Smart thermostat installation, starting with the wiring behind the wall.
Smart thermostat installation across North Florida and South Georgia is mostly straightforward. When it isn’t, the cause is usually behind the wall: an older system, a missing common wire (the wire that gives the thermostat constant power), or a heat pump, which is wired differently from a regular air conditioner.
- 5.0 across hundreds of Google reviews
- 35 years of Donnie’s own low-voltage work: network, camera and phone wiring
The most common challenges with a new thermostat
No power wire at the thermostat
Plenty of smart thermostats need constant power, which comes through a wire called the common wire or C wire, and many older houses don’t have one connected at the thermostat. There are usually three fixes: a spare wire already in the wall that can be connected at both ends, a small power adapter added at the furnace or air handler (the indoor unit of the system), or a new wire put in. Some thermostats can run without a common wire, but not on every system, and usually not on a heat pump. Donnie supplies the thermostat, so he works out which one fits your house before it’s bought.
If your house has a heat pump
If the house has a heat pump, say so on the call. Most smart thermostats work with one, but the wiring is different in three ways. There’s an extra wire that tells the heat pump whether to heat or cool. There’s backup electric heat, called heat strips, which costs far more to run than the heat pump. A thermostat that relies on it runs up the power bill. And a heat pump usually needs a common wire. To check for a heat pump, look at your current thermostat: a wire on the terminal marked O, B or O/B usually means one, and so does an Emergency heat setting.
If you already bought a thermostat
Mention it on the call, so Donnie can check it against your house’s wiring.
Thermostat setup, then a walkthrough before Donnie leaves
Donnie installs Nest thermostats regularly. Every thermostat gets connected to your Wi-Fi, signed into your account and set up with working schedules. Then Donnie shows you how it works before he leaves. A smart thermostat nobody sets up does no more than a basic one.
whole home and property Wi-Fi
“Donald was very professional and knowledgeable. He is an excellent communicator. The process was explained, and he provided invaluable information and tips.”
Darlene T., Google review
5.0 across hundreds of Google reviews
Questions about smart thermostat installation
(386) 243-9535Donnie answers the phone Monday to Saturday, 9am to 7pm.
Will a smart thermostat work with my heating and cooling system?
Most smart thermostats are built for standard 24-volt systems, which covers most central air and heat pumps. Electric baseboard heat, many wall and floor heaters, and some brand-specific systems need a different kind of thermostat. The wiring behind your current thermostat shows which kind of system you have, so it’s worth a two-minute call first.
What if my thermostat has no power wire?
First, turn the system’s power off at its switch or at the breaker. Then take the thermostat off its base. The wires usually connect to terminals lettered R, W, Y, G and C. C is the common wire, the one that gives the thermostat constant power. If nothing is connected to C, there’s usually a fix: a spare wire already in the wall, a small power adapter at the furnace or air handler (the indoor unit of the system), or a new wire put in. Mention it on the call and you’ll hear what fits your house before you buy anything.
Can I supply my own thermostat?
Donnie supplies the thermostat as part of the job. If you’d rather use your own, ask on the phone before buying anything.
What does a smart thermostat install cost?
The price depends on the wiring and how many thermostats the house has. Describe your heating and cooling system in the quote request form or on the phone, and we’ll give you a quote or explain what else we need.
Tell us about your heating and cooling system. We’ll give you a quote or explain what else we need.
Donnie answers the phone Monday to Saturday, 9am to 7pm. Closed Sunday.
Smart thermostat installation across North Florida and South Georgia, about 120 miles out from Lake City.
