Reasons to Upgrade Your Thermostat
- Old mercury or basic round dial thermostat
- Want remote temperature control via phone
- Want to schedule by time of day or occupancy
- Building a smart home and need HVAC integration
- Multi-zone system needs better zoning controls
- Heat pump that’s using emergency heat too often (smart thermostats handle this better)
- Energy bills you’d like to lower
- Just bought a new HVAC and the included thermostat is basic
Thermostat Installation Process
1. Assess wiring + system type
Smart thermostats need a “C wire” (24V common). About 30% of older homes don’t have one — we add one as part of the install. We also verify your system is compatible (some heat pumps need specific thermostat models).
2. Recommend the right unit
Nest is great for simple setups and Google ecosystems. ecobee leads for HomeKit and remote sensors. Honeywell is bulletproof for less tech-savvy users. We recommend specifically.
3. Install + wire
Old thermostat removed, new one mounted, wiring connected and labeled, system tested in heat AND cool mode.
4. App setup
WiFi connected, app installed and signed in, schedule programmed based on your typical week, alerts configured.
5. Show you how to use it
Quick walkthrough: how to override schedule, how to set vacation mode, how to view runtime data, how to integrate with Alexa/Google/HomeKit if applicable.
Pricing
Basic programmable thermostat install: $179 (with thermostat $90–$150). Smart thermostat install (Nest, ecobee, Honeywell): $249 (thermostat $200–$280). C-wire add-on if needed: +$95.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which smart thermostat is best?
For most SC homes with heat pumps, ecobee Premium or Nest Learning Thermostat. ecobee handles humidity better; Nest learns your schedule faster. We’ll recommend based on your specific situation.
Why do I need a C wire?
Smart thermostats need constant 24V power. Old thermostats only got power when calling for heat or cool. Without a C wire, smart thermostats either won’t work or behave erratically. We add one as part of the install.
Will my heat pump work with any smart thermostat?
Most modern heat pumps work with most smart thermostats — but two-stage and variable-speed systems need specific matched thermostats (e.g., Carrier Cor for Carrier Infinity systems). We verify compatibility before recommending.
Can I install it myself?
You can — but if the wiring isn’t straightforward, you can damage the system. Common DIY mistakes: connecting C wire wrong, blowing the control board fuse. Our install is $249 with the wiring done right and the schedule programmed.