it draws attention to the eye, or affects your home decoration plan.
It may be that it was haphazardly placed by the previous owner of the home or you have done some remodeling in the house and found out that the thermostat is sticking out.
This can be frustrating if it is interfering with your room beautification.
Well, now you can simply relocate it to a less conspicuous wall where there is little interference.
2. Balanced Airflow
Another reason to relocate a thermostat is to create a balanced airflow.
If the thermostat was placed poorly, it can create uneven cooling or heating throughout the room.
Some parts of the room will heat up faster than others.
In this instance, the thermostat will sense a rise in temperature and trigger a cooling process when the rest of the room is still experiencing lower temperatures.
3. If The Thermostat Was Placed In A Drafty Location
For example, if the thermostat was placed very close to wind tapping areas such as the door or window.
The thermostat will cause temperature misreading because of the cooling breeze from outside.
The air close to the room openings is cooler than the rest of the room.
Therefore, you will have no option but to relocate the thermostat to a place where there is even distribution of air.
4. If The Thermostat Is Placed Very Close To The Furnace
Here, the thermostat will quickly initiate the cooling process in the entire house once the furnace begins to heat.
Now, to relocate a thermostat from the fireplace, you will have to be cautious not to tear up the insulation in the house.
You should consider going for a wireless thermostat.
How Home Thermostats Work
Many people are not bothered to know how a thermostat works.
Once the room temperature is maintained within comfortable limits, they rarely touch the thermostat.
A thermostat is a relatively simple device. So, let’s consider a few concepts on how it works.
There are two types of thermostats:
- digital
- mechanical.
Digital
A digital thermostat uses a thermistor (a resistor that allows electrical resistance as temperature changes) to measure the temperature.
Inside the thermostat is a microcontroller that measures the resistance and converts it to real temperature readings visible in the user dashboard.
Mechanical
A mechanical thermostat has two switches that move two metal balls (one for temperature, the other for the circulation fan), which in turn make contact between traces on the circuit card in the thermostat.
Common Mistakes When Relocating A Thermostat
There are common mishaps that are likely to occur during thermostat relocation.
For instance, turning the heating up when the temperature outside is low.
You should recall that a thermostat is meant to maintain the room temperature at a preset level.
If your mobile home was already accustomed to a certain temperature, there is no need to adjust it upwards.
This usually happens during winter. The converse is also true during summer. The system will automatically detect the room temperature and adjust it automatically.
Another pitfall to avoid is altering system controls too much.
If you are leaving your room, you do not need extra heating even if it is cold. You will be wasting energy and money on the warmth that you cannot utilize.
In general, a thermostat is a well-programmed device that does not need extra guidance to perform its work.
When you relocate your thermostat, you leave the system settings in place since the room temperature does not change with a change in position.
How To Relocate A Thermostat – Two Options
First, identify the new ideal place for relocation that will cause minimum interference in the room and the system as a whole.
There are two instances of how you can relocate a thermostat:
1. Go DIY
You can move it through a DIY project.
You can easily do this if you are relocating it to an adjacent wall or surface with little disturbance to the original system layout.
You can start by disconnecting the power to the HVAC system to avoid electric shock.
Once you are safe, you can carefully remove the interface from the thermostat panel and disconnect the cables.
Now remove the back panel. You are now ready to install the new back panel to the new thermostat interface. Be careful to connect the wires to the right spot.
2. Get Professional Help
Another option of moving a thermostat is by calling in an HVAC expert. You will require this option if you are moving a thermostat from one room to a different room.
There are complex wiring that will require the expertise of an experienced electrician.
The cable system will need to be connected to the new thermostat location from the HVAC system. If you are doing it yourself, this can get messy and dangerous to handle.
Now you can survey to ensure that the thermostat and the cables are placed correctly for efficient working of the system.
The comfort of your mobile home will depend on the successful relocation of your thermostat.
If it is not placed correctly, or it is still causing interference, you should not get tired of finding another spot for relocation.
On successful relocation, you can feel improved comfort in your home.
Final Words
The comfort in your mobile home should not be compromised by the position of the thermostat in the house.
As discussed above, a thermostat is a mobile device whose position in the house can be switched to achieve the right comfort.
If you are planning to relocate your thermostat, you should consider doing the job yourself or involving a professional depending on the complexity of relocation.
An expert in the HVAC system will not only help you to relocate the thermostat but will also give you advice on the best location.
