Which of the following could be a problem if a furnace does not maintain a consistent temperature?

A furnace that does not maintain a consistent temperature may indeed be experiencing issues related to the placement of the thermostat. If the thermostat is located in an area that does not accurately represent the overall temperature of the home, it can lead to erratic heating behavior. For instance, if the thermostat is installed near a drafty window, a heat source like a fireplace, or in direct sunlight, it can read temperature fluctuations that do not reflect the rest of the living space. This can cause the furnace to cycle on and off unnecessarily, leading to inconsistent heating.

While other factors such as incorrect fuel type, insufficient thermostat power, and high humidity levels can contribute to heating issues, they are generally not direct causes of temperature inconsistency in the same way that faulty thermostat placement can be. Incorrect fuel type may affect efficiency or performance but wouldn’t typically cause the thermostat to read temperatures inaccurately. Insufficient power to the thermostat could lead to total failure rather than just inconsistency. Similarly, while humidity can affect comfort levels, it doesn’t directly alter the furnace’s ability to maintain a steady temperature. Thus, proper thermostat placement is crucial for ensuring accurate temperature readings and consistent heating throughout the space.