Ghost reading is not supernatural, but they suck the life out of your energy budget.
- Your home thermostat functions by taking a reading of the temperature and using that information to regulate when your furnace and air conditioner turns on.
However, it only takes into account the temperature immediately surrounding the thermostat. If that area is warmer or colder than the rest of your home, you will struggle with uneven temperatures and higher utility bills. Common causes for ghost readings include a thermostat exposed to prolonged sunlight, a draft source such as a door or window, or a source of heat such as a kitchen or fireplace. Another is a thermostat that’s been placed on an exterior wall, allowing the thermostat to be influenced by the temperature outside. The simplest fix is to move your thermostat to a better location. Look for an interior wall away from sources of heat and cold, protected from direct sunlight. A slightly more complicated cause of ghost readings is a home that has more than one floor and the thermostat is located on the first loor. The temperature difference on other floors can be as much as 10 degrees. In this case, solutions include a zoned HVAC system or multi-split unit. Smart thermostats use your phone’s location to track your movements throughout a home and can shut down when you are far away from your home, then turn back on when you return. Another option is motion sensors that track movements of you and your family, allowing the HVAC system to heat and cool according to where you are spending your time. Whether you decide to relocate a thermostat or incest in new technology, eliminating ghost readings and streamlining the efficiency of your HVAC system can cut your energy costs.